Expanding Knowledge on Thyroid-Related Conditions
Dr. Casey Greene, PharmD, IFMCP
Nearly 20 million people in the US struggle with a thyroid-related condition, a significant stat that shows the magnitude of its reach across the population. And while compounding medications common to thyroid issues (such as T3/T4) are not new to the compounding world, there is a deep technical expertise required to develop such unique medications.
No compounding pharmacy is created equal, so today’s compounding pharmacies determine if there are opportunities to enhance their thyroid expertise and how to communicate that expertise to their patients.
So, how do today’s pharmacists go about increasing their knowledge to be the best they can be and communicate with confidence?
Get Involved with Industry Organizations
Industry organizations are an excellent source of information as they serve as comprehensive hubs of education and research designed to improve thyroid condition prevention, diagnosis, and management. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is an excellent source for details on how to improve thyroid patient care and educate the public about thyroid health and diseases.
Additionally, industry organizations specific to compounding, such as the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, offer opportunities to witness specifically how compounding can benefit today’s patients struggling with thyroid issues.
Become Immersed in Industry Publications
A great deal of cutting-edge information can be found in industry publications, which include both trade media and peer-reviewed journals. The latest research – especially in journals – can prove to be quite valuable in ensuring a pharmacist delivers more of a positive impact, which is due to extended knowledge. The Annals of Thyroid, Journal of Thyroid Research, and Cure Today are great publications to explore when working to enhance your expertise.
Engaging with Thyroid Patients for Deeper Insights
Expanding your knowledge when it comes to thyroid-related conditions means getting insight from those who are currently experiencing them. By engaging with patients about the specific challenges they are facing, and how the latest compounded medications are impacting their health (e.g., side effects), pharmacists will be granted unique insight that can’t be found anywhere else.
Attending Thyroid Conferences for Continued Learning
If pharmacists aren’t regularly attending conferences or meetings centered around the thyroid, they are missing out on crucial education. It can certainly be challenging to carve out time, but attendance provides massive access to some of the greatest minds who are paving the way for industry advancements, from either or both a conventional approach (such as medication, monitoring, and symptoms management) and an integrative functional approach (holistic options, including nutrition modification). The ATA Annual Meeting is recommended.
Taking these steps towards deepening expertise in thyroid-related conditions can be daunting, so take it one at a time – even setting aside 15 minutes a day to read an article in an industry publication can make a huge difference as you continue down your path to increased knowledge.
Disclaimer: The FDA does not review any compounded medication for safety or efficacy. The information contained in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat a specific healthcare condition, but should be used as educational-only material.
