The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) program is your key to becoming a medicine expert, also called a pharmacist. This article will help you to know about the course and why you should choose Pharm. D. Along with that, you’ll come to know about the current market trends in the pharmaceutical industry that will help you build your career. If interested, keep reading.
Pharm D stands out in a million ways
The role of pharmacists in healthcare has evolved to a great extent. Previously, the role of pharmacists was focused primarily on dispensing medications after a doctor's prescription. However, Pharm D graduates and interns of the top Pharm D colleges in Punjab are now taking on a more expanded role in hospitals, directly interacting with and counseling patients. This broader role prospects ensure patients receive comprehensive pharmaceutical care alongside physician and nursing care. Pharmacists are now considered an integral part of the healthcare team, owing to their considerable involvement in patient care, medication management, drug innovation, clinical trials, and disease prevention.
Role of Pharmacist Explained
Pharmacists play a crucial role in drug innovation and clinical trials. They collaborate with scientists to develop the most suitable form (tablet, capsule, etc.) and delivery method (oral, injection, etc.) for the new drug candidate. This ensures the medication is appropriately absorbed and reaches its target site in the body. They also ensure the new drug remains stable and maintains its potency throughout its shelf life.
Trends, Innovations, and Current Industry Scenario
The rise of innovative therapies and the increasing emphasis on patient perspectives within research and development (R&D) are empowering the pharmaceutical industry to develop life-changing treatments faster than ever before. For instance, the recent approval of the first-ever CRISPR-based gene therapy marks a significant milestone. This breakthrough not only validates the potential of gene editing but also paves the way for a future filled with more innovative approaches.
Beyond gene therapy, other cutting-edge modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates, cell therapies, and a new wave of RNA-based treatments are emerging as powerful tools for drug developers, thereby transforming the landscape of medicine. These advancements hold immense promise for delivering more effective treatments and cures for some of the world’s toughest diseases and conditions.
Meanwhile, at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, a positive clinical data from their phase 1 study of FS222 was presented. The findings showcased significant anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors. This, in turn, suggests FS222's potential as a groundbreaking new treatment option.
Similarly, the Society for Medicine Research (SMR), UK hosted a thought-provoking conference named “The Innovation Landscape”. The conference aimed at cutting-edge advancements in pharmaceutical discovery and development.
Moreover, many partnerships and collaborations are contributing to the growth of the pharmaceutical industry. Reportedly, an UK-based institute has joined forces with six small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with support from the Medical Research Council (MRC). These new partnerships will focus on a broad spectrum of research on many pharmaceutical topics and deliver outstanding results through cutting-edge technologies.
Future Prospects of Pharm. D Graduates
The future prospects for Pharm. D graduates are quite promising, owing to a significant rise in the aging population and a growing emphasis on medication safety driving demand for qualified pharmacists. Let’s dive into the factors briefly:
Increased Job Openings: Sources like the India Skill Report 2022 and reports on pharmacy career scope mention a growth rate in job openings of around 3% for pharmacists from 2022 to 2032. While the overall growth might seem moderate, the Indian pharmaceutical sector itself is witnessing significant growth, with projections of creating a large number of new jobs in the coming years If we talk about abroad, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in pharmacist positions over the next decade, which translates to roughly 13,400 new jobs annually.
Expanding Roles: The Doctor of Pharmacy degree qualifies graduates for a wider range of roles beyond traditional dispensing of medications. This includes specialties like clinical pharmacy, where pharmacists collaborate with physicians on patient care plans, and pharmacy informatics, which focuses on using technology to optimize medication use.
Aging Population: As the population ages, the demand for healthcare services, including medication management, is expected to rise. Pharm D graduates will be well-positioned to meet these growing needs.
With expanding roles, increased job openings, and a focus on healthcare's future, choosing Pharm. D could be your best career move.
Know about the Best Pharm. D Colleges in Punjab
Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) Landran, with its 23 years of glorious legacy, is serving education across diverse fields. This NAAC A+ graded institution provides a Pharm. D program of 6 years, covering all the aspects of pharmacy, such as patient care, clinical pharmacy, dispensing and distributing prescription drugs, medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaco*kinetics, research and development, professional ethics and practice, and the pharmacy laws & regulations.
Furthermore, CGC Landran has an outstanding placement record, with over 900 companies for on-campus recruitment, extending over 9,000 job offers. This renowned institute give special focus on resume building workshops, mock interviews, career counseling, and job placement assistance to ensure the students can crack the interview.
CGC Landran ensures that your Pharm. D experience is not just educational but transformational. So, hurry up and apply now. Just make sure your academic records are of at least 60% marks with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics as compulsory subjects, and you're all set to embark on this exciting journey at CGC Landran.
Besides Pharm. D, CGC Landran offers a wide array of courses in pharmacy including
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
- M.Pharm (Pharmaceutics)
- M.Pharm (Pharmacology)
- M.Pharm (Pharmacy Practice)
- M.Pharm (Regulatory Affairs)
- Pharm.D (Post Baccalaureate)
FAQs
Q. 1. Which is more beneficial? Pharm. D or MBBS?
Ans. While both MBBS and Pharm. D degrees contribute to healthcare, their paths differ. In Pharm. D, students are trained to understand how drugs work, how they interact with the human body, and how to manage medication therapy. MBBS graduates, on the other hand, are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, as well as perform surgical procedures.
Q. 2. How much scope does Pharm. D have in the future?
Ans. Pharm. D has a huge scope in the future, owing to factors such as rise in the aging population, demand for patient care and medication management, and advancement in medicines.
3. What is the highest salary after Pharm. D in India?
Ans. The salary package varies from individual to individual depending upon factors like caliber, experience, job position, job location, etc. But as per an estimation, the average salary of a Pharm. D graduate can range from 6-15 lakhs per annum.
4. Is studying Pharm. D worth it?
Ans. Pharm. D offers good job security, diverse career paths, and the chance to directly impact patient health. Rest depends on individual career goals and aspirants that decide the worth of studying Pharm D.
5. Is Pharm D equal to PHD?
Ans. Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) and Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) are both doctoral degrees, but they have distinct purposes.
6. Is Indian Pharm. D valid in USA?
Ans. You need to clear the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Certification (FPGEC) and North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) tests in order to work as a pharmacist in the USA with an Indian Pharm. D degree.
Conclusion
The landscape of pharmacy is rapidly transforming. So, are you ready to launch a career that directly impacts people's lives? Come join the top Pharm. D colleges in Chandigarh, CGC Landran and take the first step towards becoming a future leader in healthcare.
