I once asked a pharmacist that goes on medical missions if there was a job for her when she goes. She said,
"Yeah, the most important job..... handling the meds."
Now, I am so confused by that. Countries that need medical missions don't have boards of pharmacy, and they don't care which team member handles the meds, they just appreciate receiving the help. The one mission trip that I had the pleasure of being a part of had a medical branch and a church branch doing Bible School and giving supplies. I don't remember a pharmacist on the medical branch (I was in school and was with the church), and I know they handed out meds.
What I was asking her was, do they use her medical knowledge, or at least her drug knowledge. I'm sure they would refer to her to see which Sulfonylurea was in stock or which ACE-inhibitor they had, but I wanted to know if we could be of use - medically (as I know God can use anyone for any purpose). With Hurricane Irene hitting the Northeast, and Tropical Storm Jose brewing, I would like to think that pharmacists can do something other than supply system management, not that I think we are better than Doctors, but I think we are a valuable asset. Our training and the overall desire of pharmacists to make a difference drive me to ask these questions.
Can our profession develop into a pharmacist practitioner of sorts? I know that some states allow pharmacists to prescribe certain medications, and most states allow collaborations between doctors an pharmacists to have standing orders (e.g. flu shots), but how far can we go? I am trying to pose these questions in a positive light rather than in a whiny "woe is me" tone. I have to admit that when I started pharmacy school, I just wanted to help my family and those close to me with the fruits that this profession bears. Not that I didn't think of the little white haired ladies or the weather talking old men that we interact with so often, but my family was my primary concern. Now I feel like I have a calling to do more.
Should I go to Seminary? Should I go to medical school? Should I stay where I am and see what kind of positive things God can do with a profession that has already given me such grief? I'm not sure yet, but I will be praying and taking steps find out.
