A domain of the biomedical researching field includes pharmacology, the study of drug impacts and potential magnitude to society. Pharmacologists, the respective medical scientist designated to this field of work, are tasked with jobs that range from conducting research to standardizing drug doses. To understand general pharmacology better, recognition of the two main sub-branches of pharmacology is necessary; these two branches are pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Pharmacodynamics focuses on the drug dose and patient dynamic, this relationship is studied , while pharmacokinetics entails the research of drug distribution throughout the entire body.
To work in the field of pharmacology, one is recommended to pursue a degree in biology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, or a sub-topic closely related to either one. Examples of the most common majors include, but are not limited to biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and pre-pharmacy concentration. Bachelor degrees of science are required for the majority of the career paths alongside pharmacology. After a bachelor's degree is acquired, either one or two graduate degrees are to be obtained next, the number of graduate degrees is dependent on the specific career path and position one plans to pursue. Following the completion of a graduate degree, pharmacologists have the decision to either earn a doctorate in pharmacology, a PhD is earned as their title, or the title of Doctor of Pharmacy through Pharmacy School. The most popular career after schooling in pharmaceutical sciences is to pursue becoming a pharmacist. Jobs that pharmacists can decide from range from a variety of things, from being a consultant pharmacist to being a veterinary pharmacist. Despite the difference in the previous jobs described, they all have one uniform value which is the advising of medicine.
Every medical specialty brings its fair share of diseases and health risks to society, pharmacology is no different. Due to the nature of pharmacology directly handling medications, the field has to also handle the side effects that come with using medications. Every drug has a varying purpose, some used to fight diseases but they never come without side effects. For instance, common side effects that are associated with taking heart disease medication include low blood pressure, alterations of kidney function, dizziness, and plenty more that have yet to be mentioned. It is a pharmacists job to see to it that a patient receives a proper dosage of a specific medication, if an incorrect dosage is given to a patient the results could be substantially dangerous and potentially life threatening.
To combat the diseases and health concerns within pharmacology, innovative ideas must be pursued and applied to the field in order to increase the general knowledge and understanding within it. Pharmacology was heavily popularized in the 19th century by the man who is now known as the father of pharmacology, Jonathan Pereira. Since the 19th century, pharmacists have been able to shape the face of medicine and create a world safer for all. A more current and amusing innovation found in pharmacology was the medical pills embedded with sensors. The purpose of embedding sensors within medication was to track the behavioral driven act of taking medicine and the suppliment of physical response to said medication.
In 2012 the FDA had approved the sensor technology in medication, from there Proteus Digital Health morphed sensor technology to be a form of careful moderation of drug usage.
Works Cited
“37 Pharmacy Tech Innovations.” TrendHunter.com. TREND HUNTER Inc., December 18, 2014. https://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/pharmaceutical-tech.
E;, Singer. “[Basic Concepts in Pharmacology: Important Terms in Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics].” Onkologie. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed February 9, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18487864/.
“International Online Medical Council (IOMC).” International Online Medical Council. Accessed February 9, 2023. https://www.iomcworld.org/medical-journals/pharmacology-innovations-49613.html.
“Learn about Being a Pharmacologist (with Salary Info).” Indeed. Accessed February 9, 2023. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-pharmacologist-do.
“What Is a Career in Pharmacology?” GCU. Accessed February 9, 2023. https://www.gcu.edu/blog/nursing-health-care/what-career-pharmacology.
“What Is Pharmacology?” Department of Pharmacology. Accessed February 9, 2023. https://lsom.uthscsa.edu/pharmacology/what-is-pharmacology/.
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