Aug 27, 2013: The pharmacy component of the health care system has evolved rapidly from a dispensary role to a fully integrated and essential element of medicine.

"Effective health care focused on improving patient outcomes cannot occur in a vacuum, so most - if not all - health professions are integrating the collaborative team model into their practice and educational curriculum," said Elizabeth Coyle, clinical professor and assistant dean at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. "The stereotype of pharmacists as counting and dispensing pills is long gone. Regardless of the setting - whether it's in a community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, neighborhood clinic or office - today's pharmacists play an integral role in direct patient care on the health care team."

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Pharmacist's position in health care field shifts gears