Farmacista

Farmacista is the term used for a health professional who practices pharmacy. In Italian, the word denotes a licensed professional who dispenses medicines, provides information about their use, and helps ensure safe pharmacotherapy. Pharmacists work in a range of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and the pharmaceutical industry. They are part of the healthcare team and may participate in preventive care and public health tasks.

Access to the profession typically requires a university degree in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences and successful completion of a national licensure examination. After licensure, farmacisti must register with a professional body, and in many jurisdictions ongoing continuing education is required for license renewal.

Core duties include dispensing prescription and over‑the‑counter medicines, verifying prescriptions, checking for drug interactions and contraindications, and counseling patients on dosing, storage, and adverse effects. They provide drug information to patients and other health professionals, help optimize therapy, and monitor outcomes. In many countries, pharmacists also engage in compounding, immunizations, pharmacovigilance, and participation in multidisciplinary care teams.

Regulation of the profession varies by country but is generally overseen by health authorities and professional orders or associations. In Italy, for example, the profession is regulated by the Ordine dei Farmacisti; practitioners obtain a Laurea in Farmacia or equivalent degree and must pass the Esame di Stato to register in the Albo dei Farmacisti. Continuing education is commonly required for license renewal and professional development.