Beginning with a brief historical perspective on the field, the book discusses the many facets of the pharmacy profession. It describes the role of pharmacists in different settings and provides information ranging from licensing requirements to working conditions, highlighting the critical role of pharmacists within the health care system. The author examines the drug use process with sections on distribution, prescribing, dispensing, and pricing. He also discusses the role of pharmacy support personnel. A chapter on informatics explores how pharmacy has evolved through information technology and automation. Additional chapters cover poison control, pharmaceutical care, pharmacy organizations, the drug approval process, and career development.

Designed for classroom and professional use, the book contains numerous tools to facilitate comprehension, including:

• Learning objectives to help readers focus on the goals of each chapter
• Informative tables and figures summarizing data
• Summary paragraphs tying in salient points
• Discussion questions and exercises to test assimilation
• "Challenges" which place the material in broader context
• Websites and references to encourage further study

This valuable text provides a look into the profession that is both broad and deep, supplying a one-stop introduction to a promising career in pharmacy.