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How to get from PharmD to bench work drug synthesis?

As a high school senior, my current plan is to enter a 6 year PharmD program, then either go into a fellowship or a PhD program (in Organic Chemistry, perhaps) to secure the relevant qualifications for the R&D work I want to do. However, I'm very hesitant about the PharmD portion, as I am currently not enthusiastic about the clinical work it would entail. The real reason I want the degree is for security---if research ends up being too unstable, or if I need to take a break from education for any reason, clinical pharmacy seems like a good option financially and stability-wise. But as it stands, I really can't see myself doing it as a career---that simply isn't where my passion lies. So firstly: Does this plan make sense? Could someone with an educational background like the one I described be marketable to big pharma for research? If so, would someone with a PharmD (who has a heavy Organic Chem focus through electives, undergrad research, internships and summer programs, etc.) be marketable to PhD or fellowship programs in the realm of drug synthesis? Would it be possible to acquire the relevant experience to make it so, or would that pursuit conflict too strongly with pharmacy coursework/residency? Are there other, perhaps more straightforward ways to make it to the R&D roles I want, while still offering more secure and well-paying job options (without clinical focus, ideally)?


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Mary’s Answer

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS/BSc) programs are offered by specialized health science centers and universities, including prominent regional options like Temple University as well as national institutions like MCPHS and Ohio State University. These four-year undergraduate degrees focus on drug discovery, pharmacology, and development rather than clinical licensure. Getting PharmD is more appropriate if you want to pursue a career as a pharmacist. However, many PharmD's go on to get masters or PhD's in pharmaceutical research so you can work as a pharmacist and continue schooling to earn masters or doctorate degrees. Also within the PharmD curriculum you can work some of your rotations in final year at pharmaceutical companies just to get exposure to research to see whether it's right for you.
Prior to working in hospital pharmacy for over 35 years and now specialty retail pharmacy, I worked in formulation research and market research (in pharmaceutical industry) and it wasn't as gratifying FOR ME because I was really interested in having a more stable career in healthcare. It all depends on what you want!
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Michael’s Answer

Honestly I think you are overthinking your potential career and education choices
Any of the options you have mentioned in your multiple posts are fine
The thing to remember is there are no guarantees that whatever educational path you take will result in the career path you think you want
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