Karen Devine's Diary
A wide variety of opportunities are there for the taking if you leave University with a good degree in pharmacology. These
opportunities are not restricted to careers in science but a diverse array of possible career options from computer programming
to marketing. Indeed, many companies now prefer graduates to have a wide range of backgrounds and skills.
However, if you are thinking of changing route after graduation to study medicine, a degree in pharmacology bestows a whole host of
advantages. A huge knowledge of current drugs in a variety of specialities from rheumatology to neurology undoubtedly is a massive
advantage. This not only enables you to decide what drug is best to administer but also by knowing of the mechanism of action of the
drug it often gives you an insight to the pathology of the disease. Furthermore, understanding of drug mechanism allows you to
predict many side effects rather than learning exhaustive and forgettable lists.
As a pharmacology graduate, you also leave university with a substantial grounding in physiology, anatomy and biochemistry. Of
course this comes in very useful as second time round as you are no longer totally perplexed by biochemical pathways but have the
time to look into areas you are not so familiar with.
Apart from these more obvious benefits, the full range of generic skills that you acquire while studying pharmacology is of
lifelong benefit no matter what career you follow. For example, how to effectively communicate and present findings, which is
essential if you want to be a doctor. You gain the ability to time manage, discipline your approach to study, produce concise
essays and reports. Indeed, the art of thinking in a logical and methodical manner to solve problems is something that evaded me
before studying pharmacology!
There are few disadvantages to doing a degree in pharmacology before embarking on a degree in medicine. The most prominent one is
money. Unfortunately, if you complete an undergraduate degree, you will have to pay fees for your undergraduate medical course.
This is coupled with the fact that there is little time to work part time given the nature of the timetable. However, the new four
year graduate medical courses that have been introduced in some English universities are heavily subsidised by the NHS.
With regards to your medical career the future looks very rosy! Pharmacology is a very highly respected degree within the medical
fraternity and being an owner of one makes you stand out from the rest. It ultimately allows you more job opportunities and it has
been known to assist the rate of progress up the ladder.
<< Exit
Diary |
