Pharmacy R&D

[MattF]

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I want a job working for a pharmaceutical company researching to coming up with new types of drugs, or creating the actual drugs through a series of chemical reactions. If this is the job I have in mind would I want to go get a PharmD or would I be better suited to finish my BS in Chemistry and then go on to get a Master's/PhD in Organic Chemistry or something related?

 

[rederza]

Do not get a pharm D. Get a phD in pharmacology.

 

[PharmDCandidate2014]

Yep, MS/PhD is the much better way to go. A PhD from a reputable program should get you in somewhere (even though there are a glut of PhD's, you can differentiate yourself by going to an Ivy and doing diligent work). Plus, you get a stipend - PharmD degree will cost you a lot of money.

I'd only choose PharmD over the PhD if and only if I was set on doing work involving clinical trials during drug development. As you probably know, clinical doctorates primarily dominate this setting. Even so, you are competing for a position against established MD's, so it's another major hoop to jump.

 

[fewaopi]

phd in chemical engineering or chemistry. i know for a fact that there are courses offered in those fields that focus on drug production, formulation, etc. i think you'd be better suited for bs then phd. but note phd is a tough field out there even in the sciences. except math, i hear a lot of math phds are hired on wall street.