Research experience vs volunteer/pharmacy experience

[hye345]

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So, I'm a third year at UCSC, but I have had a late start with my bio major. I failed chemistry in freshman year, but since then, I have gotten B and above in all of my classes. At this point, if that F is not forgiven, my science/math GPA is about a 3.0. I have about 10 or so upper division science classes left to take, but in the mean time, I am looking to get some extracurriculars under my belt.

I have contacted various faculty members, asking if they have room in their lab for undergrad research. However, the selection process is pretty rigorous; also, I am not the best at physically doing science (bad hand-eye coordination), so that is something of a risk for me.

I have also tried to get shadowing/volunteer experience at pharmacies and hospitals last summer, but no success (probably because of liability reasons). I am thinking of giving this route another shot.

So now, I am wondering: what activity would be more 'efficient' in terms of pharmacy school: getting research experience, or getting pharmacy shadowing/volunteer experience? I understand that each school is different in their preferences, but I'm talking on 'average'. Thanks guys.

 

[pharm B]

I think it could easily go either way. Both options show that you're dedicated to getting into pharmacy school by showing an interest in the field. I personally think research is the lesser-seen of the two, and maybe that would make you stand out more.

 

[medicalCPA]

I believe either one is fine. And FYI, not all research involves hand-eye coordination (I'm assuming you're talking pipetting, but I may be wrong). There's clinical research, and you could take part in clinical trials research. Both are different from bench research.

 

[Dancer123]

Direct work in a pharmacy would give you the best experience.... it gives you patient contact and some great stories to tell during an interview!! It shows that you understand the work environment/demands of the pharmacy and that you are still interested in pursuing the career choice. You might be able to get a job in a pharmacy instead of just volunteering... CVS is great!

 

[confettiflyer]

Definitely research, you should probably be getting 199 research credit so this a) boosts your science GPA (it's usually an automatic A), and b) is less common than your typical CVS/Wags/Rite-aid minimum wage clerk job.

It'll depend on the institution you're applying to. A research institution (UCSF) would value research more IMO. I would prefer research to basic pharm clerk experience due to the academic rigor and primary lit. exposure you get w/ research.

Now I had both...I hedged my bets and put in a year of biology research + a year of clerk/tech work at CVS. I've had friends enter top tier schools w/out any pharm experience and plenty of research and vice versa.

But to answer your question, in terms of efficiency, research will do it (considered/listed as an extracurricular in a way + boost in GPA). If you can't find a pharm job, see if you can arrange a one-time 3 hour "shadowing" session with a pharmacist at an independent chain or small hospital. Due to risk mgmt issues, you probably won't be able to shadow/volunteer at a chain or large hospital without going through some sort of procedural anguish.

 

[ChemPharmD2B]

I'm on your end of the deal--I am starting my Junior year of undergrad and have completed 2 research projects and starting a third this fall. I have been trying since the summer before college to get a job at a retail pharmacy/job shadow at a hospital pharmacy with no such luck. Perhaps to get some patient experience you can try volunteering at the hospital? I have done this and enjoyed the experience. I may make a few phone calls soon and try to get in at walgreens or another small community hospital in the future just to have experience in an actual pharmacy. I've heard success stories on both ends of the deal!