L.A.'s Pharmacists Are Paid Handsomely For Their Expertise
With an aging population dependent upon multiple medications and all age groups that rely on prescription drugs to treat persistent ailments, a larger number of pharmacists will be needed to prepare and dispense therapeutic options in the coming years. Although these chemists hold posts in pharmacies, including those at grocery and drug stores, they also work in hospitals, community clinics, and for the government. Most spend the workday on their feet.
According to current data, pharmacists in Los Angeles earn an average annual salary of more than $134,000, with top practitioners reaping yearly wages in excess of $148,000. It is a multi-faceted profession that relies on utmost accuracy.
"A clinical pharmacist takes on many different responsibilities, from helping patients use their medications correctly to working with physicians to help manage patients with such chronic diseases as diabetes, asthma and hypertension," said Marie-France Martinez, a clinical ambulatory care pharmacist at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. "Our roles are versatile across multi-disciplinary areas to help improve patient care."
How do those with chronic ailments benefit from a pharmacist's expertise?
"A clinical pharmacist assesses the medication regimen to prevent drug interactions and potential serious adverse effects."
What can ambulatory care pharmacists anticipate in years to come?
"By 2022, I foresee that pharmacists' skill sets will be integrated fully into health care systems to help offload the stress from the growing patient population."
What is the best way to prepare for a solid vocation in this field?
"I advise endeavoring pharmacists to first understand the training and commitment that is required. Pharmacists are highly trained health care professionals with eight years of education, including four years attending a pharmacy school. To specialize as an ambulatory care pharmacist, they will need to complete a two-year residency program that will train them in chronic disease management."
What is your message to aspiring pharmacists?
"It is a rewarding and challenging career, with opportunities to provide patient care in innovative ways. I encourage people who want to pursue pharmacy as a career to focus on their grades and do well in their math and science courses."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
