Key takeaways

Pharmacists are certified to administer most CDC recommended vaccines, improving vaccine accessibility and allowing for walk-in appointments.
They offer medication therapy management, identifying therapeutic duplications, interactions, and cost-saving opportunities for patients.
In some settings, pharmacists work with physicians to manage chronic conditions and adjust medication doses based on comprehensive health profiles.
Beyond filling prescriptions, pharmacists participate in antibiotic stewardship, disease testing, and patient advocacy.

When you think of a pharmacist, you likely picture the hard-working professional at your neighborhood pharmacy. You may realize they are responsible for filling the prescriptions your doctor writes for you. You’ve probably heard them on the phone taking orders for medications or answering questions from patients in the store. But, is that all?

October is American Pharmacist Month. It is a time to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of pharmacy teams everywhere. It is also a great time to highlight all of the great things pharmacists are capable of! Pharmacists can do so much beyond just filling prescriptions. Many work in environments beyond a brick-and-mortar pharmacy. Here are 10 things you might not know about.

1. Vaccinate

Many pharmacists undergo additional training to be certified immunizers. Working under protocols within the guidelines outlined by their specific states, pharmacists are able to administer most, if not all, CDC recommended vaccines. The types of vaccines and patient eligibility may vary by state and protocol, but the ability of pharmacists to vaccinate has made the accessibility of vaccines better than ever before! Pharmacists can bill insurance, screen your vaccine needs, and administer your shot in a timely manner. Typically, you don’t even need an appointment; you just walk in.

2. Medication therapy management

Pharmacists’ medication knowledge goes beyond just filling your prescription as prescribed by your doctor. Pharmacists are equipped with the knowledge to detect therapeutic duplications, interactions between your medications, and even cost savings opportunities. In fact, pharmacists are so good at these things, some insurances reimburse for these services. Pharmacists are trained to look beyond a single prescription and see a patient’s whole health profile. Pharmacists may identify drugs that may need to be added based on your health history or may recognize opportunities to remove certain medications from your regimen.

3. Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

In many hospitals and health systems, pharmacists sit on a multi-disciplinary committee known as the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee. These committees may consist of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, lab professionals, administrative professionals, and other disciplines within the facility. Together, these medical professionals work to develop drug formularies and drug use protocols that help ensure drugs are used responsibly from both a medical and financial perspective.

4. Disease management

Pharmacists can work collaboratively with physicians to help manage chronic conditions. One example would be pharmacists working collaboratively in a Coumadin clinic, to help people living with heart disease. Pharmacists are able to adjust Coumadin doses based on lab values and other factors, such as diet. Similarly, pharmacists may work in endocrinology clinics to adjust thyroid or diabetes medications. Oftentimes, pharmacists in these environments have additional training in the form of residencies and/or board certifications.

5. Antibiotic stewardship

Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem facing our medical community. The overuse and improper selection of antibiotics in the past has led to the development of resistant bacteria, or bacteria that no longer responds to previously effective antibiotics. Pharmacists have expert knowledge about which antibiotics treat certain bacteria—and which don’t. They are also trained in patient counseling for new prescriptions. Many antibiotics have side effects that are important to know before starting therapy. Pharmacists can also effectively explain the dangers of not completing an antibiotic course, or of taking antibiotics when an infection is likely viral in nature.

6. Front-line disease testing

Pharmacists are well-equipped to streamline medical testing for some of the most common ailments. Pharmacists are now able to administer flu and strep tests, and in many cases, subsequently prescribe appropriate treatment for confirmed cases. Pharmacists can also assist with blood sugar monitoring, cholesterol tests, and hemoglobin A1c tests. What used to be only available in your doctor’s office or lab is now easily accessible at your neighborhood pharmacy.

7. Over-the-counter drug recommendations

Have you ever had a runny nose and thought to stop at the pharmacy for a remedy? When you got there, were you overwhelmed by the entire row of medication options for runny nose? No need to fret—that is what the pharmacist is for! Simply head on over to the counseling window and ask for the pharmacist’s advice. It’s free! Pharmacists can help you weigh the pros and cons of different therapy options and decide what is right for you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a runny nose, upset tummy, or itchy rash… the pharmacist has the recommendation you’re looking for!

8. Academics

It’s probably not entirely surprising that pharmacists are involved in the education of new pharmacists. From serving as professors or faculty members in colleges of pharmacy to serving as onsite preceptors to pharmacists in training, pharmacists are deeply involved in training the next generation. But did you know they teach other medical disciplines, too? Pharmacists are involved in the education of nurses and even physicians! Pharmacology and other pharmacy sciences are critical to other medical professions, and pharmacists play a critical role in sharing this knowledge.

9. Research and development

Pharmacists have the option of continuing their education in graduate studies in specific pharmacy sciences, such as pharmaceutics or pharmacokinetics. These sciences work to understand how drugs interact with the human body and how drug dosage forms can be developed to achieve optimal use by the body. Pharmacists play critical roles in new drug development, vaccine development, and drug safety once a drug comes to market.

10. Advocacy

Perhaps one of the most overlooked roles of the pharmacist is that of being an advocate for patients. Whether it involves following up with insurance companies to obtain drug coverage, or following up with medical offices to make changes, obtain needed refills, or share information, the pharmacist is one of the biggest advocates for the patient. Pharmacists are in a unique position to help patients get the care they need, and are one of the most accessible professionals in the medical community. Never underestimate the power of your pharmacist!

The next time you’re picking up your prescription at your neighborhood pharmacy, you may look at your pharmacist a little differently. Don’t be afraid to use their knowledge—that’s why they are there! Ask questions, share your health information, and let the pharmacist play a critical role in improving your health.