Pharmacology

General description of the work Consultant Pharmacologists undertake

Consultant Pharmacologists are usually doctors (although there are some non–medically qualified Pharmacologists). They deal with all aspects of drug therapy including side effects of medication, drug interactions, adverse events and dosage issues. They may deal with clinical trials of new drugs. They may also deal with toxic effects of substances (toxicology).

Most common clinical areas / procedures leading to a claim of clinical negligence

  • Prescribing errors
  • Adverse effects of medication
  • Dispensing errors
  • Allergy to a prescribed medication

Sub–Specialities / Alternative and Additional job titles

The Consultant Pharmacologist may also be known as a Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist or a Consultant Medical Pharmacologist or a Consultant Toxicologist.

Usual Qualifications

The medically qualified Consultant Pharmacologists will usually have MRCP or FRCP (Member or Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians) after their names.

Academic Appointments

The Consultant Pharmacologist may be a Lecturer or Professor in Pharmacology at a Medical School. He/She may be an Examiner for one of the Royal College of Physicians.