While I often rail against retail, I cannot say that I did not have rewarding moments during my years there. There were times when my job did live up to its billing as “being the most accessible healthcare professional.” Just being there to answer a simple but burning question for a patient was often very satisfying. By this, I mean that the person’s reaction was, “Oh, is that all that meant. WHAT A RELIEF!” And I had that info all along, and didn’t have to look it up; it was just a fact in this musty head of mine.

The public should feel free to ask the pharmacist questions, but, yes, questions to the pharmacist should be healthcare-related. Ask a sales associate about where the toothpicks are.