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Letters to the Editor
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The industry
Many opportunities for pharmacists
From Mr M. C. Harvey, MRPharmS, and Miss S. L. Thurston
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is to be congratulated on the copy
provided for the recent supplement in The Independent of 23 September, “Indispensable”,
which reviewed the role of pharmacy and career prospects for pharmacists.
However, the information supplied showed a lack of substance in the contributions
graduate pharmacists can make in the pharmaceutical industry.
In a brief sentence summing up the potential roles of pharmacists in
industry, there was no expansion on all the opportunities in marketing,
sales, communications and general management. These opportunities are
mostly understated, or even absent entirely, in pharmacy schools and
produce the odd result of there being far too few pharmacists in the
pharmaceutical industry.
Those with good marketing and communication skills together with training
in management can enjoy a rewarding career and contribute greatly in
an important and successful industry. They can earn high salaries and
have excellent job satisfaction. The jobs are not just for “scientists”.
We work at or near the University of Portsmouth pharmacy school and it
is sad to relate that in discussing potential careers, little or no information
is provided here on the openings in the industry. A vibrant, enthusiastic
personality coupled with a good degree in pharmacy would be an asset
to any company whose mission is to produce and market its products in
this country and abroad. After all what better degree will contribute
to the future needs of the industry?
M. C. Harvey
Chichester, West Sussex
Sarah L. Thurston
Third Year Student
Portsmouth School of Pharmacy
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JEAN-PIERRE MOSER, head of public relations and membership, Royal
Pharmaceutical Society, replies:
I am pleased that your correspondents
welcomed September’s
pharmacy careers supplement published by The Independent in association
with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The supplement covered a broad
range of career opportunities in the profession and included a number
of references to industrial pharmacy. The aim was to provide a taster
to readers of possible career paths and the Society provided subject
ideas and pharmacy contacts for Independent journalists to follow up.
However,
The Independent maintains overall editorial control over what is finally
published which ensures the supplement has credibility to its readers. |
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The
Pharmaceutical Journal