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Pharmacy Student seeking advice PLEASE HELP

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Anonymous

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I am currently a first year pharmacy student and am in dire need of advice. As of right now, I am reconsidering my decision to become a pharmacist as I am realizing that the profession may not be the best fit for me, not to mention the rigorous workload has become overwhelming for a profession I’ve lost passion for. I’m still very interested in the field of pharmacy, just not the monotonous dispensing of drugs to patients everyday, which is why I’ve gained an interest in entering the pharmaceutical company sector. I believe that pharma sales would be a great start for me, and so far the job sounds very attractive with a salary similar to what I’d earn as a pharmacist without the heavy student loans and course work. I have never had an interest in sales, but the fact that I can use my science background to discuss drug properties and actions with physicians and patients makes it sound not as bad. If anyone could please give me advice on whether this is a wise decision, the pros and cons with pharma sales, and the total job satisfaction compared to what I’d have as a pharmacist considering what I have discussed previously, it would be greatly appreciated :)
 




For Pete's sake STAY in Pharmacy school. I dropped out 14 years ago - have a strong science background - makes product discussion / PK knowledgeeasy-but the reality is the security you have in Big Pharma is GONE.
You will look back with continual regret that you did not stay on track and finish
As far as debt goes - work with a pharmaceutical company after you finish - there is always a demand for a clinical pharmacist. Trust me if you think passing your first year of pharmacy school is hard - the pressure that comes from staying on with a company are real world and will turn your hair gray.
Drink your drugs, Don't do Milk, and STAY IN SCHOOL
 




Stay in pharm school. Go the clinical pharm or hospital pharm route. The job security is 1 million times better than pharma sales.

Also, with no sales experience, you will need to get at least a year under your belt selling b2b, e.g. copiers, phone system services, construction equipment or parts, etc.. That gig will make or break you.

Pharmacists can usually rake in the $$ with overtime, however, there is much stress and mucho responsibility involved with the job. My present partner at my pharma company was a pharmacist and he couldn't stand the crap and pressure. The techs screw up all the time and it's the pharmacist's ass on the line, constantly scrutinized by the governing boards with hearing after hearing. The pharmacists are turning into scumbags getting bonuses based on how many poor saps they switch from the on-label branded drug to oft times off-label generics. I have lost much respect for retail pharmacists because they are sleazier than any doctor I've called on. The same for the ones making decisions for the formularies regarding prior auths and step edits. Patient is last, profit comes first.

You should become a P.A. (physicians assistant) specializing in Orthopedic surgery. They make shitloads of money($100k to $300k). They get 10-15% cuts on everything they do. If I had to do it all over again, I'd become an ortho surgeon or P.A. ortho.

Just don't go into pharma sales it's a dying industry.
 




Anonymous said:
I am currently a first year pharmacy student and am in dire need of advice. As of right now, I am reconsidering my decision to become a pharmacist as I am realizing that the profession may not be the best fit for me, not to mention the rigorous workload has become overwhelming for a profession I’ve lost passion for. I’m still very interested in the field of pharmacy, just not the monotonous dispensing of drugs to patients everyday, which is why I’ve gained an interest in entering the pharmaceutical company sector. I believe that pharma sales would be a great start for me, and so far the job sounds very attractive with a salary similar to what I’d earn as a pharmacist without the heavy student loans and course work. I have never had an interest in sales, but the fact that I can use my science background to discuss drug properties and actions with physicians and patients makes it sound not as bad. If anyone could please give me advice on whether this is a wise decision, the pros and cons with pharma sales, and the total job satisfaction compared to what I’d have as a pharmacist considering what I have discussed previously, it would be greatly appreciated :)
Click to expand...
 




Anonymous said:
I am currently a first year pharmacy student and am in dire need of advice. As of right now, I am reconsidering my decision to become a pharmacist as I am realizing that the profession may not be the best fit for me, not to mention the rigorous workload has become overwhelming for a profession I’ve lost passion for. I’m still very interested in the field of pharmacy, just not the monotonous dispensing of drugs to patients everyday, which is why I’ve gained an interest in entering the pharmaceutical company sector. I believe that pharma sales would be a great start for me, and so far the job sounds very attractive with a salary similar to what I’d earn as a pharmacist without the heavy student loans and course work. I have never had an interest in sales, but the fact that I can use my science background to discuss drug properties and actions with physicians and patients makes it sound not as bad. If anyone could please give me advice on whether this is a wise decision, the pros and cons with pharma sales, and the total job satisfaction compared to what I’d have as a pharmacist considering what I have discussed previously, it would be greatly appreciated :)
Click to expand...
 




Whatever you do .... STAY IN PHARMACY SCHOOL!!! Pharmacy is a great profession with many opportunities. I would stay out of focus on hospital / institutional pharmacy. Big pharma is just too stress, internal politics, and focus on the bottom line. Hospital and institutional has many, many different paths in pharmacy. Please, please, do dot quit pharmacy school. Pharmacy is still a wonderful profession.
 








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