Opportunity for Growth

[LazyMooch]

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First off, I promise I (advanced) searched for this before creating the thread. I'm a new member so please allow some slack on that one hahah.

Anyways, my question was: What type of pharmacy can I expect to find the most opportunity for growth in-- more specifically, in terms of salary, benefits, responsibilities?

I understand that there is retail, hospital (with several specialties such as nuclear etc.), government, industry, military, independent.

Thank you for your time!

 

[Zoupa]

hospital to hospital department manager IMO. A lot easier said than done, though. Especially for a fresh grad nowadays.

 

[297point1]

My money is on servicing long term care facilities, either as a consultant pharmacist or a pharmacy that provides medication services to a LTC facility.

 

[Its Z]

Pharmacy is a very shallow profession. No, not shallow as in lacking depth rather most pharmacist careers are fairly dead ended in a staff role regardless of the setting.

Then there are low-mid management roles such as retail pharmacy management which entails more responsibilities with a slightly larger salary and bonus. Add some Director of Pharmacy in that arena which depends on the size of the hospital.

I consider retail RM or DM and DOP of a larger hospital or a system middle managment. More money, more management responsibilities and less drug distribution role. I presume Pharma also has this level in director of marketing/research/consulting etc.

Middle upper management entails Vice President of an organization and there are opportunities for this but a very few pharmacists reach this level.

Pharmacy Pyramid is not equilateral. It's very obtuse with a very wide bottom.

Regardless, professional growth beyond staff role in pharmacy will require additional education.

 

[pharmschooler]

My money is on servicing long term care facilities, either as a consultant pharmacist or a pharmacy that provides medication services to a LTC facility.

That's what I want to do. 😍

 

[jnmnh]

I would think if you want a pharmacy career where you can grow, progress, and add responsibility then academia sounds like your gig. Of course, the salary probably is lower to begin with. But that's one thing that clearly has many rungs.

Also seems like Z omitted clinical pharm, where you can move up to coordinator etc.

 

[Its Z]

I would think if you want a pharmacy career where you can grow, progress, and add responsibility then academia sounds like your gig. Of course, the salary probably is lower to begin with. But that's one thing that clearly has many rungs.

Also seems like Z omitted clinical pharm, where you can move up to coordinator etc.

Well, I consider clinical manager/coordinator a dead end position unless it's a stepping stone to get into a DOP or Consulting role.

 

[297point1]

Pharmacy Pyramid is not equilateral. It's very obtuse with a very wide bottom.

That about sums it up...

 

[jnmnh]

Well, I consider clinical manager/coordinator a dead end position unless it's a stepping stone to get into a DOP or Consulting role.

Do most hospital DOP's come up from staff pharmacists?

 

[LazyMooch]

Ok, so there isn't much in the way of advancement.

Is DOP the golden egg then? I see a lot of posts about that position.

 

[lorain]

Ok, so there isn't much in the way of advancement.

Is DOP the golden egg then? I see a lot of posts about that position.

DOP can get paid big bucks

but its also a thankless position, ive noticed a lot of turnover in it

 

[Its Z]

Being a DOP is what you make of it. Some good days and some bad days.
The hardest part is managing and working with people. The work itself isn't that hard.

I don't think DOP is the end of the ladder. I see some move on to Hospital Admin... another tough job but I would think it could be intellectually challenging and financially rewarding.