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The Next Generation of Pharmacists

Driven by an aging population, longer life expectancy and the development of exciting new therapies, prescription medication use in the United States (U.S.) continues to skyrocket. However, a number of national reports reveal a looming healthcare crisis within the next decade – a national shortage of 157,000 pharmacists will be needed in order to fulfill the prescription healthcare needs of millions of patients. As part of a continued dedication to address the pharmacy care needs in America, Medco Health Solutions recently announced a national scholarship program to identify and support the development of the next generation of pharmacists. The scholarship program will be conducted through the Medco Labor Coalition, the nation's only coalition dedicated to providing pharmacy benefits to small and mid-size labor unions. "A career in pharmacy is now so much more than it was just a few years ago, literally transcending plastic trays and counting pills to now encompassing everything from genetics and personalized medicine to electronic prescribing," says vice president market strategy and development, Pamela T. Miller. For its part, Medco has instituted a number of initiatives to drive improvement in pharmacy care in America. In particular, the company became the only pharmacy in the U.S. to offer care from more than 800 specialist pharmacists trained in one of eight chronic disease categories. The company also provides scholarship grants to 19 schools of pharmacy in the U.S. to foster learning and expand pharmacy training.