PharmaDose - Anjaly Maria Jose
Name: Anjaly Maria Jose
Birth Place: Kerala, India
Educational Qualification: B. Pharm, St. James College Of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chalakudy, Kerala, India
M. Pharm, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Punjab, India
Languages you speak or write: English and Malayalam
What do you do?
I work as a Consultant at Patient Centered Research.
What’s the best part of your profession? What made you choose this profession?
Making the patient's voice heard in drug development is the best thing. I chose this profession since I could interact with patients and understand their perspective and bring it to the regulators and payers for drug approval and reimbursement.
Are you happy/satisfied with the current scenario of pharmacy education in India?
No, I am not satisfied with the current scenario of pharmacy education in India.
What can be done to improve education and the profession in this sector?
The studies should be job and research oriented, and students should be able to select their specialisation in their bachelor’s itself. Nothing about what's new in the pharma world is talked about or taught during the course.
What are some fun facts about pharmacy that you want the readers to know?
Pharmacy education is not just confined to being a pharmacist or being a professor in pharma college. There is a wider scope if students are given the opportunity to explore.
What do you think about current industry / job scenario?
Yes, there is a recession and less funding, which results in reduced budgets and, consequently, layoffs. However, by understanding the current scenario and preparing by learning about AI, you can position yourself more advantageously. The landscape is evolving, especially in patient-centered research, such as health economics and outcomes research, which are in high demand.
What are the challenges that you face in your day to day life?
I'm not facing any specific challenges in my day-to-day life; however, I do find that patient-centered research is a niche area in India, and the scope for it is limited compared to the markets in the US and EU.
What is the salary one can expect after completing D. Pharm/B. Pharm/M. Pharm as a fresher?
It depends on the college you attended; graduates from NIRF ranked colleges often receive higher packages.
Do you think pharmacists are underpaid?
Yes, I think so. That is the reason why many are migrating. However, I don't have any personal experience since I have not worked as a pharmacist but only as a researcher.
Is there a healthy work-life balance in your profession?
Yes, and flexibility.
Do you need to work overtime sometimes? If so, are you paid accordingly or not?
Yes, based on the deadlines. But only once in a while, but we are not paid overtime.
Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?
Yes, I used to. But, now it is more on patient centered research , development of patient reported outcome measures.
What is your favorite dish?
I'm a foodie... so everything!
What’s one thing that people are generally surprised to find out about you?
I am a pharmacist not working in a pharmacy but in clinical research.
What is your least favourite subject?
Pharmacognosy
Your favourite subject(s)?
Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry
What’s something you wish to change about the world?
I wish that I can change the fact that there is more funding for entertainment industry than for drug development especially since now all the funding is getting cancelled.
If your journey was/were a movie, what would it be called?
I don't remember any specific name.
But everything in this journey has been good. Even learning pharmaceutical sciences was an accident, which I ultimately loved.
What was the Best/memorable moment of your life?
Getting in to NIPER
What do you love to do in your leisure time?
Watching movies.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
I love my profession. So, something in clinical research.
What is your dream travel destination?
Africa
Where would you like to work in future?
With a Patient centered research team in Core pharma companies like AZ, BI, NN.
(PharmaDose/Anjaly Maria Jose/Dr. TLT)
