Difference between medicine and pharmacy

In summary, pharmacies are places where you can buy medications. They are separate from medicine, which is a broader field that deals with the science and practice of restoring health.
  • #1
Acuben
64
0
what is the difference between medicine and pharmacy?

according to pharmacy technician book i was reading...

"The first pharmacy shop appeared in Baghdad in about 652AD. This is the earliest documentation of the existence and operation of a privately owned pharmacy shop. The development of hospitals also played a role in the separation of pharmacy from medicine."

This book is supposed to be about test-prep. so about everything here is a test question.
It said in around 652AD pharmacy was separated from medicine. Sure in the old days, maybe it was possible to separate them as pharmacy being more scientific and medicine being more trial and error. But the gap between medicine and pharmacy no longer exist...
So is there actual difference between those two? If there are what would they be?

Or should I assume that medicine in this last sentence meant something for doctors/physicians?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Acuben said:
what is the difference between medicine and pharmacy?

according to pharmacy technician book i was reading...

"The first pharmacy shop appeared in Baghdad in about 652AD. This is the earliest documentation of the existence and operation of a privately owned pharmacy shop. The development of hospitals also played a role in the separation of pharmacy from medicine."

This book is supposed to be about test-prep. so about everything here is a test question.
It said in around 652AD pharmacy was separated from medicine. Sure in the old days, maybe it was possible to separate them as pharmacy being more scientific and medicine being more trial and error. But the gap between medicine and pharmacy no longer exist...
So is there actual difference between those two? If there are what would they be?

Or should I assume that medicine in this last sentence meant something for doctors/physicians?

Medicine is a broad field concerned with the science and practice of restoring health (both physical and psychological). Pharmacology is the practise of utilising chemicals/drugs (interestingly "pharma" was actually greek for toxin as well as drug) to medicine.
 
  • #3
that makes sense, considering that the "field of medicine" is often used on doctor.

thanks =D
 

FAQ: Difference between medicine and pharmacy

What is the difference between medicine and pharmacy?

Medicine refers to the study and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries. It involves the use of drugs, surgery, and other medical interventions. On the other hand, pharmacy is a profession that involves the preparation, dispensing, and distribution of medications. Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring the safe and effective use of medications.

Are medicine and pharmacy the same thing?

No, medicine and pharmacy are not the same thing. Medicine is a broader term that encompasses various fields of healthcare, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Pharmacy, on the other hand, is a specific profession within the healthcare industry that focuses on the preparation and distribution of medications.

Can a pharmacist prescribe medicine?

In most countries, pharmacists are not allowed to prescribe medications. They can only dispense medications that have been prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. However, some countries have implemented laws and regulations that allow pharmacists to prescribe certain types of medications under specific circumstances.

Do all pharmacists work in a pharmacy?

No, not all pharmacists work in a traditional pharmacy setting. While many pharmacists do work in community or retail pharmacies, there are also opportunities for them to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. Some pharmacists also choose to work in research, education, or consulting roles.

What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist?

To become a pharmacist, you typically need to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited pharmacy school. This typically takes 4 years to complete after completing undergraduate prerequisites. In addition to education, pharmacists must also pass a licensing exam and meet any other requirements set by their local governing bodies.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
27K
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
21
Views
2K
Back
Top