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National Pharmacist Day

Show your gratitude to pharmacists this National Pharmacist Day - thank them for their dedication, hard work and commitment to helping others!

Tuesday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYHealthcare

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Pharmacist Day on January 12th by recognizing the important role that pharmacists play in our healthcare system. This special day has been around since the 1970s and is a great way to show appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication. Pharmacists use their knowledge of medications, disease states, dosage forms, patient safety protocols and more to help ensure that every patient receives the best possible care.

TIMELINE

National Pharmacist Day Timeline

Pharmacy Origins

The first known compilation of pharmaceutical knowledge, "A Collection of Drugs," was created by Persian scholar, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi.

Separation of Pharmacy and Medicine

In Italy, laws were established by Emperor Frederick II to separate the professions of the apothecary (pharmacist) and the physician.

First U.S. Pharmacy College

The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in the United States, was founded.

Pharmacy's Role in World War II

Pharmacists played a crucial role during World War II, providing soldiers with essential medicines and contributing to wartime medical advancements.

Pharmacists Immunization Advocacy

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) launched an initiative to train pharmacists in providing immunizations, further expanding their healthcare role.

Recognition of Pharmacists as Healthcare Providers

The Pharmacist Provider Status Legislation was introduced, recognizing pharmacists as integral members of healthcare teams.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pharmacist Day

Bake a cake

Show your appreciation for your pharmacist by baking them a cake. You could even decorate the cake with some pill designs or their name.

WRITE

Write a thank you letter

Think of all the ways that your pharmacist has helped you and write them a heartfelt thank you letter. This will be something they can keep and look back on in the future.

SEND

Send flowers

Surprise your pharmacist with a bouquet of flowers to show your appreciation. You could even attach a card with a nice message.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at their pharmacy

If you can, volunteer at their pharmacy to help out and show your support. Even if it's just for an hour, it'll mean a lot to them.

Share online

Spread the word about National Pharmacist Day on social media and encourage others to show their appreciation for their pharmacists as well.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Pharmacist Day is Important

Pharmacists promote health education

In addition to dispensing medication, pharmacists also promote health education. They can provide patients with information about drug interactions, side effects and other important topics related to medication safety.

Pharmacists provide vital healthcare services

Pharmacists play a pivotal role in providing quality healthcare to the public. Whether it’s filling prescriptions or providing advice on over-the-counter medications, they are the experts who can help ensure that patients get the safe and effective treatment they need.