[Post-graduate education of pharmacist specialties]

In our unprecedented ageing society, high quality pharmacy practices are recommended; the activities of pharmacists who have received novel education are therefore expected. Although advanced education before graduation is important, postgraduate education is also required because the knowledge and skill required by pharmacists are increasing and are progressing everyday. The period of pharmacist education has been six years, and the new educational system produces next generation pharmacists. Postgraduate education should be established with the education contents corresponding to the new education system. The career path has an important role in postgraduate education, which consists of fundamental to advanced training through the various stages according to pharmacist experience. Clinical academic societies and some pharmacists' organizations provide accreditation systems for pharmacist specialties. This system will play an important role as a route in the career path. It is necessary to accredit pharmacist specialties to establish postgraduate education and research in cooperation with pharmaceutical institutions. It is thought that the responsibility of universities of pharmaceutical science will become more important to improve pharmacist ability and pharmacy practice. Universities of pharmaceutical science should collaborate with pharmaceutical institutions to establish postgraduate education and research into clinical pharmacy practice.