Name : Sauparnika Soman (MedBound handle: @Sauparnika Soman)
Birth Place: Payyanur, Kerela, India
Educational Qualification: PharmD Intern-2018 Batch, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government Medical College, Kannur, Pariyaram, Kerela
Languages you speak or write: Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil
What do you do?
I am a PharmD student currently doing my internship at the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government Medical College, Kannur, Pariyaram, Kerala.
What’s the best part of your profession? What made you choose this profession?
I was always fascinated by what a drug does to the body and what the body does to the drug. This curiosity led me to choose this profession.
Are you happy/satisfied with the current scenario of pharmacy education in India?
No, we are not clinically exposed much, and theoretical knowledge is given prime importance rather than practical skills.
What can be done to improve education and the profession in this sector?
More skill-based training programs and continuing education should be ensured to see an overall progression in this sector.
What are some fun facts about pharmacy that you want the readers to know?
The human body naturally produces chemicals that are very similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. We get to be high by ourselves.
What do you think about the current industry / job scenario?
Underpayment, lack of work quality, and increased work pressure in India have resulted in a high migration of youngsters to Western and European countries.
What are the challenges that you face in your day-to-day life?
First, there's stress and anxiety. Secondly, there's a feeling of uncertainty about the job and the future.
What is the salary one can expect after completing D. Pharm/B. Pharm/M. Pharm as a fresher?
Minimum of 10k–20k per month.
What are your views on the EXIT exam for getting registered as a pharmacist?
It would aid in promoting and extracting good pharmacists for our nation.
Do you think pharmacists are underpaid?
Yes, of course.
Is there a healthy work-life balance in your profession?
Generally speaking, work-related stress is a big issue in a developing country like India.
Do you need to work overtime sometimes? If so, are you paid accordingly or not?
I am currently a student, and I haven't started working yet. So I am not sure about the answer.
Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?
Yes, very much.
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
What's your favorite dish?
I love anything and everything with chicken.
What’s one thing that people are generally surprised to find out about you?
I watch a minimum of 10 films per week.
What is your least favourite subject?
Physics
Your favourite subject(s)?
I love chemistry, biology, and history.
What’s something you wish to change about the world?
I wish that Pandora's box had never been opened.
If your journey was/were a movie, what would it be called?
Are you there, God? It's me, Sauparnika Soman.
Tell me something you think is true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
The fact that so-called self-help books never help.
Best/memorable moment
The first time I watched a film all by myself in a theatre.
What do you love to do in your leisure time?
Watch series or movies. I am a huge film fanatic.
What do you hate the most?
At this point in my life, I don't hate anything.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
An archaeologist/veterinarian.
What is your dream travel destination?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Where would you like to work in future?
Germany or any other Nordic country.
Finally, a Quote you relate to.
Word to word, I'm a river. I'll flow and float incessantly. (PS: I made that up.)
What else would you like to tell about yourself?
I am happier than ever and in complete zen mode now.
(PharmaDose/Sauparnika Soman/SC)