Plastic surgery began as a way to repair or reconstruct injuries, or congenital issues-that may impede a person’s quality of life. In this case, plastic does not refer to the everyday ubiquitous material, but the greek word plastikos which means to mold or to shape. But as our ideas of beauty began to homogenize, plastic surgery took on a different face.

Beauty has always been a debatable topic-whether or it be in the eye of the beholder or merely an analog for truth. Except when seen in a biological and physiological light, it takes on a more basic sense. Beauty in the animal and plant kingdom is a means to an end-the propagation and the survival of the species. Therefore what is considered beautiful or better yet, attractive was what would lead to more and better offspring. The full lips, abundant breasts, even the blush of youth of a woman and the muscular physique of a man are all related to good health, unconsciously signifying the likelihood of the survival of children. So it definitely it is ironic how many improvements of cosmetic surgery may actually be a burden on raising children. So though we think that the movie stars are famous because of their beauty, we are also saying that we believe that they represent the better physical features of the human race.

Now, cosmetic surgery and show business seem to feed each other. The newest and more popular actors and actresses are new and old ideals to be copied. In the same way, a young unknown would do well for herself by getting some work done to make her an easier commodity to market.

What becomes problematic about this obsession with beauty and perfection is that the standard is set by the more powerful group, and one may that may not necessarily prize diversity over perfection. And as the West colonized the East, fair skin and Caucasian features became de riguer for beauty. Consequently, there are high incidences of cosmetic surgery in Korea and China to give women larger eyes and taller noses. But this is not a phenomenon limited to the outside of the country. The music videos of Michael Jackson show a changing face (but not by age,) Joan Rivers has made a career poking fun at her own vanity and her propensity for plastic surgery, and even young hopefuls like Heidi Montag have gone under the knife for multiple cosmetic procedures (which she first saw as a perfection of her perception of herself, and now regrets.)

It seems though that the tide has turned and cosmetic surgery has become less a solution and more a symptom of an obsession with a certain kind of perfection. Kim Kardashian has recently asked a fan not to undergo cosmetic surgery even if it is to look like her-months earlier, it was Demi Moore. Perhaps this kind of imitation is not necessarily flattery.

But attitudes surrounding beauty shift just as unpredictably as the economic, political and cultural climates do. And as science and technology develop as quickly as they have, cosmetic surgery is sure to change with it, molding itself to the fickle requirements of the people.

A pharmacist is an individual who is trained in the dispensing of medications to patients. They are trained the knowledge of medicines, compounds and ingredients, their effects in the body and interactions with other medicines. Pharmacies keep confidential computerized records of patients’ drug therapies to prevent harmful drug interactions when dispensing new or additional medications. Pharmacists are responsible for the accuracy of every prescription that is filled, sometimes verifying with the prescribing doctor, they will also manage Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy aides to assist them in the dispensing process.

Career options

*Retail
The first pharmacies were retail shops where medicines and tonics were sold for treatment of ailments and illnesses. These pharmacists mixed compounds and ingredients according to the patients needs. Pharmacists then and today have the knowledge about medicines, what they can cure or ease, and their effects when taken with other medicines or foods. Pharmacists in retail pharmacies dispense medications, counsel patients on the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and advise physicians about patients’ medication therapy. They can counsel patients about common health topics such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction. As drugstores also carry other medical related supplies, the pharmacist is there as a healthcare professional able to advice on the purchase and use of medical equipment such as crutches and braces.

*Healthcare
Pharmacists are an important part of the Healthcare system. Each hospital, clinic, nursing and convalescent home has pharmacists who will take the doctors prescription and devise a medicine regimen for treatment. Hospitals have a number of pharmacists who prescribe the medications and arrange daily dosages for each patient.

Insurance and benefits companies also require pharmacists to monitor prescriptions and treatments for reimbursement purposes. Pharmacists are also responsible for creating medicinal regimens and assist in establishing process and procedures for review and approvals for treatments.

*Pharmaceutical
Pharmacists and other related scientists are the founders of most of the modern pharmaceutical companies in the world. In earlier times, pharmacies sold medicines that were mixed or compounded in the store for each person. As the types of mixtures increased and other medicines were found to be effective against certain illnesses and ailments, pharmacists started companies to manufacture medicines that can be sold to a wider number of persons with the same ailment. Over time these companies became the first pharmaceuticals. Pharmacists are employed today in the pharmaceutical industry not only for research and development but for education of the consumers’ of the medicines such as retail pharmacy chains and insurance companies, and doctors.

*Other fields
Pharmacists are increasingly pursing careers in other fields. Pharmacists work for the government, veterinary medicine, managed care organizations, public health care services, the armed services, or pharmacy associations. Pharmacists are also employed full time or part time as school faculty, teaching classes or performing research in a wide range of areas.