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Where does a PharmD lead to?

Are there oppurtunities for someone with a PharmD to work outside of a pharmacy? What specific field would entail a pharmacist working in a hospital doing more than just distributing drugs?

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David’s Answer

Keep in mind that a pharmacy degree is quite versatile, something that is often overlooked. Having the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary of pharmacy is highly valued in pharmaceutical and biotech, which are growing. Entry positions may include working as a clinical research associate (monitor), or in regulatory affairs, drug safety (pharmacovigilance), or medical information. These positions may be in a biopharmaceutical company or Clinical Research Organization that supports them. Once in industry, a pharmacist may find themselves well positioned for many positions across R and D or even on the commercial side. An internship or industry rotation is an excellent way to explore this and get experience. Some companies even offer early career "development" programs. Working in the biopharmaceutical industry is rewarding in many ways, including being a part of development and access to important new therapies for unmet medical need.

David recommends the following next steps:

Look for IPPE and APPE opportunities in P3 and P4 years
Seek out summer internships at a biotech or pharma company; there are many excellent ones
Connect with a mentor at a pharma company
Thank you comment icon I agree with David’s response Nick D’Angelo, PharmD, CSP, MSCS
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Jaime’s Answer

Agree with David. There are a lot of opportunities to leverage your PharmD within Biotech and Pharma. Entry level positions in Medical Affairs or Commercial Operations are two good avenues, as well as R&D Laboratory, or Analytical/Quality Control, where the final drug product is evaluated for release/distribution to healthcare settings, pharmacies, etc. Another avenue is Quality Assurance. Unlike many pharma positions, quality assurance and regulatory affairs are just starting to appear in college catalogues for specific degrees. Previously there was either no offering or only certifications. Therefore entry level quality positions are a good foo the door as organizations are typically looking at problem solving, critical thinking, communication and people skills rather than technical background. PharmD would be a good asset there.

I would definitely recommend what David has pointed out for next steps, as well as researching required/preferred qualifications for a range of entry level/associate Biotech and Pharma positions that are posted on job boards, ignoring the B.S. of XYZ requirements which are usually flexible in terms of what degree you have. You can learn a lot by assessing what skills these positions are looking for against your strengths and weaknesses and look to fill in those gaps where possible, even in choosing what remaining electives you may need to graduate, if you are still in the process of earning your Pharm D since I see you are listed as a student.

Another point to raise is that smaller Biotechs are a good place to look into. Unlike big pharma, where you typically have a fairly scoped role, you have the potential to learn and have exposure to more processes/areas of the company and thus wear many hats that will help you to figure out what you like and don't like, and also to help diversify your experience.

Best of luck!
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Phuong’s Answer

The previous responses highlighted a variety of exciting opportunities that PharmDs can explore beyond the confines of the pharmacy. One such promising field is insurance, particularly with a pharmacy benefit manager. In this dynamic industry, PharmDs work hand in hand with a diverse group of professionals to create evidence-based care. Part of their goal is to minimize healthcare expenses. There are numerous roles available, including formulary management, drug information, and prior authorization, to mention just a few. These roles allow pharmacists to make significant contributions and truly make a difference.
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