[Promotion of Pharmaceutical Care and Sciences: Focus of the Japanese Society of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences].

The 6-year education system for pharmacists was introduced in Japanese schools of pharmacy in 2006, after which a 4-year doctoral course system was established for advancing clinical pharmaceutical research. The roles of hospital pharmacists and community pharmacists have been expanded from drug dispensing to patient care. Clinical pharmacists practice patient care daily using evidence-based medicine and shared decision making. Clinical pharmacists also carry out research proactively for resolving clinical questions encountered in practice. The Japanese Society of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences (JSPHCS) was established in June 1990, and its membership has expanded significantly. The society has over 12000 members including clinical pharmacists and those in pharmacies who participate in practice, research, and education. The JSPHCS functions as the main platform for pharmacy professionals. It holds annual meetings, publishes an academic journal, supports overseas study, and confers awards on exceptional individuals. It also authorizes JSPHCS-Certified Clinical Pharmacists, Board-Certified Oncology Pharmacists, and Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialists. Recently, clinical pharmacy educational seminars and conferences for newly qualified pharmacists have been held to improve the quality of clinical research performed. Several subcommittees under the JSPHCS were newly established for promoting clinical pharmacy research. The mission of the JSPHCS is to promote clinical pharmacy research and systematize the evidence and information, thereby contributing to the healthcare of all.