The myth of the public health pharmacist in the U.S.A.

nd most of the clientele is known by both Carol and e store owner. As a result of some clinical exposure that Carol had in pharmacy school, patients wishing to have their blood pressure checked can do so by Carol for a fee of $2.00. Ralph Jones is a pharmacist for the local hospital and is active in many community affairs. As an adjunct to his professional duties, Ralph is the chairman of the Lions Clubs glaucoma detection clinics and as such has been instrumental in holding one-day screenings at the local shopping centre for the last four years. Paul Clayton is a phamacist for a small chain of drug stores. At his store he actively displays numerous informational posters on health topics that should be of interest to his customers. Beside the checkout, he maintains a stock of health related brochures for the patients to take or look at while waiting. According to conventional wisdom in American pharmacy circles, these pharmacists are actively involved in public health activities. However, a closer