DPM v PharmD

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I cant decide on podiatry or pharmacy. I was accepted to Midwestern's pod program in 2005 but withdrew before school started because I wasn't sure whether my wife could handle me as a student for 4 years and then the next 3 years as a resident. Now I am applying to the Pharm program at midwestern but I'm unsure of whether I could handle a career as a pharmacist (I think I would be bored out of my mind). Everything about podiatry appeals to me and I have experience working in a podiatrist's office, but I'm afraid of having to relocate with my wife to another state. If anyone has any advice or has gone through something like this I would appreciate the feedback.

 

[ButlerPharmGuy]

I'm a pharmacy student, and was just going to reply to your comment about you wondering if you'd be bored doing pharmacy work. I'd encourage you to remember that just because you receive a Pharm.D. doesn't mean you'll be behind the counter at your local Walmart. Many of my friends and colleagues will and are doing other things, such as clinical settings, ambulatory care, etc. I know someone who went to work for a nursing home--she deals with the same patients (which reduces med and insurance problems) and has a great deal of time to counsel. I think it all depends on what is "boring" to you. If you know what those things are, you can probably avoid them. Monotony would bore me, so I'm planing on being a retail pharmacist at a low-volume store so I can counsel patients on a level that all patients deserve to be counseled on. High volume pill-pushing just isn't for me. Thankfully, the market is still in demand enough that we get to more or less choose our setting. Just something to think about. Plenty of options worth considering. And so much better than staring at feet all day! (J/K...podiatrists are HIGHLY respected in my mind!)

 

[defboy]

It is good to see you are taking the feelings of your spouse into consideration-it is VITAL to your success in whatever you choose to do. I love my wife and want her to be happy, but, sacrifices is part of relationships, school, it is life. I will be a happier person as a medical professional than as a teacher or a manager. I've done those things and always kept coming back to the idea of medicine. I am doing it and believe the relationship will work because I choose for it to work.
As far as what I think of your possible entrance into PHARM school? From your interest standpoint-everything in pod appeals and pharm is a potential mind numbing😴 experience-go to pod school. don't go to pharm with an already questionable attitude and becoming a pharm hater like so many pod, optom., dental, and med school slackers😡. Good luck.
If you are a praying man-do it-the answers come; if not, meditate.

 

[Dr. Gangrene]

Choosing a career is definetly not an easy decision. You definetly have to weigh many variable, besides school. I think in the end, you have to do something that makes you happy (which usually includes making the wife happy).
I am married, have 1 son, and another child on the way. My wife has never been outside of Utah, and is anxious. But she realizes it will be worth it to temporarily leave. From your post, it is hard to tell if you have discussed this a lot with your wife. You should see what she thinks. It is normal to be apprehensive to leave all you know, but it is also an adventure.
I will be attending Midwestern next fall, and although my wife is anxious, she is also excited. It was definetly a joint decision.
Another thing to consider is what pod school really is. Although the road is challenging, you have to break it down. The first 2 years are "school", the third is a mix of school and clinic, and the 4th year is rotations.
Once you get in a residency, it is almost like having a job (as a pod). You could consider it on the job training. Now the statements I just made about school and residency are not from experience, but from all I have gleaned, that is how I interpret it.
Good luck on a very challenging decision. It was the hardest choice I have yet made, but I now feel great about it. Any other questions, im me.

 

[PharmD2MD]

Try to shadow a few pharmacists in some different settings before you take the plunge. A big hospital with a strong clinical pharmacy staff would be a good place to get some ideas. I like drugs-academically of course- but pharmacy itself wasn't my thing.

I started med school this fall. We dissected the feet about 2 weeks ago. I have a whole new respect for DPM's. I had no idea feet were so complex.

 

[FootFetish]

There is a PM3 at Scholl who is also a PharmD. I'm not sure of his exact reasons for switching, but I think he may lurk here. Think more of what you want to do for the rest of your life than what your wife can handle for the next 6-7 years.

 

[MrFeeties]

take time and find the answers that best suit you. I'm starting at Scholl next fall and my girlfriend is a first year pharm student at Iowa. From our experience, it's probably easier to get into pod school than pharmacy. I'm doing podiatry because I wanted to pursue a surgical subspecialty, and she's doing pharmacy because she wants a good job where she can work 3 days a week and still make 60k a year plus raise a family. Pharmacy has all kinds of oppportunites in sales, research, or clinical settings. Personally she plans to stick with Walgreens because no matter where I end up, there will probably be one right around the corner. Pharmacy has its benefits, she'll pay around 50k for 4 years of tuition to come out making double that her first year plus probably a 30k bonus. Sure puts my future tuition bill to shame!

Do what you think will make you the happiest but be sure to explore all your options. Please make sure your wife is on the same page!

 

[Far Cry]

Greetings, fellow cougar or ute. how did you decide on midwestern?

 

[Dr. Gangrene]

I am guessing you are asking me about byu, utah? (since I mentioned I am from Utah)? I actually attend WSU. I decided on Midwestern for a few reasons. Most importantly, it just felt like the right place (I am a gut feeling kind of guy). Also, it is only one state away, which is best for my wife. I am excited to be part of something new, and to establish a reputation for the school. But most important, I felt that their curriculum and the staff they have give them the edge. If you would like a more detailed message, im me. Thanks

 

[PharmD/DPM]

Hi, I'm a PharmD and a 3rd year student at SCPM getting his DPM. So, I did both. Not on purpose, but by my last year of pharm school I deciding that I wanted to be a physician. Podiatry just grabbed my attention out of all the other medical specialties. Also, I always wanted to do musculoskeletal/ortho/sportsmed work and by getting my DPM you come out of med school already specialized. I love pharmacy, but I just wanted to do more. Either profession is a great joy!