Medical science liaisons are involved with research and development, drug safety, regulatory affairs, and marketing and sales. They keep health care providers and researchers update on latest research, attend conferences, and present new product information to physicians.

Clinical pharmacists practice in health care settings directly with health professionals and patients to ensure that the medications prescribed for patients contribute to the best possible health outcomes. They assess the status of the patient’s health problems and determine whether the prescribed medications are optimally meeting the patient’s needs and goals of care and consult with the patient’s physicians and other health care providers in selecting the medication therapy that best meets the patient’s needs and contributes effectively to the overall therapy goals. Clinical pharmacists also educate the patient on other important steps to improve or maintain health, such as exercise, diet, and preventive steps like immunization.

Academic pharmacists train future pharmacists and conduct research. They share pharmaceutical knowledge and information with other health care professionals and students. Academic pharmacists speak at industry events and contribute to science and education publications. They may have some direct contact with patients.