Name: Vasanth Arun (MedBound handle: @vasanth203)
Birth Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Educational Qualification: Pharm.D from Arulmigu Kalasalingam College of Pharmacy , Tamil Nadu, India (Admission Batch: 2018)
Languages you speak or write: English and Tamil
What do you do?
Currently, I am pursuing my 5th year of Pharm.D at AKCP, and I am also a certified medical writer.
What’s the best part of your profession? What made you choose this profession?
The best aspect of a Pharm.D. is the opportunity to learn about and become more knowledgeable about drugs. Making an extra effort to improve our skills opens up a lot of job opportunities.
Are you happy/satisfied with the current scenario of pharmacy education in India?
Not that much satisfied because there is a lack of guidance for Pharm.D graduates in choosing the right career path. I think it's due to the scarcity of teachers who have completed Pharm.D themselves and can guide them, especially in our country.
What can be done to improve education and the profession in this sector?
Recruiting Pharm.D. holders to teach in colleges.
What are some fun facts about pharmacy that you want the readers to know?
While studying drugs and diseases, it was so interesting. However, during tests or exams, we often have the feeling that we have forgotten everything we studied. When we meet new people, whether in a hospital or outside, we introduce ourselves as Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) students. However, they often respond by saying, "Oh, D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy)."
What do you think about current industry / job scenario?
I am interested in the field of clinical research. The clinical research industry plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments. It has witnessed advancements in medical science and rising regulatory standards to ensure safety and efficacy. Real-world evidence is gaining importance alongside traditional trials. Innovative trial designs, data management, and ethical considerations are areas of focus. Global collaboration and the impact of COVID-19 have shaped the industry's evolution. Overall, the industry's continuous development can contribute to improving healthcare and patient outcomes.
What are the challenges that you face in your day to day life?
Collecting and evaluating patient cases, making decisions, etc., initially was challenging, but now we are used to it. Practice and experience have made these tasks more manageable and interesting.
What is the salary one can expect after completing D. Pharm/B. Pharm/M. Pharm as a fresher?
₹30,000/month
Do you think pharmacists are underpaid?
Yes, my seniors received a payment of 12k per month for working as clinical pharmacists. They found this amount to be less considering the effort and work they put in.
Is there a healthy work-life balance in your profession?
Yes, I have a healthy work-life balance now as I have been focusing on self-improvement for the past few months. I believe it is our responsibility to maintain that balance in life.
Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?
Yes, I do read some books. My favorite books are "How to Win Friends and Influence People," "The Way of the Superior Man," and "Atomic Habits." These books have been really impactful and insightful for me.
What is your favorite dish?
Grilled Chicken and Biryani
What’s one thing that people are generally surprised to find out about you?
I think they get surprised when they find out that I can skate with a skateboard.
What is your least favourite subject?
Mathematics
Your favourite subject(s)?
Pharmacology, Clinical research, Microbiology, and therapeutics.
What’s something you wish to change about the world?
Changing the world to respect all jobs equally is essential because every job requires some skill, talent, and hard work.
If your journey was/were a movie, what would it be called?
Swimming With Sharks
Tell me something you think is true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Being disciplined, they agree by words but disagree by their actions.
Best/memorable moment
When I gave a gratitude letter to my mom and dad and saw their reactions as they read it, it became the most memorable moment for me. I find myself thinking about it most of the time recently.
What do you love to do in your leisure time?
Reading my favorite books, listening to songs, and going for a walk are activities I enjoy doing.
What do you hate the most?
Toxic people, Instant Gratification, and sugary foods.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
Software Engineer
What is your dream travel destination?
All over the world with my family.
Where would you like to work in future?
Canada or Australia
Finally, a Quote you relate to.
"Do the hard work, especially when you don't feel like it."
What else would you like to tell about yourself?
I'm just a man who wants to be masculine, successful, and raise my family and my people.