What is a Pharmacist?The pharmacist is the essential part of the healthcare team that provides prescription medications to individuals. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010-2011) Their responsibilities cover few essential areas. Firstly, the primary role of a pharmacist is to dispense medications to their patients as per the given prescription. Before that, they must ensure that they are dispensing the right medicine, that the concentration and dosage of the medicine are appropriate, as well as ensuring that the medicine is safe and can work effectively in the human body. (Swanson, 2005) Second, they counsel their patients ensuring appropriate use of medications. It is important to inform the patient about the name of the medicine, what it is used for, when to take it, how many times a day, whether it should be taken before, after meals or with meals, the method of taking it. medication, its side effects and possible drug interactions. (Swanson, 2005) Pharmacists often work in teams with other healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses. In doing so, pharmacists will advise them on the choice of medicine, providing evidence based on the dosage form, side effects and possible interaction with food of the medicine. On the other hand, pharmacists also participate in research and clinical studies. Recently, pharmacists are recruited to conduct pharmaceutical research in pharmacies. (Swanson, 2005) Nowadays, more and more people are choosing pharmacy as a profession. As everyone knows, there are many areas of practice for pharmacists such as community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, industrial pharmacist and university pharmacist. Other than that, there are few specialties in pharmacy...... middle of paper...... Available at: [Accessed November 11, 2011].Pharmacareers, 2009. Community Pharmacist Jobs. [online] Available at: [Accessed November 8, 2011] Smith, SE, 2003. What is a military pharmacy? . Available on: [Accessed November 8, 2011]Swanson, B. (2005). Careers in healthcare. 5th ed. [ebook] Blacklick, OH, USA: McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing. Available from Taylor University Library website [accessed November 8, 2011]. Will, L. ed., 2010. Technology and the future of pharmacy: a roundtable discussion. Informatics Discussion for the Pharmacist, [online] 30(3), 20-36. Available on: [Consulted November 11 2011]