A pharmacist is trained in the science of pharmacy to prepare and dispense medicinal drugs, whereas a chemist is trained in the science of chemistry to research and experiment with chemical substances. The terms are sometimes confused in British English, which uses “a shop where you can buy medicines” as a secondary definition of “chemist.”
The job duties of a pharmacist working in a retail pharmacy or a hospital include advising patients about medicines, such as how often to take them and side effects they may cause. A pharmacist also makes sure drugs are stored securely and dispensed according to the law. Pharmacists working for a pharmaceutical manufacturer supervise the production of medicines and help assess their effectiveness.