Final answer:
A pharmacist prepares and dispenses prescribed drugs, requiring a doctorate in pharmacy and state licensure. Their expertise in chemistry and biology is vital for advising on drug use and interactions. Pharmacists, once called chemists, work in healthcare settings, supporting patient health through scientific knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
A licensed professional who is able to prepare and dispense drugs and compounds when provided with written orders from a physician is known as a pharmacist. To become a pharmacist, one must earn a doctorate in pharmacy, often requiring four years of specialized education in pharmacy school, and obtain state licensure. The role of a pharmacist is far from simple; they are heavily versed in both chemistry and biology which helps them to understand the effects that drugs have on the human body. Additionally, pharmacists give advice to both physicians and patients about drug selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects, ensuring the proper use of medication. They are vital in healthcare settings such as drugstores and hospitals where their scientific knowledge supports overall health and wellbeing.
While in historical contexts, they might have been referred to as chemists due to their role in compounding drugs, modern pharmacists rarely compound their own drugs. However, the term pharmaceutical chemist now often relates to professionals who are involved in drug development and understanding drug actions, which includes both discovering drugs in nature and synthesizing them in the laboratory to enhance their safety and effectiveness.