Career change

[Honey]

Hi there,

I am in my mid 30s with a biochemistry degree and a Pos grad in Medical Informatics. I am currently working in Clinical Research but looking to change careers. I am considering a career in Pharmacy at the moment and I know that this will take about 5 yrs to complete and 100% focus and determination to succeed in this course. In the past, I got concerned about the amount of debt I would get myself into if I went for the course as I secured a place twice in ULSOP and KCL a couple of years ago but I turned it down then. The thought has still not left me yet. I would like some thoughtful advice from anyone.

[N.T]

DON'T FO PHARMACY. See my other posts elsewhere about why not.

Seriously though, there are very few people I would recommend pharmacy to as a fulfilling career choice. And you, from what you've written, don;t sound like one of them.

Why do you want to leave your current career? What do you expect pharmay to offer you?

[admin]

Originally Posted by N.T

DON'T FO PHARMACY. See my other posts elsewhere about why not.

Seriously though, there are very few people I would recommend pharmacy to as a fulfilling career choice. And you, from what you've written, don;t sound like one of them.

Why do you want to leave your current career? What do you expect pharmay to offer you?

Sorry, but I have to agree with NT on this. If you want an awfully boring job do pharmacy, but if it's a career you're after then go for something else.

A friend of mine has just finished medicine (after pharmacy) and it takes the same time (5 years) to qualify. She also said the course was easier then pharmacy, so if you are interested in health why not go for that?

[drh785]

I agree with both Admin and NT do not do pharmacy (especially retail) as it has become extremely stressfull over the last five years.
If you want to do any branch of pharmacy go into industry.
Retail at the moment is horrible due to:

1. Demanding patients! some want you to break the law to help them out!
2. The collection and delivery services offered by pharmacies can become an organisational nightmare.
3. Trays - nomads,etc
4. Drug Addicts.
5. More scripts-more people take tablets these days.

There are an awful lot of fed-up pharmacists at the moment who would love to get out but cannot due to family/mortgage commitments.
If i were you i would talk to some pharmacists (hospital and retail) in your area and ask if you can do some work for them for a while and then decide whether you want to commit to five years.

I am having some time out at the moment and i am loving it and don't miss it for one minute!!
To fill in time i am training as both a plumber and electrician and hope to qualify in both by the end of the year.

[N.T]

Originally Posted by drh785

There are an awful lot of fed-up pharmacists at the moment who would love to get out but cannot due to family/mortgage commitments.

It's always possible to get out. Downsize/reduce your lifestyle needs etc. Just think - how much of the electronic gadetry/spare rooms/designer clothes etc do you actually need?? Ditto for private school fees etc.

Just realised I sound like some sort of hippy, but I ust think I'd rather have a job that pays less that I enjoy rather than the depression and anxiety that goes with pharmacy territory.

Originally Posted by drh785

To fill in time i am training as both a plumber and electrician and hope to qualify in both by the end of the year.

Plumber and electrician at the same time?? That's impressive!! Careful not to confuse the two...you could end up with a nasty electric shock!

[ferretmanabu]

I wouldn't recommend pharmacy, especially if cost is a concern. The fees these days are 3000 pounds per year.

I finished my pharmacy degree and qualified last August but am currently in my first year of medicine. I've found the course to be definitely more interesting and the staff including lecturers are much more passionate about medicine than people in pharmacy. As for difficulty, I wouldn't say medicine is easier than pharmacy at all but with a pharmacy degree, you definitely find it easier.

If you do the 4 year course, then fees are only paid for one year and for the remaining three years, you get fees paid and a bursary on top. Just thought I'd mention it as an avenue to look into.

[Fattoo]

I agree with all of you. DO NOT DO PHARMACY.

I actually like what I have studied but the problem is in the practice of the profession. It is totally different. The practice induces anxiety, depression, etc.

I think that considering the research section of pharmacy is more appropriate.

[Smithy]

any one thinking of doing pharmacy today should be certified and then sent to the funny farm
i qualified in 68 (i think- fogot to bring my cert) and it was a great job then but its crap now

[ramroum]

[quote=ferretmanabu;5808] I finished my pharmacy degree and qualified last August but am currently in my first year of medicine.


If a qualified pharmacist (without doing pre-reg) decides to go to medical school, how many years must he/she do, does he have to do the full course?

[admin]

My friend has just finished medicine, and she had to do the full course. I don't think any of the medical courses give you any time off for having previous qualifications, including pharmacy.