Infectious Disease Pharmacist (ID Pharmacist)
It’s a symbiotic world we live in. We are always seeking to strike a balance with nature between give and take, and our existence depends on the harmony between our species and many others, whether it be with plants, animals, or yes, even bacteria. Most of the bacteria we encounter are perfectly harmless, while some can actually help keep us healthy and regulate our systems.
But with the positive comes the negative. Certain microorganisms are harmful to our bodies and can cause illnesses that are spread from person to person. Some infectious microorganisms can enter into our systems simply through the act of breathing, touching, or eating; others are transmitted sexually or through the exchange of fluids. The only way to stop the spread is to be treated with antibiotics or to build immunity among the population, typically done through vaccines. The infectious disease pharmacist works to create a healthy population free from the spread of noxious diseases.
What is an Infectious Disease Pharmacist?
Infectious diseases are diseases acquired by organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The infectious disease (ID) pharmacist not only prescribes antibiotics to cure the infections caused by microorganisms, but they also work to prevent the spread of these diseases through the development of vaccines. The ID pharmacist ensures appropriate use of antimicrobials and works to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Infectious diseases can spread rapidly and widely, and ID pharmacists work to prepare for outbreaks by remaining up-to-date on any research, and by studying national initiatives geared toward protection from harmful organisms. The goal of the ID pharmacist is to prevent, to accurately prescribe in order to reduce adverse reactions, and to cure.
Why Do We Need ID Pharmacists and Researchers?
Just as we work to fight the infections that microorganisms inflict, the microorganisms are working equally hard to fight against the antibiotics and vaccines we prescribe. This makes the field of infectious disease pharmacology unique; the more we use vaccines in our culture, the more likely parasites, viruses, and bacteria are evolving to resist our medications. Thus, ID pharmacists and researchers are constantly on the cutting edge of infectious disease research, and they play an important role in establishing a harmonious relationship between ourselves and the world we live in. ID pharmacists work to ensure we can continue to live a healthy life regardless of the germs we’re exposed to.
What’s in Store?
Our bodies are exposed to bacteria in everything we do, from eating to shaking hands to relaxing in our own homes. While most microorganisms we encounter are harmless, some can make us sick. The illnesses we contract from microorganisms can evolve and outsmart us, and the field of ID pharmacy is a wheel that is constantly in motion. This is good news for anyone looking to make a career out of infectious disease pharmacology or the research and development of vaccines. The industry is growing and is always in need of fresh minds to take it to new heights. It’s an exciting career on the cutting edge of health and science; if this is something that interests you, keep an eye out for job openings and residencies in the future.
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