The Happy PharmD Blog
We Get Pharmacists Jobs They Love
Is ASHP Worth it?
Attending ASHP Midyear is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and money. For those considering it, the question remains: Is it worth it? ASHP Midyear, happening this year from December 8th to the 12th in New Orleans, is the largest gathering...
Pharmacy Closures in 2024: What’s Really Happening and What It Means for You
Pharmacies are closing at an alarming rate in 2024, and the consequences are shaking the very foundation of healthcare in this country. Nearly 2,300 pharmacies have shut their doors since the start of the year, with closures happening at a pace of around eight...
Target Pharmacy Failure: What Happened
In a world where pharmacy chains are constantly shifting and adapting, the story of Target’s foray into the pharmacy business is a compelling one. It all began in the early 1990s when Target decided to add pharmacies to its retail empire, a bold move...
Understanding Pharmacist Burnout: Causes and Solutions
Burnout is a reality that many pharmacists face, and I’m no exception to this struggle. Over the years, studies have revealed that at least half of all pharmacists experience burnout, yet there's a pervasive notion that it's a personal issue — a burden we must...
Is Specialty Pharmacy Right For You?
In the world of pharmacy, the realm of specialty pharmacy stands as a beacon of opportunity and challenge alike. With over $301 billion in revenue generated in 2021 alone, it’s clear that this sector is a vital part of modern healthcare. Specialty pharmacists...
Is Pharmacovigilance Pharmacy Right For You?
Is being a pharmacovigilance or drug safety pharmacist something you're considering? Wondering about the financial prospects and whether it's the right career move for you? Let's dive into the world of pharmacovigilance (PV) and drug safety to explore what it entails...
Rite Aid’s Closing and Bankruptcy: The Full Story!
In 1962, Rite Aid began its journey as a humble health and beauty store known as Thrift E Discount Center. Over the decades, it transformed into a pharmacy powerhouse, expanding through strategic acquisitions to over 2,000 stores by 2022. Despite its...
A Dream Pharmacy Job in Less Than Three Months
Stephanie Thompson's journey at ProxsysRx began with her assignment to a critical access hospital in Laceria, Louisiana, where she helped launch a much-needed community pharmacy. This new venture filled a void left by local closures, making a meaningful impact...
Is Neurology Pharmacy Right For You?
Clinical pharmacists never regret their career choices, right? Well, what if I told you that 50% to 70% of clinical pharmacists are experiencing burnout and work exhaustion? This is an important fact to consider if you are looking into neurology pharmacy. ...
Walgreens – Do Pharmacists Hate It?
Walgreens, a cornerstone of American drugstore chains, evokes mixed sentiments among pharmacists nationwide. As the founder of The Happy PharmD, I delve into the complexities behind these sentiments and what they mean for pharmacists considering careers at Walgreens....
Is Nuclear Pharmacy Right For You?
Ever thought about being a nuclear pharmacist? Well, maybe it's right for you because 55% of these pharmacists say that they love their job and find it very satisfying. But is it the right kind of challenge? In this field, you may encounter stiff competition, limited...
Is Cannabis Pharmacy Right For You?
Have you ever considered a career as a cannabis pharmacist? With legalization spreading across many states, this once-controversial field is gaining traction among pharmacists. At The Happy PharmD, we explore what it means to step into this unique role, delving into...
Is Grocery Pharmacy Right For You
Is a grocery pharmacist a good career choice? This question resonates deeply with many pharmacists, especially those seeking better work-life balance and fulfillment. Let's dive into the world of grocery store pharmacy and unpack what it means for your career. ...
State of Well-Being 2023-2024
Wondering how our healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, are faring lately? Well, now's the perfect time to dive into a discussion with me about the latest insights from the 2023 report by the Well-Being Index. Whether you're new here or a regular viewer, a...
Is Retail Pharmacy Right For You?
Retail pharmacy careers have long been a hot topic among pharmacists, and for good reason. These roles make up nearly half of all pharmacy jobs in the U.S., operating within a network of thousands of pharmacies across the country. Despite the sheer volume of...
The Power of Coaching: From Retail Pharmacist to Pharmacy Director
In a recent interview with Saudia Christiani, a pharmacist who successfully transitioned into a new role, we delved into her journey from uncertainty to fulfillment in her career. Saudia candidly shared her initial challenges, admitting she used to "wing it" during...
Is Infusion Pharmacy Right For You?
Did you know that the infusion pharmacy market is projected to reach $20 billion dollars by 2027? Many pharmacists wonder how this growth could impact their careers. In this article, we delve into the world of infusion pharmacy, exploring salary prospects, job...
Is Poison Control Pharmacy Right For You?
Imagine a pharmacy career where every moment could be life and death. Well, that's the reality for poison control pharmacists in toxicology. They handle everything from 12-hour shifts to being on call, all while sometimes not earning as much as their peers in other...
Is Oncology Pharmacy Right For You?
Oncology pharmacy is a field that demands deep consideration before diving in. It's not just about the medicine; it's about the emotional toll and the profound impact on patients' lives. As someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer, I understand...
Is Anticoagulation Pharmacy Right For You?
I didn't always see a future in anticoagulation pharmacy. It seemed like a dying niche, especially with the advent of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like Apixaban and Rivaroxaban taking over from Warfarin. These thoughts crossed my mind often during my days...
Is Psychiatric Pharmacy Right For You?
Psychiatric pharmacists play a crucial role in mental health care, offering immense job satisfaction despite challenges like lower pay compared to other clinical professions. It makes you wonder — why is such a vital role undervalued? Perhaps because job...
Retail to Mail Order: How This RPh Got a New Job
In a recent conversation with a pharmacist navigating career challenges, we delved into the profound journey from burnout in retail to finding renewed professional fulfillment. Phebe Luar, reflecting on her experience, shared candidly about the pressures that...
Is Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Right For You?
Are you curious about emergency medicine pharmacy and whether or not it's something that you should consider as a career choice? Well, you're not alone. Lots of other people have thought the same thing, and in this discussion, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty details...
Unpacking Pharmacy Stress: A Deep Dive Into the 2023 Well-Being Report
Everything is fine. Everything's not fine. Okay, let's dig into it — pharmacists are reportedly less stressed now? The Well-Being Index 2023 Report suggests a decrease in overall pharmacist distress since before the pandemic. The report, based on over 2,500 pharmacist...
Is Critical Care Pharmacy Right For You?
Is critical care pharmacy worth it? In this exploration, we delve into the highs and lows of a pharmacist's journey in the intensive care unit (ICU). Imagine yourself navigating through the critical corridors where patients, hanging on the brink of life, rely on your...
Is Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Right For You?
Is becoming an ambulatory care pharmacist a good career choice? And more importantly, is becoming one worth it? We're diving into satisfaction, salary, job demand, and flexibility in this career path for pharmacists. Ambulatory care pharmacy, often referred to as...
Is Compounding Pharmacy Right For You?
Are you considering a career in compounding pharmacy? Let me take you on a journey into the world of compounding pharmacists, where we dive into everything from job satisfaction to salary expectations. Compounding pharmacists are the alchemists of the pharmacy world,...
Is Infectious Disease Pharmacy Right For You?
Infectious disease pharmacy: an intriguing career path that delves deep into the world of infections — fungal, viral, or bacterial. During my time in pharmacy, I had the privilege of working closely with a legendary infectious disease pharmacist named Don Scott. It...
Is Geriatric Pharmacy Right For You?
In today's exploration, we're delving into the world of geriatric pharmacy. As someone deeply rooted in the pharmacy field, I've seen firsthand how this niche area offers unique opportunities and challenges, making it a compelling career path for many pharmacists....
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Pharmacy Residency
Pharmacy residency was a pivotal experience for me, filled with lessons that shaped my career path. Looking back, there are five key things I wish I had done differently. Networking stands out as the first. It's not just about making connections but about...
Is Independent Pharmacy Right for You?
Embarking on a career path in independent pharmacy is a significant decision. It's not just about dispensing medications or counseling patients; it's about navigating a unique professional landscape that offers both challenges and rewards. Independent pharmacies,...
Exploring Pharmacist Sign-On Bonuses: Insights For Informed Career Decisions
In today's discussion, we're diving into the world of pharmacist sign-on bonuses—those enticing offers that promise a substantial sum upfront to lure pharmacists into high-demand positions, especially in retail settings. Over the years, sign-on bonuses have made a...
Top 4 Sectors Hiring Remote Pharmacists in 2024
Do you dream of landing a remote pharmacist job? You’re not alone. It’s a hot topic in our field, and I’ve put together some insights to guide you on this journey. Let's dive into the sectors where remote pharmacist opportunities are thriving. Firstly, telehealth and...
Pharmacists’ Guide to Lucrative Side Hustles
I want to share three ways pharmacists can start earning extra income without needing more education or certifications. These are paths I've explored myself, motivated by my desire for lifestyle freedom — paying off debts and exploring new places with my family....
Is Pharma Right For You?
Pharmacists today are increasingly eyeing opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, seeking to leverage their clinical knowledge in new and rewarding ways. Many are drawn to pharma as a pathway away from the traditional demands of patient care, intrigued by the...
Building a Rewarding Career in Pharmacy Associations
Are you interested in becoming an association pharmacist? If so, let me guide you through what this journey entails and how you can excel in this fulfilling career path. Working within an association offers a unique opportunity to impact the pharmacy profession...
Discovering the Power of Networking: Vincent Notareschi’s Career Transformation
Like many pharmacists, Vincent Notareschi found it challenging to ask for help. As pharmacists, we're used to being the ones offering assistance, so it feels unnatural to be on the other side, especially with people we don't know well. Vincent shared that in...
Pharmacy School Mistakes: What They Don’t Teach You But You Need to Know
Pharmacy school gave me the foundational knowledge I needed to pass the Naplex and get my license. But what it didn't teach me was how to navigate my career as a pharmacist. It's a gap that affects thousands in our profession. You see, traditional pharmacy education...
The Rise of Advanced Pharmacy Technicians and What It Means for Pharmacists
In the not-so-distant past, a peculiar incident shook the pharmacy world — a technician, with over a decade of experience at a retail chain, had been masquerading as a pharmacist. This technician successfully fooled colleagues, managers, and even corporate oversight,...
Breaking the Cycle of Burnout in Pharmacy
How do you fix burnout in pharmacy without changing the environment you're in? There's nothing. You can't meditate burnout away. You can't do yoga to make burnout go away. You can't go to therapy enough. You can't take enough Prozac or Xanax to make burnout go away....
From Retail to Home Infusion: Brittany’s Journey to Career Fulfillment
In a recent conversation with Brittany, a pharmacist who made a significant career transition, we delved into her journey from retail management at CVS to a fulfilling role in home infusion as a clinical pharmacist. Her story is not just about changing jobs; it's...
Pharmacist Job Search Strategies: How to Stand Out and Get Noticed
In the competitive world of pharmacy job applications, it’s all too common to feel like your resume disappears into a void, never to be noticed. Many pharmacists face this frustration, often due to three common mistakes that hinder their chances: lack of experience,...
Pharmacy Burnout: Shifting Focus from Self-Blame to Environmental Change
Burnout among pharmacists is a pervasive issue, one that often gets wrongly attributed to personal shortcomings rather than systemic failures. If you're feeling burnt out in your pharmacy career, let me tell you something important: it's not your fault. In the...
Pharmacist Coaching Success: Pharmaceuticals Job Achieved!
Weronika Taraszka began her career in retail pharmacy, the only field she knew. But as life changed with the arrival of her son, she faced the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance. The rotating schedule of her retail position made it difficult to spend time...
Embracing the Next Generation of Pharmacists: A Bright Future Ahead
In a year where pharmacy school applications are plummeting and class sizes are shrinking, there's a prevailing message online discouraging newcomers from joining our ranks. It's easy to get disheartened amidst all the negativity, but I remain steadfast in my belief...
Remote Pharmacist Role: How This Pharmacist Got Her Work-From-Home Job
In a recent conversation with one of our clients, Katie Lozano, she shared a story that resonates deeply with the experiences of many pharmacists navigating their careers today. Katie had been with her company for seven years when it was acquired by a larger...
Unveiling the Truth Behind the Pharmacist Shortage Debate
Oh, my gosh! The pharmacist shortage — is it really happening? Numerous articles have been surfacing recently highlighting the challenges within the pharmacy workforce. However, are we truly addressing the root cause of the issue or merely scratching the surface?...
The Happy PharmD’s Pharmacy Salary Guide 2023
Navigating the Pharmacy Job Landscape: The HPD Pharmacy Salary Guide 2023 Welcome back to The Happy PharmD's Pharmacy Salary Guide 2023. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into key observations, salary trends, job satisfaction, and the evolving landscape for...
How My Meetings Became More Effective – Due To Other People’s Poor Practices
I participated in many meetings as a hospital pharmacy manager. Every month, my pharmacy department held a staff meeting. At these meetings, both my pharmacists and pharmacy technicians expressed what was right and wrong about the department and the hospital....
Part Two Of Getting My Girlfriend’s Prescription With Hopes That Part Three Never Occurs
I recently saw the new Tom Cruise Mission Impossible movie. It’s called Mission Impossible— Dead Reckoning Part One. It’s a lot of fun. Throughout the movie, Tom Cruise is chasing after the bad guy. About halfway through the movie, I realized that Tom Cruise would...
Decision Making Has Always Been In My DNA — Regardless If I Have The Right To Make The Call
I was in management for over thirty years in my hospital’s pharmacy department. I made a lot of key decisions. 99% of the time; they were good decisions. However, I’d be the first to admit that I had a few bad ones. When I left my last hospital, I got a job in a...
Client Success Story: Invest In The Future You Want
Imagine being a pharmacist who feels trapped and unfulfilled in their career. That's exactly how Anais Lee* felt before she found a way to break free and create a brighter future for herself. Anais was working in a hospital pharmacy, but the repetitive tasks and...
Why The Pharmacy Profession Wasn’t What I Expected — And How I Adapted Whenever It Got Boring
I like the profession of pharmacy. I’m very happy being a pharmacist. I’m retired. So I’m no longer working as a pharmacist in a pharmacy. Or anywhere else, for that matter. A colleague of mine is also a pharmacist. He, too, is retired. My friend saw no reason to...
Good Cover Letters, Thank You Notes, and Reference Lists Are Crucial – It’s Not Just About The Resume and The Interview
My son was looking for a new job. I helped him with his resume. I once taught a class to my pharmacy tech students who were looking for a job. I helped them with their resumes and other job-acquiring tasks. Resumes are easy to craft. Aside from the many books on...
Using My Medical Advocate Skills To Detect And Eliminate Errors With My Girlfriend’s Prescription
I was a staff pharmacist working in my first hospital. This was before I went back to school to get my advanced degree. This was even before I became a pharmacy manager. I liked working as a staff pharmacist in a hospital. From what I had heard, it was better than...
How A Possessive and Overstocking Atmosphere Resulted In Hoarding Between Departments
I think I first realized it when I was working at my first hospital. My hospital had a unique financial blueprint. They paid their bills went they wanted to. It didn’t matter what the amount was or when the bill was due, or what the terms were. It seemed that they...
How My Own Health Scare Made Me Appreciate Those Who Jump Into Crisis Mode
I had a stroke. I remember it like it was yesterday. I’m retired. I was volunteering at one of my former hospitals. I worked at the information desk. Visitors arrived at the hospital, got a pass, and went up to see the patient. I did the COVID screening. COVID...
Examining Different Decision-Making Methods To Determine The Best Practice Available
I was talking to my friend the other night. He recently became the Director of a long-term care facility. He was discussing his decision-making capabilities. My friend told me that he wanted to be “fair and consistent”. When my friend had to make a decision or put...
How To Create and Complete 2023 Career Goals
In this webinar to get you started for the year, I will be sharing wisdom and lessons from our research in career development and positive psychology. Read to the end to find out what people have done repeatedly to develop their careers and how you can do the same in...
The Happy PharmD 2022 Q4 Investor Update
2022 is OVER! *sigh* Thank you. This update will be shorter than usual. Let’s jump into what happened in Quarter 4. Highlights A new vision & mission “Helping pharmacists create jobs they love” once inspired me when I started HPD in 2017. Q4 was spent dreaming a...