Celebrating Pharmacists on National Pharmacist Day

National Pharmacist Day is celebrated each year on January 12 and it is a chance to celebrate the incredible work that pharmacists do for their patients.

Although many people may picture a pharmacist wearing a white coat and working behind a counter, pharmacists are increasingly involved in all aspects of patient care, including in hospitals, community environments, specialty pharmacies, and more. Pharmacists are also a growing profession, with the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 6% growth in employment for the profession between 2016 and 2026.

Pharmacists have a myriad of reasons for entering the profession, ranging from the meaningful patient interactions to the opportunities to move up the career ladder.

“We are viewed as one of the most trustworthy professionals in America, and we earn our stripes on a daily basis,” said Steve Austin, PharmD, manager of Cabrini Pharmacy Services in Seattle, Washington, in an email interview with Pharmacy Times. “What motivates me to continue are the bright people that continue to lead our profession and see not just what we currently do but what we can do and how to get fairly paid for those more advanced services.”

To see more of the amazing work that pharmacists do, visit our Pharmacy Heroes resource center and reach out to Pharmacy Times on social media to show us how you’re celebrating!