When it comes to science, we (pharmacists) are on par with the physician. Whereas they focuse more on the human body, we concentrate on the medication that either alleviate pain or cure it outright. Thus, we know the human body fairly well, too. Physicians, while they take a course in pharmacology in med school, they will never be as knowledgeable as we are when it comes to drug regimen for the patients well being. In fact, physicians follow the recommendation of pharmaceutical companies that want their products use. I respect what physicians do; but come to think of it, I just radiate with excitement at my future in pharmacy. And you know what? I'm writing Dr. before my name, 'cause I'm pretty sure I've earned it!!
P.S. Any comment Dr. SDN1977 ?
Comments....from me?????
🙄
Well....I'm a PharmD...but some folks call me Dr....others don't - it actually doesn't matter to me. Most all the physicians I work with call me by my first name & I do likewise, unless we're around pts or others who would require a more professional demeanor. That, even in my younger years, never bothered me.
However...I would encourage all of you to become humble! You will know drugs very well after your 3 or 4 years of pharmacy school - more than I know since you're graduating so much later than me.
But....know this! You will never, ever, ever know cardiac drugs better than an electrophysiology cardiologist....unless, you do a speciality in cardiovascular pharmacy & continue with it. I would say the same with oncology drugs, neonatal cardiology drugs, antiretroviral therapy.....unless you do a specialty residency AND continue to work within the field. There are many, many fields of medicine this applies to.
These physicians have not just completed 4 years of medical school....they have completed 4-5 years of residencies in their field along with fellowships and ....... they do this one area of specialty every day!
As a pharmacist....know your limits. You have so much knowledge to give & contribute....but, in my very humble opinion, I do not need to compare myself to any other profession. I am good at what I do. There are pharmacists who can do some areas of our profession far, far better than myself (an oncology pharmacist - can't remember her name right now & others) and, likewise, I do some things better than others (I probably know tpns better than Zpak). It doesn't make one of us better nor worse than the next guy....we have just chosen different paths.
But....it won't take you very long working as a pharmacist to hear stories about a diagnosis which was missed or not discovered & not because the physician was not capable. Medicine is not easy......just like keeping our patients compliant with their medications is not easy....I have never thought for one minute I could diagnose a pt beyond that which can be treated with an otc medication & even then, I'm very careful to know when to refer a pt to a physician.
I am a Doctor of Pharmacy - not Medicine. There is a clear & distinct difference. I'm proud & happy to do what I do & the physicians I work with respect me. But...I've earned it. Your title is meaningless unless you can prove that you're worth it!
ps...digoxin...I'm thinking you're also from another country than the US. We don't know your system of healthcare wherever you're from & ours is not necessarily better than yours - we certainly have our healthcare issues here! But....I would encourage the use of the spell check feature on your computer if you want to enter into a discussion with being on the same par as physicians in the US. I say that not to make fun, but to help your argument come across more effectively. I wish we could help you with your dissatisfaction with your field, but I have nothing to offer. Sorry
🙁
