When we think of pharmacists, the traditional image of professionals working behind the counter at our local drugstore may come to mind. However, the world of pharmacy is far more diverse and expansive than you might have thought! With the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, pharmacists are exploring new and exciting opportunities to make a difference in people's lives.
In this article, we'll delve into three fascinating non-traditional pharmacy careers that you probably never knew existed: Concierge Pharmacy, Veterinary Pharmacy, and Nutrigenomics Pharmacy. These innovative roles not only showcase the versatility of the pharmacy profession but also demonstrate how pharmacists are adapting and expanding their skills to meet the unique needs of their patients, both human and animal alike.
So, buckle up and join us as we uncover the lesser-known but equally rewarding pharmacy careers that are redefining the boundaries of this dynamic profession. Let's dive in!
Concierge Pharmacy: A Personalized Approach to Pharmaceutical Care
In an era where personalized service and convenience are highly valued, the concept of Concierge Pharmacy is gaining traction as an innovative approach to pharmaceutical care.[1] By offering tailored services such as home delivery, medication synchronization, and one-on-one consultations, concierge pharmacies aim to make managing one's health and medications as convenient and stress-free as possible. This customer-focused model not only sets itself apart by providing exceptional service but also fosters a deeper connection with clients, encouraging loyalty and trust. Research indicates that such personalized care can lead to improved medication adherence, better health outcomes, and increased patient satisfaction. [2] For pharmacists looking to differentiate themselves in the competitive market, exploring the world of concierge pharmacy can be an exciting and rewarding venture that combines their professional expertise with a dedication to exceptional customer care.
Veterinary Pharmacy: A Premier Non-traditional Pharmacy Career
Veterinary Pharmacy is a rapidly evolving field that presents both opportunities and challenges to veterinary medicine. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides an overview of pharmacy issues that are relevant to veterinary medicine, including the rules and practices related to the sales, dispensing, and compounding of drugs, chemicals, medicines, and/or prescriptions. According to the AVMA's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, it is unethical for veterinarians to sell prescription drugs outside a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).
A veterinary pharmacist has several job duties including educating owners about their animal's medication and how to administer it at home, informing owners about any side effects that can happen because of the animal taking the medicine, and maintaining an appropriate amount of the medicine inventory and ordering more [3][4][5]. The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (ACVP) was established to support the efforts of independent pharmacists in developing and strengthening the services they provide for animals and strengthening the support services they offer [6] .
Nutrigenomics Pharmacy: Exploring the Intersection of Nutrition and Genetics
Nutrigenomics Pharmacy is an emerging field that combines the study of nutrition, genetics, and pharmacology to develop personalized nutrition strategies for optimal health and disease prevention. [7] It is based on the understanding that an individual's genetic makeup can influence how their body metabolizes nutrients, which can subsequently affect their overall health and susceptibility to certain diseases. [8] By leveraging advances in genomics and bioinformatics, nutrigenomics pharmacy aims to provide tailored dietary recommendations and nutraceutical interventions that take into account an individual's unique genetic profile. [9]
This personalized approach has the potential to revolutionize not only the way we approach nutrition, but also the role of pharmacists in promoting wellness and preventive care. As nutrigenomics research continues to advance, it is expected that pharmacists will play an increasingly important role in providing expert guidance on nutrigenomic testing, interpreting results, and formulating personalized recommendations for patients. [10] Embracing nutrigenomics pharmacy could pave the way for more effective and targeted nutritional interventions, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and disease prevention for diverse populations.
LYFE Balance, Inc. has a training program that teaches pharmacists how to start their own Nutrigenomics Pharmacy practice. Schedule a call to learn more about their program or click here for our free starter guide, The Pharmacist's Comprehensive Guide to Establishing a Cutting-Edge Practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of pharmacy offers a treasure trove of unique and specialized career paths that go beyond the traditional roles we're familiar with. As we've explored, Concierge Pharmacy, Veterinary Pharmacy, and Nutrigenomics Pharmacy are just three examples of the innovative and fulfilling opportunities available to pharmacists who wish to make a significant impact on the well-being of their patients. These roles not only showcase the incredible adaptability and versatility of the pharmacy profession but also emphasize the value of personalized care and specialization in improving health outcomes. So, whether you're a budding pharmacist looking to make your mark in the industry or simply someone fascinated by the diverse avenues of healthcare, remember that there's a whole world of pharmacy careers waiting to be discovered. Here's to embracing the extraordinary possibilities and continuing to push the boundaries of this ever-evolving profession!
References
Pharmacy Times. (2017). Personalized Pharmacy Care: The Concierge Model. Retrieved from https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/the-concierge-pharmacist-model
Viswanathan, M., Golin, C. E., Jones, C. D., Ashok, M., Blalock, S. J., Wines, R. C., ... & Sista, P. (2012). Interventions to improve adherence to self-administered medications for chronic diseases in the United States: a systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 157(11), 785-795.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-veterinary-pharmacist
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/pharmacy
Davidson G. Introduction to Veterinary Pharmacy. In: Mealey KL, ed. Pharmacotherapeutics for Veterinary Dispensing. First published: February 15, 2019. doi:10.1002/9781119404576.ch1
Fenech, M., El-Sohemy, A., Cahill, L., Ferguson, L. R., French, T. A., Tai, E. S., ... & Ashton, K. (2011). Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics: viewpoints on the current status and applications in nutrition research and practice. Journal of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, 4(2), 69-89.
Mutch, D. M., Wahli, W., & Williamson, G. (2005). Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics: the emerging faces of nutrition. The FASEB Journal, 19(12), 1602-1616.
Kohlmeier, M. (2016). Nutrigenetics: Applying the science of personal nutrition. Academic Press.
Ordovas JM, Ferguson LR, Tai ES, Mathers JC. Personalised nutrition and health. BMJ. 2018 Jun 13;361:bmj.k2173. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k2173. PMID: 29898881; PMCID: PMC6081996.
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