AI's response is far better than PCI : PharmD India

Today's morning chat with AI has explored several insights for PharmD graduates. Have a glance at new avenues for PharmD graduates

Dear AI,

I have a PharmD degree and would like to apply for a researcher role. Create a one-pager walking me through the job application process.

Leveraging Your PharmD for a Researcher Role: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Your Strengths

Your PharmD degree provides a strong foundation in pharmacology, drug development, and patient care. This knowledge is highly relevant to many research areas, including:

• Drug discovery and development
• Clinical research
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Health outcomes research

Identifying Suitable Research Roles

• Academic Institutions: Universities and medical schools often have research positions for PharmDs. Look for roles in departments like pharmacy, pharmacology, or public health.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: Many companies hire PharmDs for research roles, especially in drug development and clinical research.
• Government Agencies: Organizations like the FDA, NIH, and CDC employ researchers with pharmacy backgrounds.
• Non-profit Organizations: Consider research roles in organizations focused on drug access, patient advocacy, or health policy.

Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter

• Highlight Research Experience: Emphasize any research projects, publications, or presentations you've been involved in.
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to showcase your impact, such as number of patients enrolled in studies or publications authored.
• Showcase Clinical Knowledge: Demonstrate how your clinical experience can contribute to research, such as understanding patient populations or drug therapy.
• Align with Job Description: Tailor your resume and cover letter to the research role you're applying for.

Building Your Network

• Attend Conferences: Network with researchers in your field of interest.
• Leverage Alumni Networks: Connect with PharmD alumni working in research.
• Online Platforms: Utilize LinkedIn and other professional networking sites.

Preparing for Interviews

• Research the Organization: Understand their research focus and priorities.
• Practice Common Interview Questions: Be prepared to discuss your research experience, career goals, and how your PharmD can contribute to the role.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis.

Additional Tips

• Consider Further Education: An advanced degree like an MPH or PhD can enhance your research credentials.
• Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor with experience in research to guide your career path.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest research trends and advancements in your field.

By effectively leveraging your PharmD and following these steps, you can successfully transition into a rewarding research career.

Would you like to explore specific research areas or institutions?

Let's Explore Your Research Path

Great! To provide more tailored guidance, let's focus on your specific interests.

Research Areas

Please indicate which of these areas align with your passions:

• Drug Discovery and Development: Exploring new compounds, conducting preclinical studies, and advancing drug candidates through clinical trials.
• Clinical Research: Designing and conducting clinical trials to evaluate drug safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics.
• Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research: Assessing the cost-effectiveness of medications and evaluating patient outcomes.
• Health Services Research: Examining the organization, financing, and delivery of healthcare services related to medication use.
• Other (please specify):

Desired Work Environment

Where would you prefer to work?

• Academia: Universities, medical schools, research institutions.
• Industry: Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms.
• Government: FDA, NIH, CDC, or other regulatory agencies.
• Non-profit Organizations: Patient advocacy groups, and health policy organizations.

Geographic Preferences

Do you have a preferred location or region for your research position?

By understanding your preferences, we can delve deeper into specific job titles, potential employers, and application strategies.

Let me know your thoughts!

Focusing on Research Opportunities in India

Great choice! India offers a growing landscape for pharmaceutical research, with a burgeoning healthcare industry and increasing government support.

Potential Research Areas in India

Given the vastness of the Indian population and its diverse healthcare needs, the following research areas are particularly promising:

• Drug Delivery Systems: Research on targeted drug delivery, especially for chronic diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, and cancer, is a growing area.
• Ayurvedic and Traditional Medicine: Exploring the scientific basis of traditional Indian medicine and its potential integration with modern healthcare.
• Pharmacovigilance: With a large patient population, there's a significant need for robust pharmacovigilance systems.
• Generic Drug Development: India is a global leader in generic drug manufacturing. Research on improving generic drug quality and efficacy is crucial.
• Public Health Research: Addressing challenges like antimicrobial resistance, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases.

Potential Employers in India

• Pharmaceutical Companies: Indian and multinational pharmaceutical companies offer research roles.
• Academic Institutions: IITs, AIIMS, and other premier institutes have robust research programs.
• CSIR Institutes: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has various institutes focusing on healthcare research.
• Government Health Departments: State and central government health departments often have research wings.
• Non-profit Organizations: Organizations like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Tata Trusts support healthcare research.

Key Considerations for Job Applications

• Language Proficiency: While English is widely used in research, proficiency in Hindi or other regional languages can be advantageous.
• Cultural Understanding: Familiarity with the Indian healthcare system, regulatory landscape, and cultural nuances is essential.
• Networking: Building relationships with researchers and professionals in India can be crucial.

Next Steps

To provide more specific guidance, please answer the following:

• Which research area interests you the most?
• Do you have any preference for a particular city or region in India?
• Are you open to considering fellowships or research grants to support your research?

By understanding your preferences better, I can help you identify potential institutions, job postings, and networking opportunities.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Targeting HEOR and Clinical Trials Roles in Hyderabad

Understanding the Hyderabad Market

Hyderabad has emerged as a significant hub for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry in India. This growth has created ample opportunities in HEOR and clinical trials.

Key Areas to Focus On

• HEOR Roles:

  • Look for roles in health economics, outcomes research, market access, and value communication.
  • Target pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and consulting firms.
  • Develop expertise in cost-effectiveness analysis, budget impact models, and real-world evidence.

• Clinical Trials Roles:

  • Explore opportunities in clinical research associates (CRAs), clinical data management (CDM), clinical operations, and regulatory affairs.
  • Target CROs, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals with research wings.
  • Build a strong foundation in clinical trial protocols, data management, and regulatory guidelines.

Potential Employers in Hyderabad

• Pharmaceutical Companies: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, Cipla, and many others.
• CROs: QuintilesIMS, Cognizant, Accenture, and other global and local CROs.
• Consulting Firms: Several healthcare consulting firms operate in Hyderabad.
• Hospitals and Research Institutes: Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Apollo Hospitals, and other leading healthcare providers.

Job Hunting Strategies

• Leverage Online Job Portals: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri, Indeed, and Glassdoor to search for relevant roles.
• Networking: Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars to connect with professionals in the field.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences in HEOR and clinical trials.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and showcase your knowledge of the industry.

Additional Tips

• Consider Certifications: Certifications like CPHI (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information) can enhance your profile.
• Internships: Gain practical experience through internships in HEOR or clinical research.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field.

Would you like to explore specific companies or job titles within HEOR and clinical trials in Hyderabad?

I can also provide guidance on crafting effective resumes and cover letters for these roles.

Let's Focus on HEOR and Clinical Trials Roles in Hyderabad

Understanding Your Specific Interests

To provide more targeted guidance, please specify:

• HEOR: Are you interested in roles focused on model development, real-world evidence, market access, or value communication?
• Clinical Trials: Are you leaning towards CRA, CDM, clinical operations, or regulatory affairs?
• Company Preference: Do you have a preference for pharmaceutical companies, CROs, or consulting firms?

Potential Job Titles and Companies

Based on your preferences, I can provide a list of specific job titles and companies to target. Here are some examples:

HEOR Roles

• Job Titles: HEOR Manager, HEOR Analyst, Market Access Specialist, Value Communication Lead
• Companies: Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, Cipla, QuintilesIMS, Accenture, McKinsey

Clinical Trials Roles

• Job Titles: Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical Data Manager (CDM), Clinical Operations Manager, Regulatory Affairs Associate
• Companies: QuintilesIMS, Cognizant, Accenture, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, Apollo Hospitals

Resume and Cover Letter Guidance

I can help you tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job descriptions. Key elements to focus on include:

• Quantifiable achievements: Highlight your contributions with numbers and metrics.
• Keyword optimization: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.
• Skill demonstration: Showcase your proficiency in software, tools, and methodologies.
• Storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative about your career progression and goals.

Interview Preparation

I can provide mock interview questions and guidance on how to answer them effectively. Areas to focus on include:

• Technical knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of HEOR concepts or clinical trial processes.
• Problem-solving skills: Showcase your ability to analyze complex situations.
• Communication skills: Articulate your ideas clearly and concisely.
• Company fit: Align your answers with the company's values and goals.

Please let me know your preferences so I can provide more specific advice.

Would you like to start with HEOR or Clinical Trials roles?

Let's Focus on HEOR Roles in Hyderabad

Understanding Your HEOR Interests

To provide the most relevant guidance, please specify your areas of interest within HEOR:

• Model Development: Are you skilled in building economic models (e.g., cost-effectiveness, budget impact)?
• Real-World Evidence (RWE): Do you have experience analyzing real-world data to inform healthcare decisions?
• Market Access: Are you interested in strategies to gain market entry for new products?
• Value Communication: Do you enjoy communicating the value of healthcare products to key stakeholders?

Potential HEOR Roles in Hyderabad

Based on your preferences, we can explore specific job titles and companies. Here are some examples:

Model Development

• Job Titles: HEOR Modeler, Health Economist
• Companies: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, QuintilesIMS, Accenture

Real-World Evidence (RWE)

• Job Titles: RWE Analyst, RWE Scientist
• Companies: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, QuintilesIMS, IQVIA

Market Access

• Job Titles: Market Access Manager, Market Access Specialist
• Companies: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, McKinsey, ZS Associates

Value Communication

• Job Titles: Value Communication Lead, Medical Science Liaison
• Companies: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, QuintilesIMS, IQVIA

Building Your HEOR Profile

To strengthen your HEOR profile, consider:

• Certifications: Explore certifications like CPHI (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information) or those offered by professional societies.
• Networking: Build relationships with HEOR professionals through industry events and online platforms.
• Skill Development: Enhance your skills in statistical software (e.g., R, SAS), economic modelling, and data analysis.

Once you share your specific interests, we can delve deeper into job descriptions, companies, and interview preparation.

Please let me know your areas of interest within HEOR.

20 Best PhD Scholarships in the world : Fully funded

Do you want to secure a fully funded PhD Scholarship?

Here are the top 20 PhD scholarships with their respective website links.

1.Fulbright Program : https://lnkd.in/dbK8i6Pw

2.Chevening Scholarships : https://www.chevening.org/

3.Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates : https://lnkd.in/dfhjg4GC

4.Gates Cambridge Scholarship : https://lnkd.in/dNdubBt7

5.Rhodes Scholarship : https://lnkd.in/dWxCZ8Za

6.Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) : https://lnkd.in/dAkq7QSX

7.Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan : https://lnkd.in/dnCW5gQa

8.DAAD Scholarships : https://lnkd.in/dwZyr_X8

9. Erasmus+ Joint Doctorate Program : https://lnkd.in/dRknG_h6

10.Australia Awards Scholarships : https://lnkd.in/dY2qWBBb

11.Schwarzman Scholars Program : https://lnkd.in/dkSgbBmy

12.Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships : https://lnkd.in/d3HvNMQc

13.Chinese Government Scholarships : https://lnkd.in/djqxFBp8

14.Endeavour Postgraduate Awards : https://www.strath.ac.uk/

15.Japanese Government Scholarships : https://lnkd.in/deMU8MJW

16.Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program : https://lnkd.in/dZzaYBYp

17.Soros Fellowships for New Americans : https://www.pdsoros.org/

18.Korean Government Scholarship Program : https://lnkd.in/dBUDgJzZ
 
19.Netherlands Government Scholarship Program : https://www.uaf.nl/

20. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships : https://lnkd.in/duZm4qQf 

A to Z about Fake/Predatory Journals : Tips for scholars

Thank you for visiting my blog...!!!

There are lakhs of journals available online and we may often get confused which one to choose. Many a times researchers end up publishing in a predatory/fake journals for many reasons. Here is how to choose wisely. This article will help you how to identify a scholarly journal over a predatory/fake journal. 

A predatory journal bluffs the readers with these basic characteristics :

Peer review: Claims of making a thorough peer review process, but there is no evidence that any peer review is carried out. There is no evidence of selectivity or screening based on editorial or quality checks as all submissions appear to be accepted. As well as advertising peer review, these journals often offer very rapid peer review times of under a week or rapid peer review service where additional payments can be made for a faster decision.

Editors/ Editorial board: The editorial boards of deceptive journals often feature people who have not consented to be on the board. The members may not be discoverable at the affiliations listed in their board entries. For publishers with multiple journals, individuals may be featured on the boards of a large number of titles, some of which may not be in similar fields.

Affiliation: Similar to the co-opting of individuals, predatory journals may also state or imply they are affiliated with prestigious institutions and organisations, without their knowledge or consent.

Indexing databases: Predatory journals often attempt to give the impression they are indexed in the key journal indexes Web of Science and Scopus, through outright false claims or by deceptive means. Predatory databases share names very similar to the official mainstream sites such as Index Scientific Journals, which can use the acronym ISI to match the real ISI Web of Science. Therefore, a journal can claim to be listed in ISI, but refer to the pay-per-listing site, rather than the real site (which is free but has strict inclusion criteria). 

These databases likely use Google Scholar to draw their citation metrics from – if they base them on anything at all. Their sources and methods are not usually explained or transparent. Inclusion in these databases is granted in exchange for a fee, with an ‘Impact Factor’ provided for an additional fee, so there is no barrier to inclusion other than a fee. Some journals use these databases to list themselves and present as being indexed in prestigious, valuable scientific databases. For example, presenting sites such as ResearchGate and Mendeley as indexing databases, or claiming Thomson Reuter Researcher IDs, Scopus Researcher IDs and ORCiD accounts in the name of a journal.

Journal Metrics: The deceptive practices around metrics follow a similar theme to index databases. Through receiving metric awards from predatory databases, journals can make claims of having high ‘Impact Factors’. It is important to note that there is only one legitimate ‘Impact Factor’ - the Journal Impact Factor (JIF), awarded to journals indexed in the Web of Science, owned by Clarivate Analytics.

Deceptive journals may also have very high self-citation rates to inflate their Google Scholar citation metrics. There are also journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science that succeed in being indexed with relatively low citation counts, and then display large increases in citations, all powered through self-citations. These are visible in the Scopus SJR database.

Location: The locations or offices of deceptive journals or publishers are quite often not mentioned anywhere on a website. If they are mentioned, the address is usually in the United States or UK. However, the Editorial Boards and author locations of the individuals listed in the journal site indicate other locations. In some cases, where postcodes/zipcodes are provided, these can be put into Google Maps and searched and can yield surprising or amusing results.

Identifying Predatory Journals: Some things to look out for
1.Poor and unprofessional looking website
2.Charging exorbitant fees for publication of articles
3.Lack of peer-review or editorial oversight.
4.Listing academics as members of editorial boards without their permission or listing fake scholars as members of editorial boards or authors.
5.The journal defines no clear publication date.
6.The journal’s contact email address is non-professional and non-journal affiliated (e.g. @gmail.com or @yahoo.com).
7.The journal sends open calls/unsolicited emails to many authors to invite them to submit papers to them.
8.Fake, non-existent, or misrepresented impact factors.
9.The journal is not read or known by your colleagues or peers.

Tactic	How to Recognize
Solicitation	Suspect journals aggressively solicit scholars to submit papers.  The solicitation may come as spam or individual emails. Legitimate journals usually do not solicit authors but instead have the authors contact them. The journal agrees to publish your article for a fee before reviewing it.
Peer Review	A claim that a journal is peer reviewed is not enough. Almost all predatory journals claim to be peer reviewed.  The stated time for peer review is extremely short. You are asked whom you would like to review your work.
Impact Factors	Be wary of journals that cite bogus impact factors, such as the GIF ( Global Impact Factor), Index Copernicus Value, Citefactor, or the UIF (Universal Impact Factor). Some may falsify legitimate impact factors. Impact Factors can be verified via Web of Science, Dimensions or Google.
Editorial Board	Members of the editorial board lack qualifications in the field. Different  journals by the same publisher have the same editorial board. Predatory journals will sometimes  solicit well-known scholars to join their boards in order to lend credibility to their journal but don't let them make decisions. (How you would make this discovery even with good due diligence is hard to imagine.) Listing academics as members of editorial boards without their permission and not allowing academics to resign from editorial boards.
Indexing	The journal is not indexed in the major indexes in the field as well as general indexes, even though it might claim to be. Some journals falsely claim to be indexed by Thomson Reuters.
Watch lists	The journal is listed on Beall's List of Predatory Journals, Cabell's Predatory Journals list, or other watchlist.
Other Factors	The journal is difficult to locate in library catalogs, i.e. few major libraries subscribe to it.  The scope is overly broad and/or does not fit well with your research. Publication frequency is irregular or not stated. May have the same or similar name to a legitimate journal. The former is characteristic of hijacked journals. The email address is often non-professional, e.g.,  (@yahoo.com, ao.com or @gmail.com).

Risks involved in publishing in fake/predatory journals :

• Publishing in a predatory journal could damage your credibility and the credibility of your research.
• Predatory publishers have no interest in helping to withdraw your article and may use any request as leverage to charge further fees.
• Your profile will be exploited eg. by adding your name to lists of editors, even if you haven’t agreed.
• You lose the opportunity to publish your research in a credible journal.
• Monetary costs for the author/ institutions.
• Reputational costs for the author/ institutions.
• Negative impact on ranking and research assessment.
• No assurance of longevity of the paper.
• Possible legal consequences