Pharmacy Education in the twenty-first century

Forecasted social and economic changes are reviewed in light of their potential impact on pharmacy practice and education. A similar approach is taken to speculation on drug technology with the prediction of major advances in the understanding of drug action at the molecular level and, with it, a closing of the gap between molecular and clinical knowledge. The components of the health care and educational systems are envisioned as linked through communications technology, creating an on-going information flow that develops and continues the competencies of the providers while optimizing conditions for patient care.