The overarching message of this review is that there is an important and rewarding professional role for pharmacists beyond pharmaceutical product supply and management. The pharmaceutical product should be seen not as an end in itself as often emphasized in pharmaceutical education and practice, but rather as a means to an end. Where medicines are used for the greatest possible benefit of each individual patient and of society as a whole, this will result in improvements in health as well as cost savings. This review focused on role of good pharmacy practice in different contexts. New pharmacists should have the knowledge and skills needed to take up their new role and responsibilities and to function as collaborative members of the health care team.