Pharmacist or Doctor ?

Question

Why ?

Answer 1

Well I am a pharmacist - so I say pharmacist! But really depends on what is is for! If its serious then a doctor - as they have all the tests available to diagnose you properly and prescribe appropriate medicines; but if it is minor then your pharmacist can help you out with good advice and will let you know if you need to see a doctor anyway. Plus we dont charge for a consultation!

Answer 2

The thing I like about being a pharmacist, is that when my day is done, it's done. I don't take any work home with me. I don't have people calling me at home all the time or on my days off. And we get plenty of respect, we really do. A lot of my customers tell me, we know more than their doctors do. Although, I'm not really sure about that, (all the time), it's nice of them to think so.

Also, year after year, Pharmacists are voted the #1 most respected profession. That's ahead of Doctors and the Clergy.

Answer 3

Pharmacist. The insurance alone for a doctor is horrible. Plus, there is more of an opportunity for free time working in the pharmacy. The pay should be relatively close, and not as much school debt. My husband actually chose to be a physicians assistant. He makes good money, and only took about 14 months of extra schooling. Hope that helps!

Lisa

Answer 4

It really depends on what your motivations are. I think you need to ask yourself a few questions.
1. Do you enjoy working with patients?
MDs/DOs work directly with pts on a daily basis. This has its benefits and liabilities-- it feels really good when you see someone who came in really sick leave bc of something you did, it feels really bad when you see that morbidly obese diabetic hypertensive who refuses to quit the McDonalds diet *or* take their meds.
2. What type lifestyle do you want? On the whole, pharmacists esp in retail will have the more 9-5 lifestyle

3.What does autonomy mean to you?-- Many MD/DOs wont admit it but part of the reason we go into medicine is bc we like being our own boss. While as an MD you have to work within the parameters of the hospital, you are essentially working for and by yourself . Although consultation with collegues is quite common, all decisions in patient care are ultimately yours to make-- but along with that comes huge responsibility and liability. I sometimes feel jealous of the PharmDs when they call and warn you about a drug interaction/contraindication-- their job is done, they dont have ot consider the concequences of continuing that drug even if it really might be the best choice for that patient.

3. How much money do you want to make? On and hour for hour, #of years of education, pharmacists have a better deal. as little as 6y of school (8y at most), 9-5h. In absolute terms, MDs will make more $ (~100k vs ~150k for MDs)
4. How much does respect mean to you? MDs do get a lot of respect. While mostly a fringe benefit, it is kind of cool that people respect medicine so much, I imagine there is respect for PharmDs but to a lesser degree.

They really are two very distinct and different fields. Good luck in your decision!

Answer 5

Doctors exist to help patients deal with and treat illnesses.

Pharmacists exist to carry out the prescription written by doctors so that patients can have the proper medicines in the proper dosages.

What exactly are you asking?

Answer 6

Pharmacist

All you do is tell doctors what drugs to use, and you get paid a hell of a lot. Also, you only have to do 6 years of school.

Answer 7

uncertain what you mean, I'd rather be a doctor because you get free respect for not much more work.