The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7496 p400
5 April 2008

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• Society elections (2)
• Devolution
• Medication errors
• Children's medicines
• The new contract
• Community pharmacy
• Patient safety
• Responsible pharmacist
• CPPE
• Education
• The Society (4)
• Pharmacy in the media

Letters to the Editor

Education

Dispel misconceptions about doctoral study

From Miss H. Nazar

I agree that pharmacy schools need to increase PhD student places (PJ, 23 February 2008, p205). I am currently completing my preregistration year.

I have been fortunate enough to secure a six-month programme in community pharmacy and six months within academia, under the remit of a PhD programme, that is to last a further two and a half years beyond successful completion of the registration exam.

My postgraduate studies are funded by the university and the overall package is surprisingly attractive, considering the traditional unattractive income one associates with this field.

Also, the subject of the study is extremely up to date and at the forefront within the area of pharmaceutics, thereby offering realistic career prospects.

Many of the preregistration trainees I have encountered, not only within my peer group, but also from those graduating from universities across the UK, have expressed an avid interest and desire for this opportunity.

There is an absence of information about this option and this is an issue I believe should be tackled during undergraduate studies.

Initial interest in postgraduate studies should be encouraged and nurtured in the undergraduate cohort, and efforts made to dispel the prevailing image that pay is minimal pay and research outdated before they stifle potential motivation in this area.

I am glad to see that these issues are recognised and are being tackled by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society through raising awareness and the provision of support and funding.

Hamde Nazar
School of Pharmacy Sciences,
University of Portsmouth

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