ABSTRACT
This chapter talks about the opportunities pharmacists have and the kinds of work pharmacists do in government service. It discusses the US Public Health Service (PHS) and the various areas pharmacists can work within the PHS, for example, the Indian Health Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and federal prisons. Government pharmacy's greatest need is for clinical pharmacists to work with medically underserved populations. Most Public Health Service pharmacists begin their careers in a clinical setting, advancing to senior clinical positions or moving to research or administration. Pharmacy technicians, both civilian and military, are taking on more responsibility in drug dispensing and distribution as pharmacists take on more clinical responsibility. Most of the ambulatory care pharmacists in the Veterans Affairs have prescribing privileges, but they must use them under the protocol of the physician.
