For many science and chemistry students, pharmacy remains an unexplored field. However, a recent “Career Pathways in Pharmacy” workshop hosted by faculty and students from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) School of Pharmacy at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (SERMACS) aimed to change that. By highlighting the diverse career options within pharmacy, the workshop offered participants valuable insight into a profession they might not have previously considered.
A common misconception is that pharmacists only work in retail settings like CVS or Walgreens. While community pharmacy is an important part of the field, it’s far from the only career path. Jalen Love (PharmD ‘27), noted, “Many people, including myself, initially thought that pharmacists were only involved in filling prescriptions … According to the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), there are over 100 career paths in pharmacy!”
Dr. Vicky Mody, associate professor at PCOM Georgia, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that workshops like these help dispel myths about the profession. Students without healthcare backgrounds are unaware of the broad opportunities in pharmacy. This workshop showcased career paths like industry health informatics, FDA roles, and clinical pharmacy, helping attendees understand what makes pharmacy unique.
For students with a chemistry background, the workshop demonstrated how their existing knowledge could pave the way for a fulfilling career in pharmacy. “A background in chemistry strengthens a pharmacist,” Love shared. “My initial love for chemistry is what led me to pursue a career in pharmacy.” Students in chemistry are well-suited for pharmacy because their “understanding of the chemistry of a molecule helps them easily understand the chemistry of drugs and their mechanism of action,” Mody added.
The workshop provided attendees with an overview of the diverse career paths available in the field of pharmacy. Participants learned about opportunities in academia, research, clinical settings, and industry roles, offering them a comprehensive understanding of the profession. “Workshops like these provide students with greater insight into the profession, offering them more options and opportunities,” Love explained. “The goal is to pursue a career you will love, not just one that pays well but that you don’t particularly enjoy.”
PCOM School of Pharmacy faculty and students used this opportunity to not only share insights about pharmacy but also introduce attendees to PCOM’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program and its commitment to student success. “You are not just a random student or a number; you are a person,” Love said. “Although I believe your success is your responsibility, PCOM makes it theirs as well.”
Both Mody and Love agree that workshops like this are essential. “The greatest gift these workshops offer STEM students is exposure. With this exposure, students are given more opportunities to join an amazing profession,” Mody explained. Love added, “We genuinely want to help students choose the career that fits them best.”
By continuing to host these workshops at future ACS meetings and beyond, PCOM is not only raising awareness about pharmacy but also inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. For prospective students, these workshops serve as a gateway to discovering a fulfilling and impactful career.
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