Pharmacologist Career - A Brief Summary About Pharmacologist

PharmD | student | Pharmacologist Career

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is science of detection and measurement of the effects of drugs or other chemicals on biological systems. The effect of chemicals may be beneficial (therapeutic) or harmful (toxic). It is study of the changes produced in living animals by chemical substances, especially the actions of drugs, substances used to treat disease

WHO IS PHARMACOLOGISTS?

Pharmacologists perform research experiments to examine the effects of drugs, gases, powders and other materials on peoples'and animals' health. They also study and develop drugs to treatand prevent human diseases and illnesses.
Pharmacologistsare scientists who develop and testdrugs.Their special field is pharmacology, the medical science whichinvolves all aspects of the action of drugs on living beings andtheir parts. This includes everything from evaluation of theeffectiveness of a drug in the treatment of human disease, to the effects of chemicals in our environment on entire populations.
Pharmacologists also conduct tests to find out whether othersubstances, such as gases, dusts or food colorings, are harmful toliving things. They study many substances to see whether they havehealing powers. They often study the effect of these substances onlab animals, such as guinea pigs or monkeys. The ultimate goal ofthe profession of pharmacology is the design of chemical agents tocure, improve or prevent disease. If an incurable process hasalready been established, pharmacists strive to make life as long,comfortable, and productive as possible.

HOW DO I BECOME A PHARMACOLOGIST?

High school courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics will help to prepare you for your future educational endeavors as a pharmacology student. The principal pathway to a career in pharmacology is a course of study leading to a Ph.D. in pharmacology. This takes four to five years after earning a bachelors degree.

PHARMACOLOGIST TYPICAL WORK DAY:

Pharmacologist, work in a research laboratory ofa hospital, business, university, pharmaceutical company or otherhealth-related organization. Pharmacologist revise the drug by adding or subtracting ingredients,and perform more tests until satisfied with the results. Once satified with the formula of a new drug, pharmacologist submit it along with the results of tests to gain approval from the U.S. Foodand Drug Administration.

Pharmacologist License

Not Required

Toxicology Pharmacologist or Toxicologist

Performs toxicological studies of environmental factors relating to public health and aquatic life; design and conduct toxicological studies and investigations; interpret experimental study results in terms of toxicological properties and hazards; evaluate, advise and consult on the adequacy of toxicological data submitted by other organizations; advise on precautionary labeling of hazardous chemicals and products; directing testify as an expert witness in hearings and court procedures; prepare reports and scientific papers for publications; and do other related work.

Required Education and Experience

Possession of a doctoral degree and one year of postdoctoral experience in toxicology, biochemistry, pharmacology or a closely related field.
Possession of a Master's Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related specialty from an accredited college or university or equivalent degree , and experience past the receipt of the master's degree in designing and managing toxicological studies; interpreting results and translating them to solve human and animal health problems; and conducting hazard assessment or safety evaluations.
Certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology