[From craftsman to clinical pharmacist-the history of pharmaceutical education in Germany]

The profession of pharmacist, which originally focused on craftsmanship, became increasingly scientific in nature from the 18th century onwards as the natural sciences, particularly chemistry, emerged. In parallel, the content of training was adapted in such a way that practical training periods were reduced and university training was extended. The original three-semester course (1875) was extended to four (1904), six (1934), seven (1971), and finally to eight semesters (1989). In the German Democratic Republic, academization was more dynamic, with eight semesters already being taught there in 1951. In terms of content, the upgrading had become necessary due to increased professional requirements in pharmaceutical technology, drug synthesis, pharmacology and, most recently, clinical pharmacy. However, the adjustments were always made with a long delay, which was partly bridged by the initiative of far-sighted pharmacists. Moreover, the respective reforms usually fell short of the demands and expectations of the profession, so that the discussion about modern training usually continued immediately after new regulations had been issued.