Expert Speaker Vedita Assistant l Professor at Goa College of Pharmacy

Summary

Mrs. V, an assistant professor at Gua College of Pharmacy, shares her journey in the field of pharmacy. She discusses her early interest in biology, which led her to pursue a career in science, eventually choosing pharmacy over medicine and dentistry. Mrs. V highlights the diverse subjects in pharmacy, including pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmaceutical chemistry, and emphasizes the importance of understanding both theoretical and practical aspects. She also reflects on her transition from industry to academia and the support from her family. The video concludes with advice on pursuing a profession based on personal interest and passion rather than external pressures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mrs. V is an Assistant Professor at Gua College of Pharmacy, a prestigious institution in PanAm, Asia's first pharmacy college.
• 😀 She initially chose science in school because of her interest in biology and a desire for more career options, but had no clear career direction initially.
• 😀 Pharmacy was not her first choice; she initially considered medicine and dentistry but chose Pharmacy after realizing her interest in the diverse subjects it covers.
• 😀 The B. Pharm program is a blend of various subjects, including pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, which piqued her interest in the field.
• 😀 The Pharmacy curriculum also includes subjects like economics, accounting, and pharmaceutical engineering, giving students a well-rounded education.
• 😀 The course involves practical learning, where students prepare drug formulations such as tablets and syrups and gain hands-on experience in drug manufacturing.
• 😀 Students who pursue a diploma in Pharmacy can later transition into the B. Pharm program, completing their degree in a 2+3 structure.
• 😀 After completing a B. Pharm, students can take a national exam (GPAT) to enter M. Pharm and specialize in fields like pharmacology, pharmaceutics, or pharmaceutical chemistry.
• 😀 There are various career paths in Pharmacy, including industry roles, teaching, research, regulatory bodies, and even setting up a community pharmacy business.
• 😀 Mrs. V emphasizes the importance of passion and self-awareness when choosing a profession, advising students to follow their interests rather than external pressures or financial incentives.

Q & A

What is the significance of Gua College of Pharmacy, as mentioned in the script?

Gua College of Pharmacy is the first pharmacy college in Asia, located in PanAm. It was established to provide education in pharmacy and related fields, with a strong emphasis on both theoretical and practical learning.

How did the speaker decide to pursue a career in Pharmacy?

The speaker was initially interested in biology, particularly human biology, which led them to join the science stream in school. Although they initially considered pursuing medicine or dentistry, they found their interest in pharmacy growing as they discovered the diverse subjects involved in the field, including anatomy, physiology, and the effects of drugs on the human body.

What are the core subjects taught in the B.Pharm degree program?

The core subjects in the B.Pharm program include pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. These subjects cover the human body's structure, drug manufacturing processes, and the effects of synthetic drugs derived from plants, animals, and fungi.

What role does the Pharmaceutical Council of India play in the education of pharmacy students?

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) decides the syllabus, study materials, and overall guidelines for pharmacy education in India. The council ensures that the curriculum meets the required standards for training future pharmacists.

What is the GPAT exam, and how does it relate to postgraduate studies in pharmacy?

The GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) is a national-level entrance exam for students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in pharmacy (M.Pharm). Passing this exam allows students to gain admission to M.Pharm programs, although some students can still get admission through other means if seats are available.

What are the postgraduation options available to pharmacy students after completing their B.Pharm?

After completing a B.Pharm degree, students can pursue M.Pharm in various specializations such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacognosy, and quality assurance. There are also opportunities in industry, academics, regulatory bodies like the FDA, and corporate sectors like CSR.

What is the difference between the B.Pharm and D.Pharm courses?

The D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy) is a two-year course that covers similar subjects to the B.Pharm but in less detail. D.Pharm graduates can enter the workforce or continue their studies in the second year of the B.Pharm program through lateral entry, making it a 2+3 year course.

What role does industrial training play in pharmacy education?

Industrial training is a compulsory part of the pharmacy curriculum, typically undertaken in the third year. This training helps students gain practical exposure to the pharmaceutical industry. However, the speaker realized that they preferred teaching over working in industry after completing their industrial training.

Why does the speaker prefer teaching over working in the pharmaceutical industry?

The speaker enjoys teaching because it allows them to interact with students and engage with young minds, which brings them satisfaction. They found the pharmaceutical industry work to be monotonous and less fulfilling compared to the dynamic environment of education.

What advice does the speaker give to students when choosing a career?

The speaker advises students to choose a career based on their own interests, skills, and potential, rather than external influences or financial incentives. They emphasize the importance of enjoying one's work and being patient as they develop their careers. Parental and professional guidance is also crucial in helping students make informed decisions.