Final answer:
A community pharmacy must have a licensed pharmacist, a professional responsible for dispensing prescription drugs and advising on their usage. They require a doctorate in pharmacy and understanding of chemistry and biology. Pharmacies adhere to FDA regulations ensuring medication safety, which can delay drug availability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Career Focus: Pharmacist
Every community pharmacy must have a licensed pharmacist on staff. Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare, as they are responsible for dispensing prescription drugs that have been prescribed by a doctor. To become a pharmacist in the United States, individuals must obtain a doctorate in pharmacy, usually following four years of education at a specialized pharmacy school. Their extensive knowledge of chemistry and biology is essential for understanding the effects of drugs on the body.
Pharmacists also provide valuable advice to both physicians and patients about medication selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects. Furthermore, their contribution extends to educating patients on the correct usage of their medications. The role of pharmacists has evolved over time, and while they no longer typically compound drugs themselves, their expertise in the sciences is a critical support in maintaining public health.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a part in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the medicines that pharmacies sell. This regulation sometimes requires extensive drug testing, which can last for years before a product reaches the market. This system aims to protect consumers from unsafe medications but can also lead to setbacks, where some argue that the lengthy approval process delays the availability of potentially life-saving drugs.