Final answer:
Pharmacists must operate from a state-licensed and regulated pharmacy, ensuring the safe dispensing of medications, with a strong background in chemistry and biology to guide both physicians and patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pharmacist may only compound and dispense prescriptions from a pharmacy that is licensed and regulated by the state in which they operate. This ensures the safety and efficacy of the medications being provided to patients. Pharmacists in the United States are required to hold a doctorate in pharmacy and obtain a state license to practice. Their education, covering extensive knowledge in chemistry and biology, enables them to understand the effects of drugs on the body.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare by advising physicians on drug selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects, and also by educating patients on the proper use of their medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the medicines that can be sold in the U.S. to protect patients from unsafe drugs that could cause harm.