I'm getting my PharmD, but I'm deadset against working at RiteAid. I'm

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition from a PharmD program to a potential career in epidemiology, exploring the feasibility of this shift and the relevance of a pharmacy background in public health contexts. The conversation includes considerations of academic pathways and personal preferences regarding career choices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether moving from a PharmD to epidemiology is too significant a leap, referencing a friend's experience with a more drastic career change.
  • Another participant argues that the transition is not impossible, citing their own experience in a Master of Public Health (MPH) program that includes diverse backgrounds, suggesting that a PharmD could complement a career in epidemiology, especially in clinical trials.
  • The same participant notes that MPH programs typically take about two years and recommends finding a program with a strong emphasis on epidemiology, ideally separate from a medical school.
  • A later reply acknowledges the advice and expresses relief at the idea that math is manageable for them, indicating a positive reception to the suggestion of pursuing epidemiology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that transitioning from a PharmD to epidemiology is feasible, though there are varying opinions on the challenges involved and the specific pathways to take.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the compatibility of pharmacy and epidemiology careers are present, but specific prerequisites or requirements for transitioning between these fields remain unresolved.

ptolema
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I'm getting my PharmD, but I'm deadset against working at RiteAid. I'm trying to go academia/research, so I'm thinking of doing something like epidemiology. Is pharmacy to epidemiology too far of a jump? (I know a pre-med/art history major, so I've got a good idea of what an impossible jump is) I don't want to have to get my PharmD and then have to go back to the beginning for a BS.
 
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I don't think it is an impossible jump. I'm currently in a MPH program with plenty of doctors, nurses, engineers, etc. You name it, you'll find that major in the program.

Epi could be great with your Pharm D especially if you want to work in something to do with clinical trials or something else that would draw from both backgrounds. As long as you don't mind a little math Epi is a lot of fun.

MPH programs take 2 years max, just find one with a solid Epi emphasis and hopefully a school of public health that is separate from the medical school of the same university. Student Doctor Forums has a section for MPH applicants too, just fyi.
 


SbF5 said:
I don't think it is an impossible jump. I'm currently in a MPH program with plenty of doctors, nurses, engineers, etc. You name it, you'll find that major in the program.

Epi could be great with your Pharm D especially if you want to work in something to do with clinical trials or something else that would draw from both backgrounds. As long as you don't mind a little math Epi is a lot of fun.

MPH programs take 2 years max, just find one with a solid Epi emphasis and hopefully a school of public health that is separate from the medical school of the same university. Student Doctor Forums has a section for MPH applicants too, just fyi.

thanks for the advice! i don't mind the math at all, so that's a relief to hear.
 


No problem. Good Luck with your search.
 

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