Why Choose Pharmacy as a Career Path? Insights from Students

Also, from a report which came out of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) we see that the Indian pharma market is to hit $130 billion by 2030 which is a growth of 9-10% CAGR. This growth is exponential, which in turn presents great opportunities for pharmacy graduates. 

But what do these options look like to you? What I can tell you is that which pharmacy you choose will secure your career and at the same time also present you with a variety of roles. You may want to get into hospital practice, research in a lab, work for a regulatory body, or even start up something of your own; you really do have that choice. Also, many of my past students now sit in key roles at global players like Lupin, Sun Pharma, and Cipla. Also, some have gone on to join academic teams or strike out on their own. 

Pharmacy’s Uniqueness in the Field of Health Care: 

Pharmacy is a field which straddles health care and science. As a pharmacist you don’t just fill out prescriptions; you are a part of a team that improves patient safety, weaves together drug regimens for optimal results, and which does basic and applied research. Each day brings new what to learn and new challenges. 

In my experience one of the best parts of pharmacy degree is watching students grow from curious beginners to confident professionals. We start out with an in-depth study of areas such as medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and clinical pharmacy. As time goes on, we see them develop into critical thinkers and gain in-depth knowledge of drug action in the human body. That base of knowledge in turn empowers them to make informed decisions which in turn lead to better lives. 

For instance, in the case of the recent pandemic which saw the world grapple with health crisis Pharmacists played a key role in vaccine distribution, medication management and public health awareness campaigns. They brought to the fore their expertise which also helped in dispelling mis info, and we saw to it that health resources were Equitably distributed. These times bring to light that pharmacy is not0 to just technical know how it is also about 2 we make a tangible difference in the world. 

Diverse Career Opportunities Await You 

One issue that we see is that many students think that pharmacy is equal in retail. What they don’t realize is that the field is very wide in what it has to offer. That said here are some great options you may not have known: 

1. Production of Pharm dosage forms 
2. Quality Assurance / Quality control 
3. Pharmacovigilance 
4. Clinical Pharmacy: In the hospital setting pharmacists team up with doctors and nurses to improve patient care. Also, clinical pharmacists play a large role in monitoring drug effectiveness, preventing adverse events, and in which we educate patients. 
5. Research & Development (R&D): If you are into innovation, in R&D you get to play a role in drug discovery and formulation development. Also, many Indian institutions work with international groups which provide access to the best tech out there. 
6. Regulatory Affairs: Compliance with legal laws, which includes that of drug manufacture and marketing, is key. Also, regulatory affairs professionals are in great demand for specialized skills. 
7. Academia: Pass on what you know to the upcoming generation of pharmacists. Teaching also allows you to be at the forefront of the latest developments and to mold young minds. 
8. Entrepreneurship: Start your own pharmacy, consultancy firm, or wellness center. As we see in the growth of e-pharmacies and telemedicine today, we live in a time that is very supportive of innovation. 
9. Admistration: Pharmaceutical inspector health regulator. 

Each path has its own rewards, but all require the foundation of solid pharmacy education. 

Unlock Your Future: A Rewarding Career in Pharmacy Awaits 

If you are set on a career in pharmacy I would like to present to you Suryadatta College of Pharmacy, Healthcare Research (SCPHR). In 2023 we saw the establishment of SCPHR under the aegis of the Suryadatta Education Foundation. We at SCPHR are dedicated to the growth of pharmacy professionals through world class education. Also, we have state-of-the-art infrastructure, a team of very experienced faculty members, and a curriculum which is in sync with industry requirements which in turn prepares our students to address the ever-changing issues in the pharmaceutical field. 

At SCPHR, which is what we at the company are into, we belief in the well-rounded development of our students. From getting hands on training in our state-of-the-art labs to going for internships at top companies, we have thought of it all. Also, our position in Pune which is a mecca for education and innovation gives us an edge in terms of network access and we can invite in many guests for seminars. 

I am very proud that we are a part of that which is dedicated to academic excellence and upholding ethical values. We have many alumni that have achieved great success, and I am confident that you will do the same in this environment. 

Personal Fulfillment: Pharmacy at the Core. 

In terms of numbers and career growth, pharmacy has a lot to offer but also, it’s a very personal and fulfilling field. What is special about it is that we see our work in action and that we are improving people’s quality of life. From counseling a patient on their chronic care plan to playing a role in developing that which may save a life every day is different and rewarding. 

I remember an experience that had a large impact; one of my students was very involved in getting a diabetic patient to see the value in adhering to insulin therapy. This intervention which we put in place did in fact stabilize the patient’s health also it made that patient’s trust in health care providers grow. These stories are what bring me back to why I entered this field and what I live for, which is to tell others to do the same. 

Challenges and How to Overcome Them 

Of course, every career has its challenges. In pharmacy, you must constantly learn and pay attention to detail and be resilient. The coursework is intense, and we must stay current with changing regulations and scientific breakthroughs. But it is the challenges which make the journey great. 

To do well put effort into improving skills such as time management, curiosity, and perseverance. Also find a mentor for your professors and peers, go to workshops and get into extracurriculars. I tell you from experience the more you put into yourself the more you will get out of it. 

Final Thoughts: 

Choosing pharmacy as a career is not just picking a job out of a list of options; it is a lifetime dedication to better health outcomes and advancing science. With the right mentorship and resources, you can transform into your best self and do very well in this ever-changing field. 

If you are set to begin this change agent journey, we invite you to join us at SCPHR’s to do B.Pharm in Pune. Together we will shape a better future for you and the lives which you in turn will touch through your work. 

Feel free to get in touch with any questions you may have. I am here to always help you out! Today let’s take that first step toward your dream career.