A perspective on pharmacy training and practice.

The role of the pharmacist is expanding. Pharmacists are being employed now as drug information sources. Physicians are using pharmacists to aid in the proper dosing of aminoglycosides and chemotherapy agents. Many physicians inquire about the proper method to prescribe certain drugs. Nurses and other health personnel rely on the pharmacist to help in special areas of treatment, such as code blue services or patient counseling. As advances in medical treatments are made, each health professional must accept his or her increased responsibility to work with other health professionals to offer the most current and precise medical therapy available. I believe the profession of pharmacy will accept this increased responsibility to serve those in need.