Famous pharmacists you should read about

As a student studying in one of the best pharmacy colleges in India, you might have ventured in this field few goals in mind. To accomplish them, you will study not only hard but also take exciting work opportunities. However, staying motivated all the time to achieve these goals can be tiresome. In that case, reading about people who accomplished a lot in this field can inspire you to get closer to your goals. To help you with that, we have listed down a few pharmacists who are known to be game-changers.

1. Alexander Flemming

We all know Alexander Flemming for his discovery of penicillin. It is an antiseptic drug, which was first used to treat soldiers during World War 1 and is still used by doctors to this day. However, what we don’t know about Flemming is his work before discovering penicillin. He also discovered enzyme lysozyme, which is used in killing viruses. In addition, he credited with notable research in the fields of bacteriology, immunology, and chemotherapy.

In recognition of his achievements in pharmacy, Flemming was knighted in 1944. In 1999, he was named in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th century. In 2009, he was voted as the ‘third greatest Scot’.

2. Friedrich Serturner

Friedrich Serturner is considered amongst the pioneers of discovering pain-relief drugs. He was the first to isolate morphine from opium. Opium’s addiction was wide-spread across Europe but no one knew its medicinal properties. Serturner was the first to identify it. Then, Sertuner studied morphine for 10 years and discovered its properties. In 1815, the circulation of morphine as a pain-relieving drug was carried out. Morphine is used to this day.

3. John Pemberton

While most pharmacists are known to discover ground-breaking medicines, Pemberton is unique in this regard. He discovered Coca-Cola, the world's most popular soft drink. The story behind the discovery is very interesting. In April 1865, Dr. Pemberton sustained a wound to the chest during the Battle of Columbus. He soon became addicted to the morphine to ease his pain. To cure his addiction, John started to look for alternatives. In this quest, he stumbled upon coca and coca wines; from where the name Coca-Cola is derived.

Thus, John Pemberton is credited with discovering a soft drink which is highly talked about in popular culture.

We hope the stories of these three gentlemen motivates you to work tirelessly towards your goals. You have availed a fantastic opportunity to study in one of the best pharmacy colleges in Bangalore or elsewhere. Take full advantage of it!