Research entering pharm school

[VCU2011]

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Question for everybody: I am an entering P1 at VCU in the fall. I am currently a chemistry major at a school that has a very notable undergraduate chemistry department and have been doing research for 2 years now. I very much enjoy doing research and would like to continue.

To my question: Do you think it would be too much work to carry on a pharmacy workload and still pick up a research position?

Also, if anyone from VCU reads this thread: Any suggestions for professors i should talk to about research?

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[Dr.Biassi]

Just do a pharmD/PhD. Will take you 5 to six years but it will open you both research and pharmacy jobs.

 

[Leb]

I agree. A PharmD/PhD is the solution, and that is what iam trying to do as well. I think a PharmD/PhD combination will be very beneficial because it will provide more opportunities than a PharmD alone; you can always work in retail if you want with your PharmD, but along with a PhD you will be upgraded to a whole new level.
Some of the draw backs however, is that your starting salary in a pharmaceutical company or a University will be lower than that of a retail pharmacist, and you will be much busier, but you will be doing something more exciting in my opinion.

 

[angstekv]

i dont really think im interested in doing research as a career so i dont know if the pharm D/PhD would be worth it in my case. I just kinda like doing it on the side because i really like chemistry so i figure i might as well be a part of the research world to stay on top of current events. I haven't ruled out pharm D/PhD yet but i really dont think i want to take that route. Aside from that, do you think its possible to just do some research on the side on top of your classes?

 

[VCU2011]

woops sorry everyone, angstekv is my girlfriend i accidently keep posting under her name. anyways..another question. what are you getting your PhD in along with your pharm D?

 

[VCU2011]

woops sorry everyone, angstekv is my girlfriend i accidently keep posting under her name. anyways..another question. what are you getting your PhD in along with your pharm D?

 

[TheChemist]

Most people in the PharmD/PhD program are doing their PhD in pharmacology, but I'm sure you could do it in any science like medicinal chemistry. I was considering the program but decided against it. I couldn't really find an advantage of getting the dual degree besides an getting an academic position at a Pharm School. If you want to do research just get a PhD. The degree is stipened so end up with no student loans.