Physicians who specialise in pharmaceutical medicine are primarily concerned with the invention, advancement, licensing and observation of medicine. They will also need to ensure that such medical products are marketed in a suitable manner. Medical products are of utmost importance to any medical professional in the treatment of patients, but such drugs need to be monitored continuously to ensure they are safe to use. Also, new breakthroughs are a must if medicine is to continue in its advancement and the treatment of illnesses is to improve. This is where physicians specialising in pharmaceutical medicine come in.

This is a discipline that requires medical professionals who have sound knowledge of medicine and the scientific disciplines. They will need to make sure that standards of medicine are constantly monitored and that they continue to strive for improvement. This is still a relatively new discipline to the medical arena. Though its origins can be found as far back as the 1950s it was only truly recognised as a medical speciality in the UK in 2002. Since then it has continued to develop.

Work activities

Typical work activities a specialist in pharmaceutical medicine would need to carry out include:

  • Ensure that the highest standards of medical practice are on offer.
  • Work with and alongside a range of medical specialists.
  • Understand the role pharmaceutical medicine plays in the area of healthcare.
  • Work in laboratory settings to test medication and ensure that they are of a safe and suitable standard.
  • Strive for further advancement of medicine by creating and standardising medication.
  • Continue to uphold your medical and scientific knowledge.
  • Carry out other medical practices involved more directly with the patient and other medical professionals.
  • Work within the strict guidelines of the pharmaceutical lawful and regulatory structure.
  • Work within moral and professional codes of medical authority.

Essential skills

  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of and an aptitude for medicine and the scientific discipline.
  • Good levels of dexterity when working in a laboratory setting and carrying out testing.
  • Attention to detail in order to monitor, test and create new medications.
  • Able to work as an individual and as part of a specialised medical team.
  • Good evaluative skills.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Flexible attitude.
  • Organised and professional manner.
  • Desire to improve the medical profession by creating new and improved medication.
  • Deal with administrative duties.