Charles D. Hepler

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Charles D. Hepler is a foundational figure in pharmacy practice, best known for pioneering the concept of pharmaceutical care and reshaping the profession’s clinical role. His key research areas include pharmacy ethics, healthcare systems, and the integration of pharmacists into patient-centered care teams. Hepler’s most influential contribution is his 1988 paper, “Unresolved Issues in the Future of Pharmacy,” which, with 41 citations, critically analyzed how technology, economics, and social values were transforming pharmacy. In this work, he argued that pharmacy must expand its informational role and reaffirm its societal contract by embracing a more direct, accountable relationship with patients. This vision laid the groundwork for the pharmaceutical care movement, which has since become a global standard. Hepler’s impact extends beyond citations; his ideas have inspired curriculum reforms, policy changes, and a shift from product-focused to patient-focused practice. His work remains essential reading for students and researchers exploring the evolution of pharmacy as a clinical profession.