Why Pharmacy?

[xxxhotstuffxxx]

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Why do you want to get into Pharmacy as opposed to the other fields? I've had people ask me why I didn't want to become a doctor, and I honestly just want to tell them that I'm not prepared to spend 10-12 years of my life in school. I know it's bad of me, but I wanna enjoy my youth. 😛

Anyone else went through the same thing?

 

[SexyPlexi]

Yeah. Plus the hours are better even when school is complete!

 

[xxxhotstuffxxx]

Why did you want to go into Pharmacy in the first place?

 

[rosiepie]

I think it's the same with me. I thought about becoming a doctor once but realized that I just want to get out of school as soon as possible... with a good career path. Also, I've always been interested in health care, ever since I started volunteer at a hospital. I also love interacting/helping people (I know it sounds cheesy, but I really do!).

 

[sle3pyguii]

Little to no bodily fluids involved.

 

[SexyPlexi]

I prefer pharmacy for a LOT of reasons. I have NO desire to be a doctor - but I did consider it for a minute.

 

[ffpickle]

Pharmacists have to go through almost the same time for schooling now:

best case scenario:
Pharm = 2 + 4 = 6
Med = 3 + 4 + residency = 7*

quite typical now:
Pharm = 4 + 4 = 8
Med = 4 + 4 + residency = 8*

*The residency is paid, and you are officially an MD or DO by then, so yes, you're still "learning," but you are also practicing and "out of school," so even though your salary is modest, I still think you are a doctor, although you may not be specialized.

 

[ffpickle]

I think it's the same with me. I thought about becoming a doctor once but realized that I just want to get out of school as soon as possible... with a good career path. Also, I've always been interested in health care, ever since I started volunteer at a hospital. I also love interacting/helping people (I know it sounds cheesy, but I really do!).

Nursing is 4 yrs & out.

 

[Farcus]

because i actually like organic chemistry and I want to know how drugs actually work and help people.

 

[ester]

I agree with Farcus. My love of organic chemistry is what really motivated me to look at a career in pharmacy. I was very fascinated by drugs and their effects on the body. The more I looked into pharmacy, the more I appreciated the pharmacist role in patient care. For me, it is a great career because I don't want a ton of patient interaction (it provides just the right amount for me) and I have a lot of respect for the knowledge pharmacist possess and their roles as drug experts and "teachers" for the patients.

I really love the idea of applying the knowledge and expertise that pharmacy school provides to assisting others. I just think it is a really cool role and a great fit for me.

 

[janeno]

Pharmacists have to go through almost the same time for schooling now:

best case scenario:
Pharm = 2 + 4 = 6
Med = 3 + 4 + residency = 7*

quite typical now:
Pharm = 4 + 4 = 8
Med = 4 + 4 + residency = 8*

*The residency is paid, and you are officially an MD or DO by then, so yes, you're still "learning," but you are also practicing and "out of school," so even though your salary is modest, I still think you are a doctor, although you may not be specialized.

Medical residency is one the most grueling experiences. Many med residents can tell you that studying during medical school compared to working as a resident for around 80 hrs with HIGH stress is nothing. The hardest part of the medical education is the required residency!

 

[Farcus]

I agree with Farcus. My love of organic chemistry is what really motivated me to look at a career in pharmacy. I was very fascinated by drugs and their effects on the body. The more I looked into pharmacy, the more I appreciated the pharmacist role in patient care. For me, it is a great career because I don't want a ton of patient interaction (it provides just the right amount for me) and I have a lot of respect for the knowledge pharmacist possess and their roles as drug experts and "teachers" for the patients.

I really love the idea of applying the knowledge and expertise that pharmacy school provides to assisting others. I just think it is a really cool role and a great fit for me.

Couldn't of said it better myself, the patient part also hah I don't want them to haggle me 24/7 like a doctor.

 

[inquirer89]

There are tons of reasons for me, like the fact that pharmacy is becoming increasingly popular as a career (and in demand), lots of opportunities to expand or move through the field, higher and higher pay, great hours, etc.

For me, I'd choose a PharmD over an MD any day because of the reasons stated in this thread. I wouldn't like working on the human body, dealing with the high stress and patients, schoolwork, etc. I think pharmacists are highly respected individuals, and although we will never be seen as "doctors" by the general public, I know I would be very happy as a pharmacist and an important member of the health team.

Btw, wanted to make add something...the best case scenario for earning a PharmD is 2+3 = 5 years...and there is always exceptions to that (someone mentioned that they graduated after only 4 years; taking some prereqs in high school!)

 

[Sparda29]

I've been getting mixed answers from the people I've worked with so I'm applying to both medical school and pharmacy school this year. I'll deal with choosing a profession after I have acceptance letters.

During my time volunteering at the hospital, the physicians have told me to go into pharmacy and that the years of residency are not worth it.

At the pharmacy, both of the pharmacists that I've work with told me to go to medical school instead, since they say that they don't get any respect and that I'd have more fun as a physician.

My initial plan is to go into Pharmacy and then if I get bored, go to Medical School but I've been told that it would be a waste of time.

 

[hersheyslove]

I've been getting mixed answers from the people I've worked with so I'm applying to both medical school and pharmacy school this year. I'll deal with choosing a profession after I have acceptance letters.

During my time volunteering at the hospital, the physicians have told me to go into pharmacy and that the years of residency are not worth it.

At the pharmacy, both of the pharmacists that I've work with told me to go to medical school instead, since they say that they don't get any respect and that I'd have more fun as a physician.

My initial plan is to go into Pharmacy and then if I get bored, go to Medical School but I've been told that it would be a waste of time.

Go to med school. My husband is a pharmacist. He told me that he got into because of the wrong reasons. People lots of time do not respect him and not consider him a real doctor, sometimes senior customers call him his first name
If you want prestige--> medicine. No prestige for pharmacist there!

 

[sle3pyguii]

I've been getting mixed answers from the people I've worked with so I'm applying to both medical school and pharmacy school this year. I'll deal with choosing a profession after I have acceptance letters.

During my time volunteering at the hospital, the physicians have told me to go into pharmacy and that the years of residency are not worth it.

At the pharmacy, both of the pharmacists that I've work with told me to go to medical school instead, since they say that they don't get any respect and that I'd have more fun as a physician.

My initial plan is to go into Pharmacy and then if I get bored, go to Medical School but I've been told that it would be a waste of time.

You probably thought everything through, but this is my take on applying to both.

You may want to take some off of school and go shadow some more. I understand that making the big $$$ as soon as possible is awesome, but the costs of you making a half-hearted decision about your future career is more risky. You should make your decision before you apply anywhere. It'd save you a whole lot of time and money.

4 years of Pharmacy School + 4 Years of Medical School + 3 (For a PC) Years of residency = 11 years after undergrad.

Dang...and that's not factoring in the time it'll take you to figure out that pharmacy may not be for you, and if you might end up being a reapplicant.

Is all that worth it?

 

[rosiepie]

Nursing is 4 yrs & out.

I job-shadowed a nurse once. Even though I respected what she did because her job is extremely important, I didn't think I'd be interested in the career. When I job-shadowed a pharmacist, on the other hand, I loved what she did and recognized the importance of her role in patient-care. Although she does not directly contact the patients, she meets with the doctors to discuss what kind of medication best suits each patient and supervises her team of techs to make sure the patients are getting their medication.

 

[ffpickle]

Medical residency is one the most grueling experiences. Many med residents can tell you that studying during medical school compared to working as a resident for around 80 hrs with HIGH stress is nothing. The hardest part of the medical education is the required residency!

fair enough, but my point is that pharmacy school isn't one of the quickest ways out if you don't want to attend much school. Physician assistant, a master's, nursing, engineering, social work, teaching, accounting, are just a few of the quicker ways out. we all want to be out of school and "on with out lives," (no one more than me) but there has to be more than just that to motivate us!

 

[ffpickle]

ATM, I'm debating b/w PharmD and PhD, but prefer the former since PhD, Post-Doc and Faculty life are so difficult (underpaid, overworked, extremely stressful- think how stressed you would be if you had all your finals in 1 week, and you had to work--it's basically like that 75% of the time!)

 

[Sparda29]

I think I'll have my answer once I get this essay going, but getting it started is the hardest part since I'm starting from scratch.

I wish there was some computer program where you could just input information about yourself and it writes the essay for you.

 

[Antimony51]

I completely agree with you Sparda29. I've started my PharmCAS application but have been dreading writing the personal statement. At this point, I think I'm just going to have to force myself to start writing and hope that the inspiration flows.

When I tell people I want to be a pharmacist, a lot of people look at me and wonder why. The next comment is, "Isn't pharmacy is boring?" I swear if I hear that from one more person, I'm going to scream. I chose pharmacy because I like the blend of science and patient care. Moreover, pharmacy is a more family friendly profession. I do not want a doctor's hours, and I personally cannot stand the sight of blood.

 

[Sparda29]

That's the thing though. I love the adrenaline rush that you get from being a physician in an ER.

What I'm also thinking about for the first few years after school is to go into pharmacy and work the overnight shift at the 24 hour stores, and also become a paramedic.

My favorite position in paintball has always been medic. This works by being the only player on the team that is allowed to wipe paint off of players, and also being a real medic when it comes to scrapes, burns, cuts, broken bones, etc.

 

[UES Girl]

I completely agree with you Sparda29. I've started my PharmCAS application but have been dreading writing the personal statement. At this point, I think I'm just going to have to force myself to start writing and hope that the inspiration flows.

When I tell people I want to be a pharmacist, a lot of people look at me and wonder why. The next comment is, "Isn't pharmacy is boring?" I swear if I hear that from one more person, I'm going to scream. I chose pharmacy because I like the blend of science and patient care. Moreover, pharmacy is a more family friendly profession. I do not want a doctor's hours, and I personally cannot stand the sight of blood.

I'm dreading writing my PS too, so this is what I've done: today I asked my boss ( he's been accepted to UCSF med school ) to proof-read it, I also asked one of the "HP" advisers to read it too. Both of them expect to get it next week, so technically I have only few days to write it. I have no choice but to write it.

 

[RxAZ]

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[Farcus]

whats with the people about pharmacist not being doctors? of course they're not... Or else you'd need to go to med school. Personally I wouldn't be in any program just so I can put some ******ed letter behind my name. Ohhh ahhhh nice two letters M. D. or R.PH lol. I mean sure it is nice to get respected but as long as no one is giving me nasty looks and using profane words at me I'm A O K.

 

[Drug Doc]

whats with the people about pharmacist not being doctors? of course they're not... Or else you'd need to go to med school. Personally I wouldn't be in any program just so I can put some ******ed letter behind my name. Ohhh ahhhh nice two letters M. D. or R.PH lol. I mean sure it is nice to get respected but as long as no one is giving me nasty looks and using profane words at me I'm A O K.

I couldn't agree more Farcus. I think its silly that people actually go to school to get called doctor. Oh yeah and being respected doesn't entitle people kissing your booty (which I think is what many professionals consider respect) so get over it.

 

[mrblah]

Why do you want to get into Pharmacy as opposed to the other fields? I've had people ask me why I didn't want to become a doctor, and I honestly just want to tell them that I'm not prepared to spend 10-12 years of my life in school. I know it's bad of me, but I wanna enjoy my youth. 😛

Anyone else went through the same thing?

If its a family member, friend, or stranger with good intentions, then I'll tell them that it wasn't my calling, just like how a engineer became a engineer, or a vet became a vet, or whatever. I can't see myself becoming a doctor.

If its a jerk or someone who is looking for trouble, they won't even get a response, and if they do get a response from me, thats when the fun begins😎

 

[ExpressMaiL]

Go to med school. My husband is a pharmacist. He told me that he got into because of the wrong reasons. People lots of time do not respect him and not consider him a real doctor, sometimes senior customers call him his first name
If you want prestige--> medicine. No prestige for pharmacist there!

The pharmacist I worked for was called by his first name; patients only know so much... (*ah-hem*)

The doctors at his building and nearby hospital refer to him by his last name. I'd rather have health professionals calling me by my last name and the laypeople using my first.

 

[Sparda29]

Actually, sometimes the patients do refer to the pharmacist as doctor. "Hey doc, what should I take for my sprained knee. Oh, by the way, I have ulcer problems."

There have been times when the patients thought I was the pharmacist because I look older than I really am, especially when I don't shave, it adds on 6-7 years. That and especially when I'm working with the younger pharmacist around here.

 

[YiYaoYue]

If you don't shadow both professions and make a decision you will always think the grass is greener on the other side. Could be 5 years from now or 10 years from now, but it will happen.

 

[diastole]

I'm a former teacher so pharmacy seems like it would be a huge step up in terms of respect. Talk about a profession with no respect. If the worst that happens to me is that some people call me by my first name then I will be grinning from ear to ear.

 

[MountainPharmD]

Go to med school. My husband is a pharmacist. He told me that he got into because of the wrong reasons. People lots of time do not respect him and not consider him a real doctor, sometimes senior customers call him his first name
If you want prestige--> medicine. No prestige for pharmacist there!

Oh boy...the ridiculousness of this post is to much for me to resist. First, what is a real doctor? Are you referring to the traditional use of the title doctor for those who have a doctor of philosophy degree. In that case those that have an MD, DO, OD, DPM, DDS, PharmD ect. are not real doctors. I am sure you are refering to MD's as "real" doctors like most uniformed lay people.

Second, a title does not mean you are respected. If you are an idiot then it doesn't matter what you put in front of your name, your still an idiot. You EARN respect regardless of what field you work in. If you husband is so worried about customers calling him by his first name then he should get his name badge changed. Usually customers call us by our first name not out of disrespect. It is because that is what is on our name badge. If it would make your husband feel better and more respected have him put DR. Smith or whatever on his name badge.

 

[tlnbtb]

Why are people so OBSESSED over the Dr. title? I can care less, they can call me whatever they want, I am laughing all the way to the bank...

 

[MountainPharmD]

Why are people so OBSESSED over the Dr. title? I can care less, they can call me whatever they want, I am laughing all the way to the bank...

Exactly.....

 

[SexyPlexi]

I love the term LAY PEOPLE...


:::waggles eyebrows:::

 

[tellsarah]

Why are people so OBSESSED over the Dr. title? I can care less, they can call me whatever they want, I am laughing all the way to the bank...

This is what feeds the development of DPT, DNP, etc. Academia is able to require more courses and higher tuition rates if they add "doctor" to the beginning of a program. I am not referring to Ph.D programs, that are essential for research and teaching. Like an OP stated, respect is earned not from dishing out 200 grand, doing what you are told and obtaining a degree with "doctor" in the title.

Steps down from soap box😀

 

[jyw003]

lol...i thought this was a "why pharmacy?" topic? not..."i want to be called doctor *******" thread