Father of Pharmacy- Pharm-D

Pharmacy was not invented by a single person. Instead, it evolved over thousands of years. However, the ancient Greek physician Claudius Galen is widely considered the "Father of Pharmacy" for developing standardized medicinal formulas and foundational pharmacological principles. 

The origins of the profession span across several key historical milestones:

• Ancient Mesopotamia & Egypt (c. 2600 BC): The earliest known apothecaries and written medical prescriptions were recorded by Sumerians and ancient Egyptians on clay tablets and papyri (like the Ebers Papyrus). 
• The Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th Century): Muslim scholars and alchemists greatly advanced pharmaceutical sciences, and the first private apothecary shops were established in Baghdad. 
• Separation of Professions (17th Century): European societies formally separated the roles of the physician (who diagnosed) and the pharmacist (who prepared and dispensed medicines). 

Notable Regional Pioneers:

• America: Professor William Procter Jr. is often called the "Father of American Pharmacy" for helping establish the American Pharmacists Association in 1852.
• India: Mahadev Lal Schroff is recognized as the "Father of Indian Pharmacy" for introducing the country's first dedicated pharmacy education courses at Banaras Hindu University in 1932. 

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree was not created by a single founder. Instead, it evolved through institutional adoption. Globally, modern clinical pharmacy residencies began in 1927 at the University of Michigan (championed by Harvey A.K. Whitney). 

In India, the Pharm.D. degree was introduced and regulated by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and the Government of India in 2008. If you are looking for the pioneer of structured pharmacy education in India, Prof. Mahadeva Lal Schroff is widely revered as the "Father of Pharmacy Education" in the country. 

Paul F. Parker (1919–1998) did not invent or independently found the Pharm.D. degree itself, but he is a celebrated pioneer of modern clinical pharmacy and one of the chief architects of the clinical residency model that shapes the degree today. 

Throughout his career, Parker's major contributions to the profession included:

• The Clinical Model: He was a visionary for moving pharmacists from behind the counter into patient care areas and establishing the first pharmacist-staffed drug information center. 
• Residency Training: As Director of Pharmacy at the University of Kentucky (1960–1984), he created one of the nation's premier combined residency and Pharm.D. programs. This heavily influenced the didactic and clinical standards for future Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) tracks.
• The Paul F. Parker Medal: The American College of Clinical Pharmacy awards a medal named in his honor, recognizing individuals who make sustained, innovative contributions to the profession of pharmacy.

MBBS

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) does not have a single "founder". The degree originated from medieval European universities, particularly in the UK, as a way to standardize medical and surgical practices. It was introduced in India by the British East India Company in the 1830s. 

The MBBS degree traces its structural roots back to ancient university traditions in Scotland and England. In India, the degree was institutionalized when the British government and the East India Company opened the first modern medical schools. 

Key historical milestones and figures include:

• The Pioneer Institution: The first systematic medical college in India was Medical College Kolkata, established in 1835 under the guidance of Lord William Bentinck. The first batch of students graduated in 1839. 
• Indian Contributors: Visionaries like Jagannath Shankarsheth and Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy were instrumental in founding later pioneer institutions like the Grant Medical College in Mumbai, which began conferring medical degrees in the mid-1840s. 
• Father of Medicine: If you are looking for the ancient founding father of Western medicine, it is the Greek physician Hippocrates. For surgery, the ancient Indian physician Sushruta is widely recognized. 

BHMS

BHMS stands for Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery, a 5.5-year undergraduate degree in India focused on alternative, holistic medicine. It trains students to diagnose and treat patients using natural healing methods, including a 4.5-year academic study and a 1-year compulsory internship. 

Key Details About BHMS:

• Course Structure: The curriculum covers Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacy, Materia Medica, and Organon of Medicine
  .
Eligibility: Students typically need a 10+2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, along with passing the NEET entrance exam.
Duration: 5.5 years, including 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of internship.
Career Opportunities: Graduates become licensed homeopathic doctors capable of working in private clinics, government hospitals, or pursuing higher education.

BHMS is distinct from MBBS, as it specializes in homeopathic principles rather than allopathic medicine. 

BHMS CCH refers to the Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH), the former statutory regulatory body in India that governed homeopathy education and practice under the Ministry of AYUSH. It was responsible for regulating the Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree course. Note that the CCH has been replaced by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). 

Key Details Regarding CCH and BHMS:

• Role: The CCH (now NCH) regulates BHMS education, ensuring standards in admission, curriculum, and examinations.
• BHMS: Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery, a 5.5-year undergraduate degree.
• Context: While CCH primarily means the regulatory council, BHMS graduates may also pursue a "Certificate in Community Health" (CCH/Bridge Course) to work in health centers. 

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• NCH (National Commission for Homoeopathy): The new governing body replacing CCH.
• Council of Homoeopathy: Frequently used to refer to the central governing body. 

After completing BHMS, top post-graduation options include specializing via MD in Homeopathy (Materia Medica, Repertory, Pediatrics, Psychiatry), Master of Public Health (MPH), or Masters in Hospital Administration (MHA). Other paths include PG diplomas in Clinical Research, Emergency Medicine, Nutrition, or Health Management to enhance career opportunities. 

Key Postgraduate Specializations After BHMS:

• MD in Homeopathy (3 Years): Specialized fields include Practice of Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Repertory, Materia Medica, Pharmacy, and Organon of Medicine.
• Masters/MBA in Healthcare Management: Options include MHA (Master of Hospital Administration) and MBA in Healthcare/Pharmaceutical Management for leadership roles.
• Master of Public Health (MPH): Focuses on community health, epidemiology, and policy.
• MSc Courses: Specialized areas like MSc in Clinical Research, Applied Psychology, Food and Nutrition, or Human Genome. 

Post Graduate Diplomas & Certificates (Short-term/Diploma): 

• Clinical Specialties: Diploma in Emergency Medicine, PG Diploma in Clinical Research, Fellowship in Medical Cosmetology, or Fellowship in Homeopathic Dermatology.
• Management & Allied Health: PG Diploma in Hospital Administration, Food and Nutrition, or Pharmaceutical Management.
• Technological/Cardiac Studies: Certificate in ECG Interpretation or Advanced Certificate in NABH accreditation. 

Career Pathways Post-PG:

• Medical Officer: Positions in government (NHM, State PSC, ESIC, Railways) or private hospitals.
• Clinical Researcher: Roles in clinical trial management and pharma companies.
• Hospital Administrator: Managing operations in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• Academician: Teaching in homeopathic colleges. 

Entrance Exams for PG Courses:

• AIAPGET (All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test): Required for admission to MD Hom courses.
• CAT/MAT: Required for many MBA programs in hospital management. 

MD programs in homeopathy are typically 3 years and are available at government (often with stipends of ₹30,000–₹40,000) and private institutes. 

The "divine god" or founder of homeopathy is the German physician Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843). He developed the foundational principles of this alternative system of medicine in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 

Core Philosophy

Hahnemann's work is based on several key concepts outlined in his foundational text, the Organon of the Healing Art:

• Law of Similars: Often translated as "like cures like" (similia similibus curantur), this principle states that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person.
• Minimum Dose: Medicines are administered in highly diluted amounts to minimize potential side effects while attempting to trigger the body's natural healing responses.

Legacy

• World Homeopathy Day: The global homeopathic community observes World Homeopathy Day annually on April 10th to honor Hahnemann's birthday.
• Indian Context: Given your location in Gujarat, India, it's worth noting that India is one of the primary regions where homeopathy is widely practiced today. The country hosts hundreds of thousands of registered practitioners and numerous homeopathic medical colleges

Babu Rajendra Lal Dutta (1818–1889) is widely recognized as the Father of Indian Homoeopathy. A prominent Bengali philanthropist and layman practitioner, he was instrumental in popularizing the system and successfully bringing it into the esteem of the Indian elite by curing notable figures like Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. 

While Dr. John Martin Honigberger introduced the practice to India in 1839, Dutta championed the practice's cause from the 1860s onwards. He is heavily credited with converting eminent allopaths like Dr. Mahendra Lal Sircar to homoeopathy, paving the way for its rapid acceptance across the country.

BAMS

BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree in India integrating traditional Ayurveda with modern medicine. It covers subjects like anatomy, physiology, and herbal medicine, requiring a NEET-qualified 12th-grade pass (PCB). Graduates work as registered Ayurvedic doctors. 

Key Details About BAMS:

• Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years academic study + 1-year mandatory internship)
  .
Full Form: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery.
Admission Process: Admission is based on the NEET-UG exam.
Curriculum: Studies cover Rachana Sharir (Anatomy), Kriya Sharir (Physiology), Ayurveda Samhita (Classical texts), Dravyaguna (Pharmacology), and modern medical subjects.
Career Scope: Graduates can work as Ayurvedic doctors, Medical Officers, Panchakarma Specialists, or in research/pharmaceuticals.
Salary: Starting salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to INR 15 LPA.
Further Studies: Graduates can pursue PG courses like MD (Ayurveda) or MS (Ayurveda). 

The program is regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). 

Top post-graduation options after BAMS include MD/MS (Ayurveda) in specialties like Kayachikitsa or Shalya Tantra (3 years), Masters in Public Health (MPH), MBA in Healthcare Management, and clinical research diplomas. Admission to MD/MS requires passing the AIAPGET exam. Other options include Panchakarma, nutrition, or legal medicine, offering pathways into clinical practice, research, and management. 

Top Post-Graduation Courses (Degree & Diploma)

• MD/MS in Ayurveda (3 years): The most popular path for specialization. Top branches include:
  • Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
  • Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
  • Panchakarma (Detoxification)
  • Prasuti Tantra & Stri Roga (Gynecology & Obstetrics)
  • Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics)
• Masters in Public Health (MPH) & Health Administration (MHA): High demand for policy and management roles.
• MBA in Healthcare Management: Prepares graduates for hospital administration.
• M.Sc. in Clinical Research: Focuses on drug trials.
• Post Graduate Diplomas (1-2 years):
  • PG Diploma in Panchakarma: Specialized practical training.
  • PG Diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs: Focus on pharmaceutical law.
  • Diploma in Medical Trichology: Hair treatment specialization. 

Alternative Specialized Courses

• Certificate in Ksharasutra: Specialized anorectal surgery training.
• Certificate in Nadi Pariksha: Pulse diagnosis specialization.
• MBA in Medicinal Marketing: Focus on pharmaceutical marketing.
• LLB: For careers as a medico-legal advisor.

Key Entrance Exam

• AIAPGET (All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test): Required for admission to MD/MS courses in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. 

Post-graduation options after BAMS include specialization in Ayurveda through MD/MS (3 years), clinical specializations like Panchakarma, or diversifying into healthcare management (MBA), public health (MPH), and clinical research. Key entrance exams for top PG Ayurveda courses (MD/MS) in India include AIAPGET. 

Top PG Courses After BAMS

• MD (Ayurveda): Specializations include Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine), Dravya Guna (Pharmacology), Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics), and Rasa Shastra.
• MS (Ayurveda): Focuses on surgical aspects like Shalya Tantra (Surgery) and Shalakya Tantra (ENT).
• Master of Public Health (MPH): Focused on community health and research, popular among BAMS graduates.
• MBA in Healthcare Management: Focuses on hospital administration and healthcare business.
• M.Sc in Clinical Research: Ideal for entering the pharmaceutical, clinical trials, or research industry.
• PG Diploma Courses: Specialized options include PG Diploma in Panchakarma, Medical Trichology, Food and Nutrition, or Drug Regulatory Affairs (6 months - 1 year). 

Specialized Certifications

• Ksharasutra Certification: Specialized training for treating anorectal disorders.
• Nadi Pariksha Course: Focuses on pulse diagnosis.

Career & Academic Pathways

• PhD in Ayurveda: Research-focused option after completing an MD/MS.
• Corporate & Management: Roles in Medical Tourism, Hospital Administration, and Pharmaceutical Management.
• Allopathic Bridge Courses: Some states allow for certificates like the Diploma in Allopathy Medicine & Surgery (DAMS) for emergency training. 

GOD OF AYURVEDA

Lord Dhanvantari is the celestial physician of the gods and the divine originator of Ayurveda in Hindu mythology. He is revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who emerged from the cosmic ocean carrying the pot of the elixir of immortality (Amrita) to bless humanity with health, vitality, and longevity. 

Legend and Iconography

• The Origin: According to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) legend, he rose from the waters bearing a cup filled with the nectar of life.
• Appearance: He is typically depicted as a handsome, four-armed deity resembling Lord Vishnu. His hands traditionally hold:
  1. The Amrit Kalash (pot of nectar).
  2. The Shankha (conch shell).
  3. The Chakra (discus).
  4. Medicinal herbs or a leech (symbolizing ancient bloodletting/surgical healing). 

Significance in Ayurveda

Dhanvantari is considered the guru of all healers, and his teachings are the foundation of traditional Indian medicine. Ayurveda emphasizes holistic healing, focusing on the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) to prevent disease and promote long-term well-being. 

Worship & Festivals

• Dhanteras: He is primarily worshipped during Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Jayanti), which falls on the 13th lunar day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik. Devotees pray to him for good health and protection from ailments.
• Mantra: A popular healing chant dedicated to him is often recited for vitality and peace:

  Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalash Hastaya Sarva-amaya Vinashaya Trailokya-nathaya Dhanvantari-mahaye Namah.

another letter in the scheme of things- further

To DATE: 27/03/2012
PLACE:RAICHUR
The Registrar,
Rajiv Gandhi University Of Health Sciences,Karnataka
Bangalore,
Subject:Immediate attention for correction & inclusion of subjects for pharm D (PB) course-reg
Through: The Principal, N.E.T Pharmacy College Raichur.
Respected Sir,
We are the Pharm-D(Post Baccalautreate) students(2010-2013) pursuing the course from NET Pharmacy College Raichur under RGUHS.
According to Pharm-D (Post Baccalaureate) regulations 2008 mentioned in RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, Karnataka, the scheme of Examination for Pharm-D(Post Baccalaureate) Course, given in page no. 4,the subject Hospital and Community pharmacy(serial no.1.5) is already mentioned to be included in the First Year(Fourth year of Pharm-D course). But instead the above subject, Biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics(serial no. 4.5) has been included, as given in table (First year Post baccalaureate-Fourth year of Pharm-D course) on page no.2.
This is to inform you that, at our B.Pharm syllabus under various Universities we didn’t had subjects of Hospital & Community Pharmacy, and Pathophysiology. These subjects are the basic and fundamental subjects for a Pharm-D(PB) course, upon which other subjects are based e.g.: Pharmacotherapeutics I,II,and III are related with Pathophysiology. Though these subjects are included in the Pharm D(6yr-regular) university syllabus in 2nd year, where as these are not included in Pharm D(PB) RGUHS syllabus. Sir, this is to bring to your notice that these above subjects are very important for an aspirant clinical pharmacist to understand the basics and are the essence of the Pharm D(PB) course.
All of us students of Pharm D(PB) also had not studied either of these two subjects or one or none in our B.Pharm syllabus under our respective universities.
Sir, without having these 2 basic clinically oriented subjects (1.Hospital&Community Pharmacy) and 2. Pathophysiology our course wont be valid and valued.
We request you to kindly consider our appeal and make suitable amendments in the existing Pharm.D(PB) Syllabus by adding these 2 basic subjects, effective from this academic year, so that we all Pharm D(PB) students may cover all the required core subjects under our syllabus which will enable us to be at par with Pharm D(6yr-regular) students who already have these subjects in their syllabus. This may also enable us to be eligible for appearing in competitive exams at international level. Hence we shall get better jobs and opportunities globally.
We hope our request will be considered favorably and implemented at the earliest.
Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely,
Pharm D(Post Baccalaureate) students,
2010-13 batch
N.E.T PC Raichur.
ENCLOSURES: 1. List of Pharm D(PB) students of N.E.T Pharmacy College, who completed B.Pharm . from various universities (including RGUHS) with subjects not studied in their B.Pharm.
2. The remarks of our faculty on addition of subjects in Pharm D(PB) syllabus. . 3. FPGEC bulletin 2011. Copy to: 1. Dean, Faculty Of Pharmacy, RGUHS, Bangalore. . 2. Chairman; BOS, Faculty Of , RGUHS, Bangalore.

Pharmacist and Pharmacotherapist

Pharmacists are healthcare/pharmacare professionals focused on the safe dispensing, management, and education regarding medications. Pharmacotherapists are specialized pharmacists who work directly with physicians to design, monitor, and adjust individualized, complex medication therapies to optimize patient outcomes, often in clinical or hospital settings. 

Key Differences:

• Role Focus: Pharmacists ensure medication safety, provide counseling, and dispense prescriptions. Pharmacotherapists focus on therapeutic drug management, disease state management, and optimizing drug regimens.
• Work Setting: Pharmacists often work in community pharmacies or hospital settings. Pharmacotherapists are generally specialized clinicians found in hospitals or specialized clinics.
• Specialization: While all pharmacists have a PharmD, a pharmacotherapist often holds board certification (e.g., Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist - BCPS).
• Patient Interaction: Both interact with patients, but pharmacotherapists have a more direct role in therapeutic decision-making alongside doctors. 

Shared Goals:
Both aim to maximize therapeutic benefits, ensure safe medication use, prevent drug-related problems, and enhance overall quality of life for patients. 

DEA number

A DEA number (DEA Registration Number) is an identifier assigned to a health care provider (such as a physician, optometrist, ], dentist, or veterinarian) by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration allowing them to write prescriptions for controlled substances.

After completion of Pharm D(PB) in India and after successfully passing entrance exam by CPC in India again, will the indian pharmacist is supposed to appear for entrance exam FPGEE /NAPLEX in USA, so as a DEA number is issued to him by USA ? 

Yes, a pharmacist with a PharmD can obtain a DEA number, but only if their state of practice grants them prescriptive authority and they meet specific legal requirements. By default, holding a PharmD does not automatically mean you possess or need a DEA registration. 

The rules vary depending on your scope of practice:

• Clinical Pharmacists (Restricted): In states that allow pharmacists to prescribe or manage medication therapies (such as managing controlled substances in clinics or the VA health system), a pharmacist can register with the DEA as a mid-level practitioner. There are only about 11 states (including California, Washington, New Mexico, and Ohio) that broadly authorize this for qualifying clinical pharmacists. 
• Retail Pharmacists (Usually No): Retail or community pharmacists typically do not have or require their own personal DEA numbers to verify, process, or dispense controlled substances. They rely on the DEA numbers of the prescribing doctors (or hospitals) to verify prescriptions.