Clinical pharmacology is a diverse and exciting field at the cutting edge of prescribing, research, drug development, and therapeutic advancement. A career in clinical pharmacology presents a range of non-clinical and clinical opportunities, including dual specialisation.

Clinical pharmacologists play a leading role in improving patient outcomes by optimising medicine use. Clinical pharmacologists have extensive skills in:

Managing patients with complex prescribing needs, including polypharmacy, adherence, and multimorbidity. They prevent and manage adverse drug reactions, and identify and reduce medication errors.

Advancing and refining the use of medicines and other therapeutics, including designing and leading safe and effective clinical trials. They work to discover new medicines, choose the best dosing regime, and explore new uses for existing medicines.

Medicines policy and management, playing a leading role in drug regulation and the development and implementation of prescribing guidelines and medicines optimisation policy. They provide leadership on the safe and optimal use of medicines within the health service at local, regional, and national levels, while also addressing issues related to drug safety and clinical toxicology.

Clinical expertise relevant to all specialties, aiming to improve prescribing practices and ensure prescribing decisions are evidence-based. They practice in a wide range of settings, including clinical practice, academia, research, industry, and drug regulation, considering factors like drug safety and toxicology.

Education and training across the whole workforce in relation to all aspects of the safe, effective, and economic use of medicines. They provide academic leadership in teaching and research in universities, hospitals, government departments, and industry. Clinical pharmacologists promote the undertaking of drug utilisation evaluations in hospitals and community practice, and provide important input into therapeutic drug monitoring use and interpretation.

Application of a scholarly approach, conducting and applying research and evidence in their daily practice to advance medicines and therapeutics and contribute to a growing global knowledge base. There are often opportunities within non-clinical practice to travel and collaborate with colleagues internationally.

Working as an integral part of multidisciplinary teams. Clinical pharmacologists have a collaborative approach which is focused on building relationships and improving quality control around the use of medicines.

Last modified: Thursday, 27 November 2025, 12:19 PM