NSU’s College of Pharmacy shares History during American Pharmacist Month

History of American Pharmacist Month

American Pharmacist Month (APhM) is celebrated in October. This month-long observance recognizes the significant contributions to health care and the commitment to patient care by pharmacists in ALL practice settings from around the country.  American Pharmacists Month Objectives are to: recognize the vital contributions made by pharmacists to health care in the United States; enhance the image of pharmacists as the medication experts and an integral part of the health care team, not just dispensers of medication; educate the public, policy makers, pharmacists, and other health care professionals about the key role played by pharmacists in reducing overall health care costs by improved medication use and advanced patient care; and to stress the importance of “Knowing Your Medicine and Knowing Your Pharmacist” to eNSUre drug therapy is as safe and effective as possible.

In the last quarter century, pharmacy has expanded its role within the health care delivery system from a profession focusing on preparation and dispensing of medications to patients to one in which pharmacists provide a range of patient-oriented services to maximize the medicine’s effectiveness.  Today, pharmacy is practiced in diverse fields such as:  community pharmacies, hospitals, long term care facilities, the phar¬maceutical industry, mail service, managed care, academia, and government (Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Service, and Public Health Service).   Pharmacists also practice in: community pharmacies (chains and independents); hospitals; the government, academia, pharmaceutical industries, coNSUltant settings, research and practice as genomics, drug development, informatics, and pharmacotherapy, and other settings.

Historically, educational requirements for pharmacists included the choice of two entry-level degrees: Bachelor of Science in pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D). Today, schools of pharmacy offer only the Pharm.D. degree. This extensive training makes the pharmacist the most knowledgeable health care professional when it comes to medicines and their use.  NSU College of Pharmacy now also offers a Ph.D. program in Pharmacy.

Medicines today have great power to heal and to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. But medicines also may do serious harm if not taken correctly. The most expensive medication is the medication that doesn’t work. This is where the role of the pharmacist is most important. The pharmacist is a key health care professional in helping people achieve the best results from their medications. Americans should choose a pharmacist they trust and build a partnership for good health.

Whether you are a prospective student, alumnus, friend of the college or just interested in what we do, please join us as we honor and recognize the pharmacist of the past, present, and the future.  The NSU College of Pharmacy will celebrate American Pharmacist Month as follows:

Oct. 1, 9 am NSU Healing & Medicinal Garden / Reflexology Pathway Presentation & Guided Tour, NSU Breakfast Forum, Alvin Sherman Library, Room 4009

Oct. 1, 10 am College of Pharmacy Graduate Seminar:  Is There Another Angiotensin Receptor Subtype? Medical Library Lab Building, Room 3203

Oct. 4, 11:30 am College of Pharmacy International Food Festival, Health Professions Division Library

Oct. 8, 10 am College of Pharmacy Graduate Seminar:  Prevalence, Spatial Distribution, & Risk Factors Associated with Suicidal Behavior Among Adolescent Students in Puerto Rico, Medical Library Lab Building, Room 3203

Oct. 11 & 12, 4 pm History of Pharmacy Pictorial Exhibition &NSU Healing & Medicinal Garden / Reflexology Pathway Presentation & Guided Tour, NSU Alvin Sherman Library, Room 3018

Oct. 13 & 14, Noon Career Expo College of Pharmacy Annual Distinguished Lecture Series, Health Professions Division, Chancellor’s Dining Room

Oct. 14, 1:30 pm College Of Pharmacy Faculty Development Seminar: The Do’s & Don’ts of Interviewing Pharmacy Students, Health Professions Division, Chancellor’s Dining Room

Oct. 14, 6 pm Career Expo Sponsors’ Welcome Reception, Health Professions Division, Chancellor’s Dining Room

Oct. 15, 10 am College of Pharmacy Graduate Seminar:  Cultural Differences in Leadership Styles of Pharmacists, Medical Library Lab Building, Room 3203

Oct. 15, 7 am-3 pm Career Expo Pharmacy Professions Showcase Exhibition; Pharmacy Student Interviews; Exhibitors’ Showcase Awards, Health Professions Division Atrium

Oct. 19, 10 am Osteoporosis Screening & Skin Damage Assessments, Health Professions Division Atrium

Oct. 21, 6:30 pm College Of Pharmacy International Pharmacy Class Graduation Dinner, Dragon Gourmet Buffet Restaurant

Oct. 22, 10 am College of Pharmacy Graduate Seminar:  A New Molecular Therapeutic Target in Heart Failure:  Regulation of Aldosterone Levels By Adrenal Beta-Arrestin-1, Medical Library Lab Building, Room 3203

Oct. 26, 10 am-1 pm NSU Employee Health Fair, NSU University Center Basketball Court

Oct. 26, 6 pm NSU Pharmacy Technician Recognition Day, NSU Faculty Lounge or Buca Di Beppo

For more information, visit http://pharmacy.nova.edu.