Name: Abinash Choudhury
Birth Place: Odisha, India
Academic Qualification: B. Pharm from Roland Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (RIPS), Berhampur, Odisha, India (2017-2021)
M. Pharm (Pharmacology), Chandigarh University, Punjab, India (2021-23)
Languages you speak or write: English, Hindi, and Odia
What do you do?
I am currently pursuing my M. Pharm in Pharmacology at UIPS, Chandigarh University, and I am about to complete my Masters next month. I would like to express my gratitude to Medbound Times for granting me this wonderful opportunity.
What’s the best part of your profession? What made you choose this profession?
The best part of my profession is ensuring that medications are used safely and effectively to improve patient care.
Is/Was pharmacy your first career choice?
No
Are you happy/satisfied with the current scenario of pharmacy education in India?
I am dissatisfied with the current state of pharmacy education in India. There is a concerning trend of individuals completing their degrees without attending classes or taking exams. I strongly believe that stricter rules should be enforced for pharmacy admissions and registrations to ensure accountability and maintain the integrity of the profession.
Furthermore, I have observed that after completing their pharmacy education, many students lack the necessary skillset to embark on a successful career in the professional field. This knowledge gap hinders their transition into the workforce. Addressing this issue by incorporating comprehensive skill development programs within the curriculum is crucial to better equip pharmacy graduates for real-world challenges and opportunities.
What can be done to improve education and the profession in this sector?
Degrees should not be awarded without attending classes and exams.
There should be a mandatory session on how to connect with pharmaceutical professionals through professional platforms like LinkedIn.
Preparation for working as a professional.
Incorporation of industry working culture.
Improvement in the skill set required after completing the course.
Are you aware of all the career choices in your field?
Yes, I am actively exploring and delving into them.
What do you think about current industry scenario?
The pharmaceutical industry is currently shaped by factors such as the impact of COVID-19, technological advancements, evolving regulations, drug pricing and access concerns, biopharmaceuticals and gene therapies, and a growing focus on sustainability.
1. COVID-19 Impact: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the pharmaceutical industry. It has accelerated vaccine and therapeutics development, increased focus on pandemic preparedness, and highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience.
2. Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and precision medicine, are transforming various aspects of the industry. These innovations have the potential to enhance drug discovery, personalized medicine, and patient care.
3. Regulatory Landscape: Regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, placing emphasis on safety, efficacy, and transparency. Compliance with regulations, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and stringent clinical trial protocols, remains crucial for pharmaceutical companies.
4. Drug Pricing and Access: Affordability and access to essential medications have been significant concerns. Pricing policies, patent regulations, and efforts to increase generic drug availability have been subjects of debate, aiming to balance innovation and patient affordability.
5. Biopharmaceuticals and Gene Therapies: Biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins, as well as gene therapies, have gained prominence. They hold promise for treating complex diseases and offer potential breakthroughs in medical treatment.
6. Sustainability and Environmental Impact: There is a growing focus on sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint of the pharmaceutical industry. Efforts to develop eco-friendly manufacturing processes and packaging, as well as responsible waste management, are gaining attention.
What are the challenged that you face in your day to day life?
As a fresher, I anticipate facing challenges such as adapting to the professional environment, managing time effectively, acquiring new skills, improving communication and collaboration, and handling work pressure. However, I approach these challenges with a positive mindset, a commitment to learning, and a determination to grow both personally and professionally.
What is the salary one can expect after completing D. Pharm/B. Pharm/M. Pharm as a fresher?
As freshers (having completed D. Pharm/B. Pharm/M. Pharm), our primary focus is on acquiring knowledge as we embark on our learning journey. Personally, I firmly believe that knowledge cannot be purchased with money. I hope that as freshers, we can be considered as valuable assets, provided with compensation in line with company/hospital norms and the standard market range. This will enable us to meet our economic needs while contributing effectively to the organization.
What are your views on the EXIT exam for getting registered as a pharmacist?
The D. Pharm EXIT exam for pharmacist registration is a positive step that ensures qualified individuals dispense medicines properly, enhancing patient understanding and safety.
Do you think pharmacists are underpaid?
Yes, I strongly believe that pharmacists are indeed underpaid considering their level of education, expertise, and the important role they play in healthcare. The reasons for perceived or actual underpayment of pharmacists can be influenced by various factors. Here are a few possible explanations: 1. Market forces: The supply and demand dynamics in the job market can affect salaries. If there is an oversupply of pharmacists relative to the available positions, it can lead to increased competition and potentially lower wages. 2.Cost-saving measures: In an effort to reduce healthcare costs, employers may implement cost-cutting measures, which can include controlling or reducing salaries and benefits across the board, including for pharmacists. 3. Changing healthcare landscape: The evolving healthcare landscape and reimbursement models can impact the financial viability of pharmacies and influence the compensation they can offer to pharmacists. Shifting roles and responsibilities within the profession may also influence salary structures. 4.Regional variations: Compensation levels can vary significantly depending on the geographic location. Factors such as cost of living, market saturation, and local economic conditions can contribute to regional differences in pharmacist salaries. 5. Lack of recognition: In some cases, the skills, expertise, and value that pharmacists bring to patient care may not be fully recognized or adequately compensated, leading to perceptions of being underpaid.
Is there a healthy work-life balance in your profession?
Currently, I am pursuing my master's degree as a full-time student, actively engaging in my college curriculum, which includes assignments, presentations, research work, and thesis writing. Simultaneously, I have a profound interest in content creation. Crafting valuable content entails thorough research and studying the relevant topics, which requires a significant amount of time and effort. Both aspects, academic pursuits and content creation, hold equal importance for me as they contribute to maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance aligned with my areas of interest.
Do you need to work overtime sometimes? If so, are you paid accordingly or not?
I am eager to dedicate my time and efforts to the job at hand, including working overtime when necessary. I understand that certain situations may require additional hours to meet project deadlines or handle unexpected tasks. While discussing the specifics of compensation and overtime policies would be helpful to ensure transparency and fairness, I am open to negotiating such terms and believe in being appropriately compensated for any extra time and effort invested in my work.
Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?
I have a genuine love for reading as it allows me to gather valuable content and contributes to my future career prospects. Presently, I am engrossed in a Pharmacovigilance book.
What is your favorite dish?
Chicken Biryani and homemade food.
How would your friends describe you?
A reliable and loyal friend.
Who would you like to travel with?
Family, Friend(s)
What is your least favourite subject?
Medicinal Chemistry
Your favourite subject(s)?
Pharmacology, Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Research
What are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about improving global access to quality healthcare. My aim is to create a more equitable world where everyone can achieve good health affordably and without side effects.
If your journey was/were a movie, what would it be called?
As I am currently in a stage of learning and exploration, my journey is an ongoing process, making it difficult to envision a specific movie title to encapsulate it.
Tell me something you think is true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
As a fresher, I am passionate about learning, growing, and making a positive impact in the healthcare industry.
Best/memorable moment
On March 8th, while joyfully celebrating Holi with my friends, I received a call from my mentor, Preet Sir. He delivered the thrilling news, "Abinash, your paper has been published in the prestigious Journal of Ethnopharmacology!" It was an extraordinary moment, as my review article had achieved publication without any rejections.
What do you love to do in your leisure time?
I thoroughly enjoy creating engaging content for LinkedIn while also finding relaxation and amusement in watching funny videos.
What do you hate the most?
As a fresher, I prefer to focus on professional growth rather than dwelling on personal dislikes. I believe in embracing challenges, continuously learning, and maintaining a positive mindset to overcome obstacles.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
If given a choice, I would have opted for a career in Cricket.
What is your dream travel destination?
In India, my favorite travel destination is Himachal Pradesh, and I feel fortunate to be currently exploring this enchanting place. However, when it comes to international travel, I am captivated by the beauty of Switzerland, which I absolutely adore exploring.
Where would you like to work in future?
In the future, I aspire to pursue a career in Switzerland.
Finally, a Quote you relate to.
"Every successful person has a painful story, every painful story has a successful ending. Accept the pain and get ready for success."
What else would you like to tell about yourself?
That's all I would like to share about myself. I love traveling and love to meet new people at different places.
(PharmaDose/Abinash Choudhury/PB)
