Name: Sameer Parag Sheth (MedBound handle: @Sameersheth)
Birth Place: Mumbai, India
Academic Qualification: PharmD from DY Patil University, Pune, Mumbai, India (Admission batch: 2019)
Languages: English, Hindi and Gujarati
What do you do?
I am pursuing PharmD from DY Patil University.
What’s the best part of your profession?
I find work satisfaction in patient counseling and checking for Drug-Drug interactions. These aspects are often undervalued.
What made you choose this profession?
I had a strong interest in drugs and therapeutics, so I chose pharmacy. I can relate my interest to my profession well.
Is/Was pharmacy your first career choice?
Yes, pharmacy was my first career choice.
Are you happy/satisfied with the current scenario of pharmacy education in India?
No, the importance of pharmacists is often undervalued in India. People need to be educated about their role in healthcare.
What can be done to improve education and the profession in this sector?
Education about the importance of pharmacists in the healthcare system is crucial. Better acceptance of pharmacists in healthcare is needed. Diversified job opportunities and awareness among doctors and nurses are important.
What are some fun facts about pharmacy that you want the readers to know?
Pharmacy education covers more than just drugs. It includes disease knowledge, drug interactions, and interventions.
What do you think about the current industry/job scenario? Pharmacists' contributions are undervalued. The system often limits them to dispensing, which is not their only role.
What are the challenges that you face in your day-to-day life?
Lack of awareness among doctors and nurses about the role of pharmacists is a challenge.
What is the salary one can expect after completing D. Pharm/B. Pharm/M. Pharm as a fresher?
Around 1 lakh to 1.5 lakhs per month.
What are your views on the EXIT exam for getting registered as a pharmacist?
PharmD students don't have to take the EXIT exam as their course already spans 6 years.
Do you think pharmacists are underpaid?
Yes, their work is often undervalued and limited to dispensing.
Is there a healthy work-life balance in your profession?
During exams, the work-life balance can be challenging.
Do you need to work overtime sometimes? If so, are you paid accordingly or not?
Overtime might be necessary, but there might not always be proper compensation.
Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?
Yes, I enjoy reading. I recently read the autobiography of a neurosurgeon battling brain carcinoma.
What is your favorite dish?
Dal Rice made by my mom.
What’s one thing that people are generally surprised to find out about you?
I have a fun side even in serious moments.
Who would you like to travel with?
I enjoy traveling with friends and family.
What is your least favorite subject?
Medicinal chemistry.
Your favorite subject(s)?
Therapeutics and Pharmacology.
What’s something you wish to change about the world?
An affordable global healthcare system.
If your journey were a movie, what would it be called?
"Miracles Favor the Brave."
Tell me something you think is true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Time travel is real.
Best/memorable moment:
Witnessing the white coat ceremony of my sister, which inspired me to work harder.
What do you love to do in your leisure time?
I enjoy reading books.
What do you hate the most?
I dislike the undervaluing of pharmacists' contributions.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for? I might have become a lawyer.
What is your dream travel destination?
Italy
Where would you like to work in the future?
National Institute of Mental Health and Sciences (NIMHANS)
Finally, a Quote you relate to:
"Hardwork beats talent."