Is 30 too late to start on a pharmacy PHD program?!!

[ahlawy]

I'm a community pharmacist who has been practicing for almost 5-6 years now. I recently made up my mind on changing my career.

After couple of years in the workforce, I realized and came to a point that this is not the right path for me. I'm seriously considering

pursuing a PHD.

I was wondering if the adcomms from universities put so much importance on your age?!! Also, if the fact of me changing my career would have any negative impact on my application when I apply?!! I'm worried they might think I'm a bit uncertain about what I want, Is that right?!! I have to say this was particularly right when I was young, right after I finished my bachelor. I wasn't 100% sure of what I want at that time, but now after having a good experience in life, I feel I'm mature enough to take such a decision.

What do you guys think?!!

Also, can anyone help me with graduate studies in pharmacy?!! Which areas seem to have a good future opportunities?!! I'm somewhat attracted to pharmacology and cancer research. Any other ideas or hints would be highly appreciated!

 

Thanks good People

[memyselfandcoffee]

neuropharmacology is an option if you are interested in the brain and behaviour.

but i'm in pysch so i don't know too much about pharmacy, but in answer to your question, being 30 and having work experience won't hurt at all, infact it should work in your favor, you are really less of a risk to take on, as you know what u want to do and are more mature and reliable.

good luck

[Guest |||]

should it hurt? not in terms of being admitted

[Mabester]

Although this is coming quite a bit time later, I think I can help answer your question.

 

As for my background, I'm graduating with a professional PharmD in 2014 and I am applying to PhD programs in pharmacology currently. Therefore, I should be able to help clarify what programs are looking for from a research prospective and the advantages/disadvantages of being a professional healthcare worker.

 

1) Pharmacology programs are generally not interested in your work experience from a clinical point of view, because pharmacologists are not clinicians. They are concerned about your aptitude in a lab, ability to scientifically write and your ability to reason. Pharmacists are great about knowing mechanisms of action and the pharmacology of useful drugs, but oftentimes that is superficial to the level of research currently in pharmacology. However, it's a huge positive over undergraduate applicants, because your understanding of cell biology is much deeper than most.

 

2) Lab experience is the quintessential attribute to many applicants- It shows a degree of familiarity with the scientific process and if you have experience with lab methods such as: western blotting, cell culturing, animal breeding, genotyping, etc. If you are a pharmacist with no lab experience, try and slant your SOP towards why you want to  go into research and your willingness to really dive deep, despite your lack of lab history. Additionally, maybe apply for some jobs in labs over a summer as a lab technician or doing part time animal breeding for local institutions to get a small "in" that can also help with point 3.

 

3) Letters of recommendation are important to vouch for your academic abilities, work ethic and aptitude in the field. You might be far removed from professors, lab mentors or departments that can offer a solid letter on your behalf. Some schools prefer that you do not have letters from anybody other than those from academia. So finding someone that really knows you from these areas may be a challenge 5 years out from school.

 

In terms of pharmacology, some of the largest fields currently are cancer biology, genetics/epigenetics, neuropharmacology among many others.

 

I don't mean to sound negative or like it will be too large a challenge, I just want to give you a realistic view into the hurdles associated with pharmacology. I wish you good luck and the best let me know if you ahve any questions

[jamesshaffer85]

I don't think there's such thing as too late when it comes to application. If you feel like this program can change your life for better, you definitely should go for it. I think that realization that you need to change soething is the best motivation possible. I think this informed choice might b your advantage over other applicants. Good luck with your study and the application process!