Dec 7 2017
Clinical Pharmacology Programs
Many people are familiar with the retail pharmacist behind the desk at a drug store. He or she fills prescriptions and answers questions about medication bought over-the-counter. There is a slightly different role for those who complete clinical pharmacology programs. They are known as clinical pharmacists who work in a healthcare setting with other medical professionals to coordinate patients’ medications.
What Does a Clinical Pharmacist Do?
A clinical pharmacist not only collaborates with doctors, but they also interact directly with patients and make decisions about which medications are best. Some of their duties may also include:
- Assessing health problems
- Evaluating the progress and effectiveness of prescribed medications
- Consulting with doctors and other healthcare providers on medication therapy for patients
- Instructing patients on taking their medications
- Using specialized knowledge of drug interactions and adverse effects to develop proper medication therapy
A clinical pharmacist may perform clinical trials before dispensing certain prescriptions. Some may also develop drug-related policies and determine guidelines for different prescriptions.
They might also evaluate outcomes after dispensing prescriptions in counsel with patients to ensure they understand the benefits and risks of drug therapies.
Educational Path for Becoming a Clinical Pharmacist
Becoming a clinical pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and work experience in a hospital. Anyone pursuing this career first receives a bachelor’s degree. While some pharmacological schools do not specify the type of degree, most students will complete an undergraduate degree in a science field.
A fundamental knowledge in the sciences such as biology or chemistry is very helpful to enter advanced training programs. Getting a good score on the Pharmacy College Admissions test is another minimum requirement to working in this field.
Pharmacy programs can take an additional four years where students take a deep dive into medicines for which they will prescribe, monitor and study.
Continuing Educational Requirements
Typically, states require practicing pharmacists to participate in continuing education programs. These programs help to ensure pharmacists retain the most up-to-date information about administering medications. Any changes will affect how the pharmacists serve patients.
Becoming a member in a professional organization helps pharmacists stay abreast of changes that effect what is necessary to keep their license.
This particular field of pharmacy gives professionals a chance to care for patients in different healthcare settings. Working with patient service providers, clinical pharmacists meet the needs of patients. They optimize the effectiveness of medication therapy by promoting health, wellness and prevention of disease.
Feb 13 2018
Top Tips for Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries During Exercise
Foot and ankle injuries are incredibly common among athletes. In sports like basketball, they’re the number one injury year in and year out. You don’t have to be a competitive athlete to be sidelined by foot and ankle injuries though.
Even individuals who hit the gym, jog on a track or trail or just do calisthenics at home are at risk of injuries that can be painful and debilitating. While you may recover in time depending on the severity of the injury, you don’t have to let your feet run the show.
Keep reading to learn more about preventing ankle and foot injuries that can occur during sports and exercise. You’ll also learn about what to do if you do end with an injury. After all, even competitive athletes with the best trainers and exercise routines in the world get hurt from time to time.
Stop Your Activity
When you feel pain or like you might have tweaked your foot or ankle, the most important first step is to simply stop what you’re doing. It doesn’t matter if you’re mid-game or far away from home on a jog. Take your time to stop, sit down and evaluate what you may have done to your foot or ankle.
If the injury doesn’t feel bad, you may be able to resume your activity. If any pain lingers after a few minutes of rest it’s best to stop altogether – at least for a few days.
Call a Doctor
Injuries to the foot and ankle can be problematic because they don’t always completely heal themselves. Even severe sprains can linger for years to come, leaving your tendons and the area in general weak. That means you could be susceptible to more injuries – more serious injuries, too – in the future.
When you have an injury, contact an Orlando foot and ankle clinic right away. This is especially important if sports or exercise are part of your regular routine.
Rest, Rest and Rest Some More
Seeing your doctor is important, but if an injury isn’t serious, rest is often the best medicine. Ice and heat therapy are ideal, and for sprains, elevation is a key. Follow the RICE formula – rest, ice, compression and elevation – to get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
Don’t rush working out if you still feel pain. Even mild to moderate injuries can take months to heal.
By admin • Health Care • • Tags: few minutes, medicine, RICE, severity, therapy