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Abstract:  The primary purpose of specialization in a health profession is to improve the quality of care patients receive; to increase the chances of positive treatment outcomes; and, ultimately, to improve quality of life. Specialties evolve in response to the development of new knowledge or technology that can affect patient care, and the resulting changes in patient-care needs. The rapid, dramatic advancement in drug therapy in recent decades has created a clear need for pharmacy practitioners who specialize in specific kinds of treatment and aspects of care. Specialty certification is a responsible, progressive initiative from the profession to ensure the best possible patient care. The author discusses the changing health-care environment, the historical perspective of specialties, pharmacy specialties, the type of people who seek specialty certification, the value of certification, the specialty certification process, establishment of a new specialty and upcoming examinations. He also provides contact information for the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties.

Related Keywords: specialization, drug therapy, quality of life, specialty certification, Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS), pharmacy practice, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition support pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, psychiatric pharmacy, BPS examinations, added qualifications, certification program

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