With catch phrases like financial crisis and economic uncertainty being employed regularly, words like job security and starting salary of $80,000 is almost unheard of.

Well that is except for the world of Pharmacy, which hopes to open its doors to the Island on Tuesday night at their Health Fair at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).

Kiran Shah, who is the president of the Bermuda Pharmacist Association said the organisation is also hoping to dispel the myths that they do little more than counting pills or deciphering Doctor's scribble.

He explained that it can take between five and six years of studying before becoming a pharmacist, but because there is a shortage around the world, upon graduation you'll be in demand.

And with about five Bermudian pharmacists nearing retirement and few students on this career path Mr. Shah is encouraging everyone to find out more information about the career.

"Part of pharmacist week is encouraging Bermudians to take up the profession. There's a global shortage of pharmacists," he said.

"But the US Bureau of Labour Statistics handbook 2008-09 expects the employment of pharmacists to grow by 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is a lot faster then other occupations.

"The population is increasing and combined with the increase in health care leads to an increasing need for pharmacists.

"In a financial crisis and you hardly hear of jobs for life or job security, pharmacy really offers that."

From helping people with medication advice to general health advice before sending them to their doctors, pharmacy offers a large scope for advancement.

And trying to explain those opportunities and linking with other health organisations is the Health Fair 2008 at BUEI tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The fair is free and a host of speakers including Liz Boden, Dr. Teye-Botchway, Dr. Dyer, and Dr. Soares will offer information on topics varying from Open Airways to drug side effects.

Health screenings will look for blood glucose, spirometry for asthma, blood pressure, medication reviews and nutrition advice.

There will be information booths, door prizes and refreshments.

Mr. Shah also encouraged attendees to bring their medications to the fair so the pharmacists can help review them or see if generic equivalents could be switched-in.

Generics can help the public save money and Mr. Shah said that is the second thing pharmacists were trying to do.

He said: "There are no appointments necessary (at a pharmacy) and it's a great place to go for advice. That's another reason for the health fair. It's not just a place for a job opportunity, but also for health advice. We want to improve the health standards for the general public."

For more information call Mr. Shah at 279-5409 or visit their website at: www.bpa.bm.