Let us be pharmacists in GP practices

It was interesting to read discussions about working in GP practice (
Clinical Pharmacist 2016;8:202). There is a vital role for a pharmacist in every GP practice, but a job title without the word ‘pharmacist’ would seem to be ill advised.

The suggested title of medicines specialist practitioners (MSPs) from Steve Williams seems too open, making the role easier to poach. It would be sensible to approach this role without confrontation or strange titles.

We are pharmacists, highly qualified experts in our own field. Pharmacists have and always will be medicines specialists. We work alongside our medical and nursing colleagues with high self esteem, without the need to “wear a new coat”. The job description can fill in the details rather than trying to make the title fit the role. So let us be pharmacists in GP practices.

[Author redacted]