Qualities and Skills of a Pharmacologist PDF

SKILLS AND QUALITIES OF A PHARMACOLOGIST Prof. Adejuwon Adeneye Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, LASUCOM E-mail: [email protected] Mobile Phone: 08035835589  INTRODUCTION  PHARMACOLOGY can simply be...

SKILLS AND QUALITIES OF A PHARMACOLOGIST Prof. Adejuwon Adeneye Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, LASUCOM E-mail: [email protected] Mobile Phone: 08035835589  INTRODUCTION  PHARMACOLOGY can simply be defined as the science of DRUG USE.  The word “drug” was derived from a French word ‘Drogue’ meaning a dry herb.  Drug, itself, is defined as a substance or material that is used or intended to be used to modify or explore physiological processes or pathological states, for the benefit of the recipient.  In whole, Pharmacology is the study of chemical substances that interact with the living things by chemical processes, especially by binding to regulatory molecules known as RECEPTORS.  INTRODUCTION (cont’d)  The field of Pharmacology is at the forefront of some of the most exciting development in modern medicine, including - Personalized precision medicine and gene therapy through genomic and proteomic approaches -Regenerative pharmacology to optimize development of bioengineered tissues -Computational and modelling approaches as drug discovery tools -Nanotechnology-based approaches to fighting disease  INTRODUCTION (cont’d)  The goal of study of pharmacological sciences is to understand the properties of drugs and the ways in which these properties react.  Pharmacology studies interactions between drug molecules and drug receptors and the effects of these interactions and encompasses the examination of different drug classes, their therapeutic uses, societal roles and mechanisms of action.  Thus, the knowledge of pharmacology provides a base for other studies and applications which include the use of pharmaceutical drugs in medicine, drugs used in scientific research, the study of drug actions within the overall health sciences, as well as the regulation and development of various pharmaceuticals.  BRANCHES OF PHARMACOLOGY  Importantly recognized branches of Pharmacology include: 1. Pharmacokinetics 2. Pharmacodynamics (1 + 2 = Pharmacometrics) 3. Therapeutics 4. Chemotherapy 5. Toxicology 6. Clinical Pharmacology 7. Pharmacy 8. Pharmacognosy 9. Pharmacogenetics 10. Pharmacoeconomics BRANCHES OF PHARMACOLOGY (cont’d) 11. Pharmacoepidemiology 12. Comparative Pharmacology 13. Veterinary/Animal Pharmacology 14. Posology  Who’s A Pharmacologist?  A Pharmacologist is a biomedical scientist who investigates and analyzes drugs, chemicals and other substances to discover how they affect biological systems, and to assess how they can be used safely and optimally.  Pharmacologists seek to understand how chemical substances interact with the body.  Who’s A Pharmacologist? (cont’d)  They work as part of a research team that is responsible for screening compounds, developing drugs and undertaking controlled experiments and clinical trials in laboratories.  Their aim is to gain a better understanding of diseases, develop new drugs to treat them and promote the safe use of existing drugs.  Other substances such as poisons and toxins are also studied by pharmacologists to try to understand how those substances can harm the body.  Job Description of A Pharmacologist  Pharmacologists seek to understand how chemical substances interact with the body.  They carry out controlled scientific experiments to explore the effects of drugs and other chemicals on biological systems with the aim of gaining a better understanding of diseases, develop new drugs to treat them, and to promote the safe use of existing drugs.  Other substances such as poisons and toxins are also studied by pharmacologists to try to understand how those substances can harm the body.  Job Description of A Pharmacologist  While most work with pharmaceutical companies, some pharmacologists focus exclusively on animal medicines which is a huge industry in the UK as people are willing to spend a lot of money on their pets, livestock and race horses.  Pharmacologists play a vital role in the industry, delivering high quality products to help keep animals healthy.  Neuro- and psycho-pharmacologists, on the other hand, study how drugs affect human behavior, the brain and the rest of the human nervous system.  Job Description of A Pharmacologist (cont’d)  Toxicology pharmacologists (or toxicologists) look at non-food substances that adversely affect human health, such as hazardous chemicals used for industrial applications or household products.  Cleaning and cosmetics firms, as well as other manufacturing organizations, employ pharmacologists to ensure that their products are not harmful to consumers.  Duties of A Pharmacologist  Designing and carrying out controlled experiments substances and their effects on organisms.  Employing cutting edge technology and sophisticated laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.  Keeping up to date with technological advancements and industry-standard procedures.  Drawing up proposals for future tests/researches.  Duties of A Pharmacologist (cont’d)  Attending Conferences to deliver papers and meet with other pharmacologists.  Liaising with regulatory officials and working in compliance with legal standards.  Disseminating the results of the tests to others in the form of written reports, articles to be published in journals, and presentations.  Organizing and overseeing tests of new drugs and medicines, ensure quality control and secure approval for their use  Duties of A Pharmacologist (cont’d)  Analyzing the results of patient drug interactions to identify trends.  Deciding on the success of the trial and whether the dosage needs to be modified.  Working closely with colleagues, industry officials and other professionals.  Types of Pharmacologists  Pharmacological specialties are often grouped according to body systems, but can also be subdivided based on other aspects of health and disease.  They include but not limited to: -Cardiovascular pharmacology; -Endocrine pharmacology -Neuropharmacology; -Toxicology -Psychopharmacology; -Veterinary pharmacology -Clinical pharmacology,  Skills and Qualities of A Pharmacologist  Ability to work accurately in an organized manner.  Ability to carry out a written methodology in a laboratory context.  Data gathering, validation, analysis and interpretations skills.  Excellent communication skills.  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  Excellent problem solving skills.  Excellent report writing skills.  Excellent time management, self-discipline and ability to work without close supervision.  Excellent information technology skills.  Skills and Qualities of A Pharmacologist  Ability to work accurately in an organized manner.  Ability to carry out a written methodology in a laboratory context.  Data gathering, validation, analysis and interpretations skills.  Excellent communication skills.  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  Skills and Qualities of A Pharmacologist (cont’d)  Excellent problem solving skills.  Excellent report writing skills.  Excellent time management, self-discipline and ability to work without close supervision.  Excellent information technology skills.  Skills and Qualities of A Pharmacologist (cont’d)  A logical and inquisitive mind  Excellent written and oral communication skills  Accuracy and attention to detail  Analytical skills  Skills and Qualities of A Pharmacologist (cont’d)  A Pharmacologist must be very knowledgeable in the following paramedical fields: -biology -biochemistry -biomedical/biochemical sciences -microbiology -chemistry -biostatistics -physiology  Employers of A Pharmacologist -Pharmaceutical companies -Universities -Environmental agencies such as EPA -Drug Regulatory Agencies such as NAFDAC, FDA -The Medical Research Councils/Institutes  Employers of A Pharmacologist (cont’d) -NHS hospitals employ clinical pharmacologists, as well as pharmacologists to work on clinical trials. -Intellectual Property Office (IPO) where work is carried out on patents -Other government research organizations  Professional Development  Most employers provide the professional and specialist technical training needed for an already employed Pharmacologist perform sophisticated laboratory work.  Trainings on health and safety and good laboratory practice (GLP) are also provided.  This training may include risk assessment workshops and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations training.  Professional Development  In addition, short training courses are usually offered in areas such as: -data interpretation -presentation skills -project management -report writing  For Pharmacologist working in industry, there is likely to be a structured training program that may include completing placements in different areas of the organization, working with a mentor or buddy, and drawing up personal development plans with line managers.  Career Prospects  With a PhD qualification, it's possible to gain a research fellowship or lectureship, which can involve an increasing amount of teaching, supervising, administration and management.  If you work in a university department you're likely to be part of a research team and, as your career progresses, you may become principal investigator leading a team.  Career progression within industry is generally based on increased responsibilities, such as supervising and managing projects.  Career Prospects  More senior management positions tend to include more time spent in the office rather than in the lab.  You can also choose to use your pharmacological knowledge in areas such as: -advisory roles in government bodies and medical charities -business development -information science -medical sales and marketing -medical writing -patent work -product licensing or management/regulatory affairs.  QUESTIONS &  ANSWERS