Clinical pharmacology: opportunities for educating new practitioners--an Australian perspective

Abstract

There has been a transformation in the role of clinical pharmacologists in Australasia. The traditional approach was for medically qualified, college-accredited (postgraduate education), hospital-based clinical pharmacologists to confine themselves mainly to a local focus. Today many more opportunities exist for expanding the roles of health professionals who have the clinical pharmacology training. These professionals can influence national and international policy, practice, and education in their field. However, the new roles do require extra initiatives in providing educational input in clinical pharmacology to take care of future needs. Some of the potential gaps in the process are identified in this article.