PhD for hospital pharmacists.

[angel56]

Sooo I'm just getting ready at the moment to start my pre-reg at a large hospital, and have been doing lots of reading about what to expect.

however ever since I was younger i have had it in my head that I want to do a PhD, so i was wondering what the best way round it was. as i am going to be based in hospital i would prefer to do something clinical or something that will help be specialise into a certain field within the hospital. (i.e. rather than doing a clinical diploma)

obviously now I have to focus on my pre-reg, but after that is it better to start a PhD straight away? should i be going back to uni to do it? are there any opportunities out there to do it while I work and would you guys recommend it etc..

I would like your thoughts on this please

[Nik]

This was something I entertained the thought of, although before I realised I wanted to do my pre-reg in hospital. I've not known anyone do a phd first before entering hospital, and I would think that even if you chose that route, you'd still start off as a band 6 (assuming you stay on in hospital) and have to work your way up. I suppose an alternative option could be to go one step further than a diploma and complete an Msc as this would also incorporate a research element.

[crit care]

i know of people to have done the pre reg first then go back to uni to do a phd. Then you can do locums to help you along during your phd. for the first 3 years you do get a grant which i think is about 18k for each year..could be wrong!

Also if you go to a uni whihc has a pharmacy school attached to it, then you may be able to help out with the teaching of the undergrads in labs and dispensing classes..extra ££££ as well.

a guy i work with did his phd after pre reg, then went into hospital as band 6 and worked his way up the ladder just like anyone else...i don't think his phd was related to hospital pharmacy. I guess it all depends on what you want to do your phd on

[smmiah1]

came across this, thought it might be helpful for u and anybody else considering a career in hospital