The BPS Pharmacy Specialty Certification Program
Author(s): Bertin Richard J
Issue: May/Jun 1999 - Compounding for Animals
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Page(s): 200-203
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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, Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS), nuclear pharmacy