Final answer:
Pharmacists dispense medications and advise on their usage, requiring a doctorate and knowledge in sciences. The pharmaceutical industry's reliance on natural compounds for new drugs ties medical advancements to biodiversity conservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Career Focus: Pharmacist
A pharmacist plays a crucial role in healthcare by dispensing medications prescribed by doctors. In the United States, becoming a pharmacist requires a doctorate in pharmacy, a license to practice, and a strong knowledge base in chemistry and biology. Pharmacists are important advisors to both physicians and patients, ensuring the correct selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of drugs are understood and managed.
Pharmacists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including drugstores, hospitals, and medical facilities. The role has evolved over time; while they historically compounded drugs, modern pharmacists focus more on patient care and medication management. Their expertise is vital in guiding patient medication use and contributing to overall health outcomes.
With the pharmaceutical industry investing heavily in natural compounds for drug development, the loss of species can directly impact the discovery of new medications. About 35 percent of new drugs between 1981 and 2002 were derived from natural compounds, highlighting the industry's dependence on biodiversity for advancing medical innovation.