Need PharmD/PhD Opinions

[eddavatar]

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Hi! I'm heading to USC this fall. I'm really interested in getting into the PharmD/PhD program there. I've a few questions about it for current PharmD/PhDs:

1)When would you think the best timing to apply for it?

2)Is the time juggling bad?

3)Do you plan to take the board exam? If so, how did you get your hours?

4)How are the job opportunities out there for a PharmD/PhD?

I would appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

 

[pharmacology]

What do you want to do with the PhD degree? Do you want to do research? If you want to do basic research you need to get into some type of pharmacology/pharmaceutics/med chem graduate program. Or you could go into pharm ad. If you want clinical I think you need to talk with some people to find what programs do clinical research.

A PhD is much different than a Pharmd. But it would be useful if you want to get into a pharmaceutical industry type job and do basic research. But if you just want to work at walgreens I sure would not recommend a PhD. But if you are interested in doing basic research or teaching in a basic science curriculum then the phd would be useful.....but for either one of those you could just get a phd and be done with it.

I would suggest you think about what type of carreer you want to get into and then consider if a phd is needed. Also, if the pharmd/phd program is not a joint program you will spend a whole lot of time in school. A joint program would likely take 6 year....4 for the pharmd and 2 for the phd. A non-joint program would be 4 for the pharmd and 5-6 for the phd.

 

[eddavatar]

What do you want to do with the PhD degree? Do you want to do research? If you want to do basic research you need to get into some type of pharmacology/pharmaceutics/med chem graduate program. Or you could go into pharm ad. If you want clinical I think you need to talk with some people to find what programs do clinical research.

A PhD is much different than a Pharmd. But it would be useful if you want to get into a pharmaceutical industry type job and do basic research. But if you just want to work at walgreens I sure would not recommend a PhD. But if you are interested in doing basic research or teaching in a basic science curriculum then the phd would be useful.....but for either one of those you could just get a phd and be done with it.

I would suggest you think about what type of carreer you want to get into and then consider if a phd is needed. Also, if the pharmd/phd program is not a joint program you will spend a whole lot of time in school. A joint program would likely take 6 year....4 for the pharmd and 2 for the phd. A non-joint program would be 4 for the pharmd and 5-6 for the phd.

Hi. Thanks for you reply. What kind of program are you currently in?

And yea, sorry for not mentioning but I'm more interested on the drug discovery/development/interaction kind of research, be it on an academic or industry setting. So a PharmD might be inadequet.

And fortunately USC has a joint program.

So anyway, my question remains on if anyone currently or was in a PharmD/PhD program can let me know how the workload is during school and what are you currently doing for a living. And also, when would be the best timing to apply into a dual program. Thanks.

 

[pharmacology]

I'm not in a program anymore. I graduated with a PhD a number of years ago plus the addition of 2 postdocs. Now I have a real job...lol

 

[ZpackSux]

ttt

 

[lihini]

University of Kentucky has a PhD program in Phamaceutical policy that was recently stated. This is not a lab research based program and has more to do with Pharmaceutical policy, economics, behavioral and sociological issues related to pharmacy. PharmD students who are interested can pursue the dual degree option and save time required to finish both if they were to pursue them independantly. I believe the expectation is that taking electives during the PharmD portion will give the student a head start. PM me if you want more information about the specific program at UK.