Careers for Pharmacists in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Perspective on Medical Affairs

• Published in: Journal of pharmacy practice 1989-04, Vol.2 (2), p.105-109
• Main Authors: Korberly, Barbara H., Mann, Katherine V., Denisco, Mary Joan C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0897-1900; 1531-1937
• DOI: 10.1177/089719008900200208

Pharmaceutical industry represents a potential career path for pharmacists. Industry positions currently available to pharmacists, particularly those for individuals with advanced degrees, are expanding. This article will focus on opportunities for career-oriented pharmacists within a medical department with particular reference to a pharmaceutical company that markets nonprescription drug products. Although the potential responsibilities with this area may vary between companies, this article will focus on the areas of drug information, adverse drug experience reporting, postmarketing surveillance, and medical writing. These topics have been selected because they represent some of the responsibilities of pharmacists within the Medical Affairs Department at McNeil Consumer Products Company, a member of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. In addition to job-related responsibilities, the suitability of a pharmacy education along with potential rewards and frustrations of working within the pharmaceutical industry are also presented.