Name: Vikram Kumar
Birth Place: Katihar, Bihar, India
Academic Qualification:D. Pharm from PDM University, Bahadurgarh, India (Admission Batch: 2020)
BSc from Swami Shraddhanand College (University of Delhi) Alipur, Delhi (Admission Batch:2010)
Languages you speak or write: Hindi and English
What do you do?
I work as a pharmacist at Amrit Pharmacy, Lady Hardinge Medical College.
What’s the best part of your profession? What made you choose this profession?
The best part of my profession is being the link between doctors and patients. I love this profession because it allows me to directly interact with patients and guide them in taking medications correctly.
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, I am not happy/satisfied with the current scenario of pharmacy education in India. Many people complete their diploma or degree without attending classes and exams. I believe stricter rules should be implemented for pharmacy admissions and registrations.
What can be done to improve education and the profession in this sector?
To improve education and the profession in this sector, we need to keep greedy people away from it as they can tarnish our field. It's important for us to prioritize patient health over monetary gains, as this will build trust among the less fortunate.
Are you aware of all the career choices in your field?
Yes, I am aware of all the career choices in the field of pharmacy.
What do you think about current industry scenario?
I think the current industry scenario is better than before.
What are the challenged that you face in your day to day life?
As a pharmacist, I face several challenges in my day-to-day life. One major challenge is that some medicines are unaffordable for poor people. The government should focus on providing these medicines at minimum rates.
What is the salary one can expect after completing D. Pharm/B. Pharm/M. Pharm as a fresher?
The salary one can expect after completing D. Pharm/B. Pharm/M. Pharm as a fresher is around 20k per month.
What are your views on the EXIT exam for getting registered as a pharmacist?
I believe the EXIT exam for getting registered as a pharmacist is a good step. It ensures that only qualified individuals are registered and can dispense medicines properly, leading to better understanding and safety for patients.
Do you think pharmacists are underpaid?
No, I don't think pharmacists are underpaid.
Is there a healthy work-life balance in your profession?
I believe there can be a healthy work-life balance in my profession, depending on how one manages their time.
Do you need to work overtime sometimes? If so, are you paid accordingly or not?
Sometimes I need to work overtime, and I am paid accordingly for it.
Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?
Yes, I enjoy reading as it improves my knowledge and skills.
What is your favorite dish?
My favorite dish is Dosa and Idli.
How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as an honest person.
Who would you like to travel with?
I would like to travel with my family.
What is your least favourite subject?
History is my least favorite subject.
Your favourite subject(s)?
Chemistry is one of my favorite subjects.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about achieving my life goals.
If your journey was/were a movie, what would it be called?
If my journey were a movie, it would be called "The Honest Pharmacist."
Best/memorable moment
One of my best and most memorable moments is the last hour of my duty time.
What do you love to do in your leisure time?
In my leisure time, I love watching movies, going for runs, and listening to music.
What do you hate the most?
I hate dealing with immature people.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
If given a choice, I would have opted for a career in teaching.
What is your dream travel destination?
My dream travel destinations are Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Sikkim.
Where would you like to work in future?
In the future, I would like to work in Australia.
Finally, a Quote you relate to.
A quote I relate to is, "It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."
What else would you like to tell about yourself?
That's all I would like to share about myself. I'm a very emotional person.
(PharmaDose/Vikram Kumar/PB)