Helpful pharmacists

I couldn’t agree more with Gary Levin that pharmacists are much more than pill dispensers (Put pharmacist on health team, Open Mic, Jan. 13).

It is important to be able to communicate and have an open relationship with a trusted pharmacist. I learned a long time ago to trust my pharmacist, Roland Adamyan, who heads the pharmaceutical department at my local CVS. He said that it takes four years of study strictly related to medicines and their effects, plus post graduate work. He said the average doctor takes, at most, six months of training in the dispensation of medicines.

Also, doctors have a lot on their hands, while a pharmacist stays on top of the latest advances. One time a pharmacist said to me that he would only recommend a medication after it has been on the market for three years. Stay in close contact with your pharmacist. Your life and health may depend on it.

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Helpful pharmacists."