Dual degree

[pharm B]

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Who here is currently working on a dual degree track, or did one in the past?

Our school doesn't have an official program like this, so I'm working on an MBA from another school while doing the PharmD. Anyone else in this boat?

Just curious as to how beneficial the MBA, MPH, or MHA is when employers are looking over CV's and resumes.

 

[EBT12]

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[joetrisman]

I'm doing PharmD/MBA. Everyone tells me its a great idea, but I guess I'll see come match/job hunt. I worked as a manager for a large company for a few years but I'm still learning a lot of things I'd never be exposed to in the pharmacy program. I'm hoping this will enable me to be better at accomplishing goals and being a team member later on.

 

[pharm B]

I guess I'm just freaking out about taking courses that are outside of the pharmacy focus. Good news is: once I'm done with these two degrees, I don't plan on ever going back!

 

[rxlea]

Pharm.D/MPH/PhD

My mentor talked me in to it. Going for administration and academia if the clinical track doesn't work out. Maybe I'll do both.

 

[pharm B]

Pharm.D/MPH/PhD

My mentor talked me in to it. Going for administration and academia if the clinical track doesn't work out. Maybe I'll do both.

Good luck, dude! I know you're on a murderous schedule.

 

[rxlea]

Good luck, dude! I know you're on a murderous schedule.

Thanks! it sucks but I'll live. I dropped my bench research assistant position so that has freed up some time but my other professor is having me jump in on a few of her projects.
Should be fun and interesting. I'm going to add a year but that's not too bad considering the opportunities. I encourage those interested to do a dual degree. In this economy you need diverse experiences.

 

[Its Z]

Degrees/residency/fellowship will not define your competence as a professional.
It does provide opportunities for professional growth otherwise not garnered if you didn't do it.

Ultimately, those credentials will get you in the door but keeping the job and excelling what you do depend on you.

Typically those who give 110% not 100% will outperform others. It's that additional 10% that provides the creativity and innovation instead of going through the motion of doing the 9-5 job.

Find a niche, get in the door, and get the experience and grow as a professional.

 

[rxlea]

Degrees/residency/fellowship will not define your competence as a professional.
It does provide opportunities for professional growth otherwise not garnered if you didn't do it.

Ultimately, those credentials will get you in the door but keeping the job and excelling what you do depend on you.

Typically those who give 110% not 100% will outperform others. It's that additional 10% that provides the creativity and innovation instead of going through the motion of doing the 9-5 job.

Find a niche, get in the door, and get the experience and grow as a professional.

Thanks for the advice Z. I plan on giving 110% always.

BTW, did someone hack your account and post that?

Jk...your insight is always appreciated.

 

[Its Z]

Holy moly someone did hack my account!!

 

[lorain]

my experience:

do pharmD, a residency, and then the 2nd degree

the 2nd degree is great, it'll help u get interviews for residency/jobs/fellowships/etc, it can possibly boost your pay (my comp added $4 extra per hr due to my 2nd degree, although I guess this wont be the norm in a recession), and it'll help make you connections

HOWEVER, a 2nd degree DOES NOT make you more clinically experienced....and thats what companies want: a clinically strong person with additional qualifications

so i really think residency is huge. do the 2nd degree after that.

 

[EBT12]

.

 

[joetrisman]

Ideally, I'm hoping that my MBA will help me when working on P&T, antibiograms, and grant proposals. I don't think its essential towards achieving my goals, but I think it will give me the tools, experience, and exposure to more efficiently get there. Additionally, I think it adds more flexibility if I want to move into management at a later time in my career. At the very least, I think when interviewing in any capacity, management will appreciate with my MBA perspective the heightened ability to understand, accept, and follow their direction. Could just be pipe dreams though 😛

 

[lorain]

"HOWEVER, a 2nd degree DOES NOT make you more clinically experienced....and thats what companies want: a clinically strong person with additional qualifications"

I absolutely agree that a second degree does not make someone a clinically stronger person. However, I think it is important to look on a case-by-case basis. Not all pharmacists are desiring that type of position.

For example, there are limited opportunities in pharmacy residencies to complete in-depth community-based research and program implementation. As that is where my career is likely headed, it makes sense to add a degree now as it provides a huge new skill set (ex. advanced statistical analysis, publishable research about community-wide issues, networking with potential employers in a separate but related field etc). In all actuality, this degree has opened to door to applying for public health fellowships, which align much more closely with my career goals than a pharmacy residency. Having said that, I am extensively utilizing my training as a pharmacist when I evaluate at these community issues and work to develop sustainable solutions. If I were finish pharmacy school, then a residency, then a master's degree and then a fellowship, it would take an incredibly long time to be done with my training.

I am probably an outlier, as I am working to combine two related, but separate disciplines. However, I wanted to provide an example of why a residency is not always the best option for individuals looking at dual degrees.

what 2nd degree are you getting?