Nabil Fakih: What Is It Like To Be A Local Pharmacist?

Almost all of the interactions people make with pharmacists most probably come from those who work for local pharmacies or drug stores. As a pharmacist, I, Nabil Fakih, believe that most pharmacists choose to work in either an independent or chain community pharmacy. When I first decided to enter pharmacy school, I was not sure of what to expect. Continue reading if you are considering pharmacy school and wonder what is it going to be like to be a pharmacist.

Filling prescriptions is probably what most people would associate pharmacists with. However, since pharmacist make up an essential part in the healthcare system, you may also encounter crucial meetings with doctors to discuss problems with a patient’s prescription. As a pharmacist, I, Nabil Fakih, believe that filling prescriptions is not only the most well-known, but also the most crucial task for someone who provide pharmaceutical services. You should also remember that there is so much more to filling prescriptions than just counting pills and applying labels. Be mindful and make sure to check for drug to drug interactions and other factors that could harm the patient.

Another one of the tasks that take much of the time of pharmacists

Interacting With Patients

A big part of a pharmacist’s day is spent advising patients on the use of prescription drugs. They may have questions about dosage or side-effects, and you must be familiar with the medications so you can answer these questions. The public will also want to know which over-the-counter medication will best treat their symptoms, so you need to be knowledgeable about these as well, and ready to make recommendations. Since it takes a lot of time and money to schedule an appointment with a physician or a specialist, many people look to their pharmacist to provide basic information about over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions.

Completing Office Tasks
Most pharmacies now keep computerized records of their patients and prescriptions, so part of each day is dedicated to updating and maintaining patient records. These records can help you check for potentially dangerous drug interactions, and can even help you spot prescription drug abuse. You may also need to order medications when the pharmacy runs out, and keeps in touch with patients and/or physicians when problems with prescriptions arise. If you choose to start your own community pharmacy, you will take on all the tasks of running a business in addition to your pharmacist duties.

The job of a pharmacist is active, and much time is spent on your feet, moving around, and interacting with people who rely on you for information and assistance with prescriptions and medication. In the life of a pharmacist, there is never a dull moment.