CLEVELAND — Did you know the pharmacist at your local drugstore is actually a doctor? Most people don't realize the level of education it takes to become a licensed pharmacist. They're also doing a lot more than counting pills. In fact, no one knows more about your medications, than your pharmacist.
"A lot of people don't really know, we do interact with prescribers quite a bit. Prescriptions come over. We're not always sure, should the patient be taking this? Is this the best therapy? Is this dose appropriate? So we are actually in contact with doctors quite a bit."
Jessica Awad is a Discount Drug Mart pharmacist on the frontline of patient care. She'll give you your seasonal vaccines, guide you to appropriate over-the-counter remedies and help you better understand an existing or new diagnosis.
"On top of that, patients come in and maybe they've just received a new medication. Maybe they were just diagnosed with a brand new disease. It can all be incredibly overwhelming for the patient," Awad explained.
"It's our job as a pharmacist to take a step back with them and put them at ease," Awad said. "Walk them through the disease, walk them through new medications they were prescribed, or even an older medication if they're worried about interactions."
Another benefit of that relationship: your pharmacist can help you save money.
"We get compliments weekly from customers who said, 'I came in and I talked to my pharmacist and they were able to find me this coupon that saved me $100.' Or, 'They made a switch from this drug that was new and expensive to this one that's been around for a while and isn't, and it saved me $50,'" said Chris Peshek, Discount Drug Mart's director of pharmacy operations. "We see those kind of comments weekly and that's just one more benefit of that relationship that we have with the patient. And we understand every dollar counts for some people too."
Katherine Tromp is Dean of NEOMED's College of Pharmacy. She wants people to remember your pharmacist is the most accessible part of your healthcare team.
"Everyone goes into the pharmacy profession because we want to care for patients," Tromp said. "Even though they're busy back there, and it may not seem like they have time for you, they want to have the time for you and they really do care to make sure that you are as healthy as possible."
Tomorrow as we continue National Pharmacy Week, we look at the future pharmacist: what it takes to become one, the myriad of job opportunities they have access to and the salaries they demand.