Which do you find better when it comes to the pharmacy world, working in a research lab or a pharmacy in a drug store/hospital?
I have been accepted into a pre-pharmacy program and I am hoping to finish school with a Pharm-D. I feel that a research lab will be better for me because I want to help in finding things like the cure to cancer or the cure to Alzheimer's and I believe that the cure is in medicine. I want to know what its like from different viewpoints and which, in the long run, will be better for me. #medicine #research #pharmacy #pharmacists #pharmacist #medical-research #laboratory #pharmd
5 answers
London Doyoung’s Answer
Bruno E.’s Answer
Melida’s Answer
Corynne’s Answer
Anthony’s Answer
It truly is a matter of preference when choosing between job locations as a pharmacist. A PharmD is such a versatile degree one can find a position anywhere dealing with drugs. So ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. However, I think some settings suit some people better than others. For example, if you enjoy public interaction with patients (excellent and bad exchanges, to be precise), then a retail setting may be a bet for you.
Additionally, retail settings may be better for those who enjoy being on their feet and a fast-paced work environment than those who do not like typical desk jobs and enjoy moving around. This isn't to say that in hospital or research settings, pharmacists are not constantly moving; it's just to say that a retail location lends itself more to those who enjoy fast-paced work environments to help the day go by faster and are good multitaskers. With that being said, there are cons to this position, such that clinical knowledge takes a back seat much of the time. Although the complete opposite isn't true for other settings, I believe they lend themselves more to those who appreciate a lower-stressed leisurely job.
Ultimately it is essential to find one's passion and pursue them when looking for a position. During school, you should take the opportunities to put yourself out there and experience as much as possible to find your interest. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, a PharmD is incredibly versatile and can find work in many different settings.