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_AI'm super surprised at all the comments and questions there are online from aspiring pharmacy students and pharmacists who want to go into pharmacy but don't know too much about what they can do in the field, so let me break it down!
1. Clinical Pharmacy (Hospital / Acute Care): requires a PharmD, highly recommended to complete a PGY1 + PGY2 in specialty (cardiology, ID, ICU, onc, etc.). Highly recommend BCPS certification for any specialty/clinical areas. These pharmacists can work anywhere in hospitals, academic centers, specialty clinics, and more.
2. Community/Retail Pharmacy: requires a PharmD, but residency is optional. There are community-based residency programs though! These pharmacists may work in chain retail pharmacies and independent pharmacies.
3. Industry Pharmacy (Pharma / Biotech): requires a PharmD but a 1-2 year fellowship is optional (still highly recommended). Fellowships can be in Medical Affairs, Regulatory, HEOR, and Safety. These pharmacists most often work in pharmaceutical companies, med affairs teams, and in clinical development.
4. Veterinary Pharmacy (HOT TOPIC): requires a PharmD and optional residency. There are PGY2 Veterinary Pharmacy programs, but I haven't met many people in this specific space. These pharmacists may work in teaching hospitals, compounding pharmacies, and even zoos!
5. Dermatology Pharmacy (clinical or industry): required PharmD and recommended PGY1 + PGY2 for ambulatory care/dermatology-focused training. I've most often heard of pharmacists transitioning into the derm field through fellowship and medical affair roles. These pharmacists may practice at derm clinics, cosmetic companies, skincare companies, and pharmaceutical companies.
More in the comments ⤵️
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This isn't a comprehensive list but I hope it gives you a better idea of how much you can actually do as a pharmacist/how diverse this field is!
If you want a breakdown of salary, lifestyle, and pros/cons of going into pharmacy, comment “PATHWAY” and I’ll make a part 2.
#pharmacy #pharmacist #pharmacycareer #pharmacyschool #pharmacystudent #pharmd
@_alinaluk
