Friday, April 25, 2014

The Role of the Pharmacy Director


Director of Pharmacy


The clinical pharmacy is not an island all by itself, but instead a part of a working entity. It takes a powerful staff to be able to communicate effectively with other departments, to ensure all pharmacy goals are aligned with those of the greater clinic, and to establish a trusted practice in a competitive market. While all members of the team are responsible for accomplishing these tasks, it’s the objective of the director of pharmacy to create, implement, and communicate a plan of action.


What is a Director of Pharmacy?


The pharmacy director is the eyes, ears, and voice of the pharmacy within a hospital or clinic. They oversee patient safety, they listen to the needs of the staff and the customers, and they communicate proper procedures and medication updates. They keep everything running smoothly, from the hiring and training of new professionals to the communication of policies. They also meet with pharmaceutical representatives to decide if a drug is worthy of being carried on site. The pharmacy director works to ensure optimal customer service while remaining within a set budget.


The director of pharmacy also works closely with the clinic outside the pharmacy department. They are expected to know all that is going on within the entire clinic so the pharmacy can set and adjust goals to align with the whole, and they collaborate with other departments to ensure optimal patient care. The pharmacy director joins committees that focus on all areas of customer care, budget goals, operations overhauls, and ideas for restructuring.


Aside from the pharmacy and hospital duties, the director of pharmacy is highly involved with the medication community as a whole. The director may join national initiatives toward patient safety, and organizations revolving around drug-related breakthroughs.


What are the Position Qualifications?


The pharmacy director is a managerial position that requires excellent organizational and

communication skills. Several years of pharmacy experience is often recommended, coupled with a history in management and a track record of operations success. A PharmD is likely required along with at least one residency in the pharmacy. If you’re interested in becoming a director of pharmacy, it’s best to start early. Strengthen your resume with committee participation, with proven success in ideas for change, and with experience in management roles. Join drug organizations and utilize continuing education courses available to you. Becoming a pharmacy director may take some time, but the steps that lead there are rewarding.


What’s Next for the Director of Pharmacy?


In order to remain competitive and to ensure the best possible patient care, more hospitals and clinics are expanding to include specialized professionals and additional departments. The pharmacy is an integral role in maintaining positive patient relations. If you’re qualified for and interested in a director position, you can be optimistic about the career outlook. Use available resources to put your resume on the scene.


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