1976 Harvey A.K. Whitney lecture: the peril of deprofessionalization

It is argued that American pharmacy is in great peril of being deprofessionalized, and that hospital pharmacy practice offers the best hope for restoring public confidence in the profession. Pharmacists are criticized for a failing sense of mission and a waning dependence on knowledge. It is observed that pharmacy has diminished control over practitioner education. Various threats to the professional association of hospital pharmacists, and the need for ethical codes enforced by the profession are discussed. The concept of an American School of Hospital Pharmacy is supported. Hospital pharmacists are urged to become drug experts; it is suggested that pharmacists in hospitals be required to develop expertise in specific categories of drugs. It is concluded that pharmacy must use its drug knowledge effectively to avoid the peril of deprofessionalization.