The image of Pharmacy (Not a Troll thread)

[Aznfarmerboi]

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I want to listen to the opinions of you guys. We have been debating a lot on online pharmD programs in relationship to the image of the profession, how can we improve the image of the profession, and so on. However what is the image of pharmacy? I am confused on this and was wondering what you guys can tell me.

For example, there IS absolutely nothing wrong with online programs or weekend programs. Yet we can all agree that the ignornant masses perception of pharmacy wont take well to it. A lot of us on the forums didnt. . . .

Is the image of the profession related to the image of the pharmacist? Does the image matter?

Just something for us to all think about. The online pharmD program obviously produces the same quality pharmacist as every other traditional programs out there. However does it mean it is okay to have an online pharmD program?
What about us going to work in dress suits with a tie? Is it okay if we were to walk in one day and wear ghetto ass suits and bulletproof vests?

 

[insipid1979]

No...the image of the profession is not at all related to the image of a pharmacist 🙄

What exactly is the kind of discussion you want here? No offense...but it seems like a little common sense can answer all your questions.

 

[Caverject]

For example, there IS absolutely nothing wrong with online programs or weekend programs. Yet we can all agree that the ignornant masses perception of pharmacy wont take well to it. A lot of us on the forums didnt. . . .

Why are you assuming most people around here are okay with a weekend program? Most people, including myself, have serious issues regarding that meathod of "learning"

 

[insipid1979]

Why are you assuming most people around here are okay with a weekend program? Most people, including myself, have serious issues regarding that meathod of "learning"

Judging from a previous post he made about it. It seems like he has serious issues with it also.

I agree with everybody, this program is a disgrace to the profession of pharmacy. Does anyone know what are the criteras for a program to be accredited?

 

[Caverject]

Judging from a previous post he made about it. It seems like he has serious issues with it also.

I didn't know John Kerry posts on SDN!

 

[insipid1979]

I didn't know John Kerry posts on SDN!

Ouch...

 

[bananaface]

Most patients envision a pharmacy as a retail place they can go to to get their prescriptions. Most of them realize that there is someone available to answer their questions about medications. They are generally unaware of the steps it takes to generate a safe and appropriate presription or the training required of the various staff. They may also be aware of mail order pharmacy, which is generally percieved as a slow and unreliable mail dispensary system. They think of a hospital pharmacy as a dispensary, if they even realize that hospitals have pharmacies. The general public has no clue that a doctoral degree is now required to enter the profession.

I don't know that it is imperitive that the general public know exactly what we do. What we are really looking for is for people to be aware of and apperciate the services that we offer.

 

[sdn1977]

Most patients envision a pharmacy as a retail place they can go to to get their prescriptions. Most of them realize that there is someone available to answer their questions about medications. They are generally unaware of the steps it takes to generate a safe and appropriate presription or the training required of the various staff. They may also be aware of mail order pharmacy, which is generally percieved as a slow and unreliable mail dispensary system. They think of a hospital pharmacy as a dispensary, if they even realize that hospitals have pharmacies. The general public has no clue that a doctoral degree is now required to enter the profession.

I don't know that it is imperitive that the general public know exactly what we do. What we are really looking for is for people to be aware of and apperciate the services that we offer.

I agree banana...it is not necessary for me that the general public knows what I do. It is not actually necessary for me the ultimate user of my knowledge know what I do (whether it is a prescriber, nurse, patient, mental health worker, whomever...). But, what is important to me is that ultimate user knows they can always call a pharmacist with a drug question - me or whoever else is working at that time - we will always try to get the answer if its at all possible. If I can help them out at a critical time, they are willing to call me (or whoever is working that shift) again!

We ultimately work for each other - the information I give today will reinforce your expertise tomorrow!!! I really believe in the education of pharmacists that we each can carry the load given to us! Just my idealistic view of what my career has been.....

 

[sweetpea22]

I don't know that it is imperitive that the general public know exactly what we do. What we are really looking for is for people to be aware of and apperciate the services that we offer.

The public can't appreciate what services you can offer if they don't know exactly what it is we do though.........

For example if the public knows a CPA can help them save money by filing their taxes for them they'll pay for them to be professionally done rather than doing it themselves right?

Granted, the general public can't usually supply themselves with their own inventory of drugs (USUALLY🙂 but if they generally perceived that their drug therapy outcomes could be made better by consulting with a pharmacist wouldn't they do that in addition to simply picking up their meds?

 

[bananaface]

I should have italizized the word "exactly". 🙂 The public doesn't need to know the finer details, only the big picture parts which are of value to them.