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As a pharmacy practice resident in a thriving medical institution I
am pleased to read the letter titled "Clinical medication review by
pharmacists would improve care". As medication regimens become more
complex and with the rapidity of new drug approvals, physicians are
spending more and more time dealing with clinical issues that could be
delegated to other healthcare professionals.
The current education curriculum of the pharmacist has drastically
changed over the last several years. The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
curriculum is a very clinical, patient-oriented education lasting. In
addition, Pharm.D. graduates can continue their educational experience by
participating in residency programs lasting one to two years. Clinically,
I believe these highly trained pharmacist should contribute to the
medication review and decision process. We are not trained to diagnosis,
nor do we want to diagnosis, but we are highly skilled in the management
of patient medication regimens. In the future, I hope the medical
community will take advantage of our services and understand that we are
motivated to contribute to the care and outcome of patients.
An integrated approach
As a pharmacy practice resident in a thriving medical institution I
am pleased to read the letter titled "Clinical medication review by
pharmacists would improve care". As medication regimens become more
complex and with the rapidity of new drug approvals, physicians are
spending more and more time dealing with clinical issues that could be
delegated to other healthcare professionals.
The current education curriculum of the pharmacist has drastically
changed over the last several years. The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
curriculum is a very clinical, patient-oriented education lasting. In
addition, Pharm.D. graduates can continue their educational experience by
participating in residency programs lasting one to two years. Clinically,
I believe these highly trained pharmacist should contribute to the
medication review and decision process. We are not trained to diagnosis,
nor do we want to diagnosis, but we are highly skilled in the management
of patient medication regimens. In the future, I hope the medical
community will take advantage of our services and understand that we are
motivated to contribute to the care and outcome of patients.
Thank you,
Ryan M. Cassity, Pharm.D.
Pharmacy Practice Resident
Mayo Medical Center
Competing interests: No competing interests