Alternative Science Careers

Why would a health care provider leave clinical practice and start making movies? What am I? A health care professional? A filmmaker? That question has frequently gone through Dr. Ryan Flesher’s mind over the last 5 years. The question was planted into his brain by an emergency Department director that he had about five years ago that said, “I’m not sure I want a wanna-be filmmaker and a part-time doctor working for me,” during his annual review. Obviously, he didn’t renew his contract, but let’s look at Dr. Ryan Flesher’s career path and his decision to change his career path from a medical doctor to an alternative career- a filmmaker.

Let’s look at the facts. I joined medical school, and even finished without getting thrown out. I passed all my board exams and matched my first choice for an Emergency Medicine residency in Pittsburgh. I somehow was able to survive my residency without killing too many patients, some other doctors, or myself. I became board certified in Emergency Medicine. I have been working in the emergency room for the last nine years, so I reckon that makes me a bone fide doctor. I can’t say that from the time I ws three years old I wanted to be a doctor or healthcare provider, but somewhere along the line I felt like having an occupation that helped people, had reasonable job security, and had a decent wage seemed like a good idea. Now, I recognize the concept of hindsight.

My state of mind five years ago when I thought about my medical career was scared and cynical. Those same sentiments held true for my opinion concerning the future of the medical system in general. That was why I decided I needed to make a change.

Initially that change was to become a “part time” doctor. I felt like scaling back my hours would help get rid of the discouragement, the impending burnout, and would help me focus on what I felt was important with my life. Scaling back my hours did help for a short time. However, even only working 8 shifts per month, I still would go right back into the same frustration and anger I felt when I was working full-time.

Thus, I chose to quit. The first time that I can remember (except during pee wee football when I realized I was more of the soccer type) I’ was going to quit something. But after 15 years of school and training to become a physician, I wasn’t going to leave without a bit of self examination. I had to see what was wrong with myself and why I couldn’t “hack” being a practicing doctor. That’s where being a “wanna-be” filmmaker came in. I decided to examine the “what’s wrong with me question” on camera, creating a documentary film called “The Vanishing Oath” that looks around the obstacles doctors and their patients face from the inside of the healthcare machine.

In summary, I am a health care professional, I have the paperwork to prove it. As for a filmmaker, that’s harder to define. When is one considered a “writer” or a “painter” or even a “filmmaker”? Is it actually when you complete your first book or film, or is it when you can say you earn your living from your art? According to the first definition, I Am A FILMMAKER. Through the second definition I’M A WANNA-BE.

So if ever asked again, “are you a health care provider or a film maker?” I will now answer:

“If being a real doctor is having to suffer hours on end, affect little change in my patients lives because the system doesn’t allow it,  and destroy my own health and family to do so, then NO I’M NOT a real doctor.” “And if by exploring and learning about the realities of medical care in this country and further igniting my passion to help my colleagues and ultimately our patients then, YES I AM filmmaker”.

And happy with it.

Freelance MD is an active community of physicians that gives them more freedom and control of their medical practice, income, and lifestyle. Freelance MD provides physicians with cutting edge information on everything they need to broaden their careers and make their lives more manageable.

Technorati Tags: alternative career for scientists, art, Business, filmmaker, health, health care, medical, Physician

Image by Argonne National Laboratory via Flickr

I recently came across the Life Sciences Research Foundation (LSRF), which is a foundation that fosters partnerships between research-oriented companies and academic institutions by funding the training of the very best young scientists. They do so by offering highly competitive postdoctoral fellowship programs. While these are not for individuals looking at alternative careers in science, it may be of interest to those looking to continue on to a postdoc position.

The postdoc fellowship programs are three-year fellowships awarded on a competitive basis to graduates of medical and graduate schools in the biological sciences holding M.D., Ph.D., D.V.M. or D.D.S. degrees. Awards are based solely on the quality of the individual applicant’s previous accomplishments and on the merit of the proposal for postdoctoral research as judged by the Peer Review Committee.

All U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the fellowship program with no geographic restriction on the laboratory of their choice. Foreign applicants are also eligible if studying in U.S. laboratories.

Now on to the best part of the program- the stipend. The fellowship award is $57,000 per year and is meant to be a minigrant. LSRF keeps $1000 for administrative expenses and passes the rest of the award to the fellow. The postdoc salary is on a sliding scale from the award. The salary scale begins at $43,000 for a first-year postdoctoral, $45,000 for a second year, and $47,000 thereafter. The postdoc fellow, not the advisor, controls expenditure of the remaining award. The additional money can be used for fringe benefits (up to $2,000/year), travel to the host institution, travel to visit the sponsor, and travel to the LSRF annual meeting. However, its main purpose is to support the fellow’s research expenses. As such, there is an option available to start an escrow fund with up to $5,000 per year withheld from the grant by LSRF. At the end of the fellowship, this escrow of withheld money will be given to the fellow as a one-time grant, if and when they assume a position at a nonprofit institution in the United States.

The deadline for application of the fellowship award is October 1st, giving plenty of time to prepare the application for next year.

For application information, visit the LSRF website at www.lsrf.org.

Good luck!

Technorati Tags: award, fellowship, postdoctoral, scientist

Pharmacist jobs continue to be in great demand. As most already know, pharmacists are professionals who provide oversight and expertise in the distribution of prescription and nonprescription drug products. There are several job positions in the pharmacy arena depending on the amount of schooling you would like to complete and compensation based on the position. Job opportunities in the pharmacy field include pharmacy aides, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacists.

Pharmacy aides or assistants are the lowest-ranked job. These individuals are not allowed to dispense medications. Their primary purpose is to support staff in the pharmacy. They may deal with customers and computer systems to help keep the system working properly. The education to become a pharmacy aide is either on the job only, or a certificate program, usually from a 2-year college. Some 2-year degrees are available as well, but generally it is a certificate program. These programs can help people find jobs, but are not always required.

Technicians are allowed to dispense medication. Their job consists of helping both the pharmacy aides and the pharmacists make sure the pharmacy runs smoothly. Along with the clerical work that the assistants do, technicians count out pills and measure liquids, then bottle and label the drugs according to the instructions of the pharmacists or the doctors who called them in.

There is currently no education requirement for pharmacy technicians in the US, but to become a certified technician, there is an exam called the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam that must be taken. Some jobs will require a technician to be certified, and if this is the case, the person may opt to enroll in a program through a 2-year college that will train them for the job and prepare them for the exam. After a technician is certified, he or she must pass a given number of continuing education courses in the field each year to remain certified.

The pharmacist is responsible for making sure that medications are dispensed and taken in a safe manner. Some of the responsibilities of a pharmacist include advising doctors on the dosage and side effects of medication, answering patient’s questions, and helping patients choose over the counter drugs. Pharmacists must be have social skills to communicate with customers about their concerns and advise them about their current prescriptions.
Additionally, pharmacists must be detail-oriented to ensure no mistakes are made.

To become competent to serve in these jobs, a pharmacist receives extensive education. A PharmD degree is a 4-year degree in the field of pharmacology, and is generally undertaken after 2-4 years of college level coursework in the pre-pharmacy field. An exam may also be required to enter a PharmD program. Once a student completes the program, there is a national licensing exam that must be taken before they have become licensed pharmacists. According to payscale.com, the starting salary for pharmacists is at least $80,000/year and can be as high as $120,000/year or more.

As the population starts to skew more towards the elderly, pharmacy professionals will become more and more desirable. Because of this expected growth in the field, now is potentially a great time to get a pharmaceutical education.

If you like the idea of a pharmaceutical education, but wearing a white lab coat and working behind a counter filling medication orders doesn’t sound that exciting to you, you’re not alone. There is a diverse set of career paths available to those with a pharmaceutical education. Alternative careers in the field include careers in medication therapy management, pharmaceutical care, drug-use review, drug-use management, disease management, and pharmacy benefit management. There are also many job settings that pharmacists work in, including industry, research, drug stores, and academia.

If a career in the pharmacy field is of interest to you, there is an excellent Career Pathway Evaluation Program for Pharmacy Professionals offered by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The evaluation program gives detailed and useful information about many areas of pharmacy practice. Additionally, it is geared to help you choose a career path in pharmacy that is appropriate for you. To learn more about the program, click here.

Technorati Tags: alternative careers, pharmacy aide, pharmacy jobs, pharmacy technician

Getting started with becoming a dental hygienist requires dedication to a minimum of two years of training. The person who chooses this profession should be one who is patient and caring. This is a health care field that many people have a natural aversion and fear of. Coaxing a patient into relaxing may be a challenge.

A hygienist has various duties and what those exact duties are depend on the state they will work in. They review medical histories, educate patients on proper brushing, flossing and gum care and discuss what foods affect teeth negatively. They will remove the plaque or tartar on teeth, and clean and polish teeth. Sealants and fluorides may also be applied to prevent cavities.

Hygienists may take x-rays and develop them and access and test the mouth looking for anything abnormal. In some states they can administer anesthetics, place and remove fillings and prepare temporary fillings. They can also periodontal dressings and polish metal restorations.

Private dental offices are where more than 90 percent of hygienists work and half of those work strictly on a part time basis. Jobs in a public health office or a school are usually full time. The dental offices will need one a few times a week, many hygienists travel from office to another. There is no boredom or monotony and the hours are flexible. Part time employees do not typically get benefits but dental care may be offered.

To get proper training requires going to college for a two year or four year degree. Certificate programs also exist. Any program chosen must be accredited and so must the school. The local dentists will state what it is accepted in the state for employment. What degree to get, will depend on the ultimate goal of where a person intends to work. A bachelors or masters degree is required for working in a government agency or a school.

To practice as a hygienist a license is required. Dental Hygienist testing consists of two tests, possibly three. The first is a written test given by the American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. The next is a state board that is a clinical test. The graduating student must get a patient and perform the duties of the job. Their performance is then evaluated. The third possible test will be about legal issues related to the career. Whether or not it is necessary is determined by the state.

A better than average salary can be earned. Starting salary is about $30,000 per year. The median salary after years in the profession is about $60,000. How much is actually paid depends on geographical location, experience and level of training.

This is a career that is considered one of the fastest growing. It is predicted to show a growth of 30 percent through 2016. The beginning salary is expected to increase with the increased demand. With the job growth those graduating to become a dental hygienist can feel secure in finding employment.

Technorati Tags: Clinical, Dentistry, education, family, health, hygienist, medical, Nurse, research, schools

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 edition, Biomedical Engineers have excellent job prospects and earning potential in the next decade. Highlights from the report are outlined below.

What is biomedical engineering?

Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and techniques to the medical field. Biomedical engineers typically develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems. For example, biomedical engineers develop and evaluate systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems. Biomedical engineers also may design imaging systems (such as magnetic resonance imaging) or devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Specialties within this field include biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering.

Job Outlook

Employment of biomedical engineers is expected to have a high growth rate of 72% from 2008-2018, much faster than average for all occupations. The high growth rate is attributed to increased demand for better medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers due to the aging population, focus on health issues, and increased concern for cost efficiency and effectiveness for medical equipment and procedures. Specialties within the field that are developing rapidly include computer-assisted surgery and molecular, cellular, and tissue engineering. Additionally, the rehabilitation and orthopedic engineering specialties are growing quickly, increasing the need for biomedical engineers.  However, due to the growing interest in the field, the number of degrees granted in biomedical engineering has also greatly increased, leading to the potential for higher competition for jobs.

Employment

Biomedical engineers held about 16,000 jobs in 2008. As an overview of all engineering jobs: approximately 36 percent of engineering jobs were in manufacturing industries and 30 percent were in the professional, scientific, and technical services industries. The remainder worked in other industries, with government agencies, or were self-employed as consultants. In 2008, the median annual salary for biomedical engineers was $77,400.

For more information, please see the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Biomedical Engineers, on the Internet at .

Technorati Tags: alternative job, biomedical engineering, job growth, medical field

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Good job prospects and high salaries are an attractive attribute to becoming a pharmacist. Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow faster than other occupations through the year 2014, mostly due to the increasing demand for pharmaceuticals, particularly from the growing elderly population. Based on data from 2009, the median expected salary of a pharmacist in the U.S. is $108,000. Now that this has your attention, how do you become a pharmacist?

In order to become a pharmacist, you need to graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college of pharmacy, which usually takes 6 years of post-secondary education. Most of the time, you must also complete an internship by working with a licensed pharmacist during or right after your schooling. You must also pass a state exam called the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), which allows you to obtain a pharmacist license.

Along with education, you also need to have a ‘compelling’ resume that will bring out your strong points and how they can help the company. The strength of a good resume should never be underestimated. As Mike Johnston, CPhT, chairman and founder of the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) says, “Many people understand the basic components of a resume. But items that are specific to pharmacy technician should also be included.” Johnston is also the author of Rx for Success: A Career Enhancement Guide for Pharmacy Technicians.

To further enhance your pharmacy job opportunities, you would be wise to network, network, network. Knowing the right people, both within and outside pharmacies (especially experts, authors, and industry leaders) can do wonders for finding a career. If you don’t have a mentor, consider having one. The right mentor can make a significant difference in your career. Finally, become a better leader. The corporate world values leadership skills like no other and leadership skills are always desirable. Be proactive and develop your leadership skills.

Technorati Tags: employment, Pharmacist, Pharmacy, salary

Really enjoy food? Have a science background? Search no more- This may be your vocational calling. Become a scientist working with food flavoring.

All foods are characterized by their flavor based upon the flavor response. The flavor response occurs when receptors are activated as food is eaten, which sends signals to yield the sensory perceptions. The flavor response is a combination of sensory stimuli that includes aromatic stimuli, taste components (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami), chemical heat properties, and texture. The food industry utilizes their scientific knowledge on these flavor components to incorporate flavors into food products. There are many job opportunities open to those with science degrees in flavoring within the food industry. Jobs are available from developing the flavors, to getting the flavors into a final marketable product. Jobs include flavorists, analytical chemists, flavor-delivery specialists, and product developers.

Flavorists work to identify flavor characteristics and prepare a compound or reaction flavor derived from natural plants. They usually specialize in one of the general flavor categories, such as savory, sweet, salty, fruit, etc. To prepare a specific flavor, they may utilize flavor chemicals, essential oils, essences, or flavor extracts. After a specific flavor is prepared, it undergoes several reformulations to achieve the best character.

Supporting the flavorists are analytical chemists with expertise in isolation and identification of flavor components. They often use gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers to identify the structure of the
unique flavor chemical and its sensory strength. There are also synthetic chemists who synthesize and commercially manufacture specific flavor chemicals, which are called artificial flavors.

Once a flavor is developed, it has to be delivered to the product developer in a form that can be incorporated into a food or beverage manufactured commercially. This is where the flavor-delivery specialist comes in. The flavor-delivery specialist uses encapsulation technologies, material science, and physical chemistry to ensure that the flavor can be used in foods. This is often done in collaboration with the food manufacture and those working as product developers. Working in product development entails creating new products that the consumer wants.

Job opportunities as flavorists, analytical chemists, flavor-delivery specialists, and product developers are available in various types of companies, including flavor and food companies. Job titles may not be exact, but may include flavor scientist, scientist in flavor creation, scientist for flavor applications, and sensory scientist.

Some of the major flavor companies include Firmenich, Mastertaste, CHR Hansen, Senomyx, and International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. Many of the food and beverage companies also hire directly for flavoring.

Current job postings are available for Kraft Foods, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, McCormick & Company, Pepsi, General Mills, CPS Inc, and Kellogg Company. There are many other job postings as well on most of the major job search sites.

Have fun working by creating new flavors for food.

Technorati Tags: flavor scientist

The growing consumerism and a fast paced lifestyle have led to a greater demand for packed and processed food. The challenge most food processing units face today is to produce food items which contain minimal amount of chemicals and preservatives yet have optimum appeal and shelf-life. And this has raised the demand for food technologists in the food processing sector.

Food technology has become a lucrative career option for the talented youngsters, thanks to a growing demand for packaged and processed food.

What does a food technologist do?

The primary job of a food technologist is to check the raw materials, maintain clean and hygienic conditions and quality of the food. They examine the food, conduct checks for contamination and adulteration and certify the nutritional value of food. The food technologist should devise improved techniques for processing, conservation and preservation of food items. They must also analyze current consumer trends and latest technologies to develop new product ideas.

What is food technology?

Food technology is the study of production, storage, preservation, canning, packaging and distribution of food products. It covers all areas of food processing and includes all types of foods like meat, fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, egg, milk, spices etc.

Required skills:

Aspiring food technologists should have a scientific bend of mind, power of observation, intelligence and an interest in health and nutrition. They must be able to work well as part of a team and must have effective communication skills. A genuine interest in the scientific and technological development of food and high standards of cleanliness are other required traits.

Eligibility:

Candidates who have studied physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology at the 10+2 level can seek admission to short term certificate and diploma courses in food technology. Students who have done B.Sc in physics, mathematics, biology and chemistry or a B.tech in food technology can seek admission to an M.Sc course in food technology. Those who have done graduation in home science, nutrition, dietetics and hotel management are also eligible for higher studies in food technology.

Job prospects:

Food technologists with professional qualification have ample job opportunities. You can find jobs with food processing companies, food research laboratories, hotels, restaurants, educational institutions, government bodies and catering establishments. Public sector undertakings employ food technologists as food inspectors or health inspectors. With experience, one can work as a freelance consultant or health doctor in school/colleges. The sector also offers great entrepreneurial opportunities in the form of dynamic delivery networks and home catering services.

The author is the editor of dailylearningtips.com, a website that provides information on careers and courses and practice tests for UPSC, MBA, TOEFL and Bank tests.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Manjusha_Nambiar
http://EzineArticles.com/?Careers-in-Food-Technology&id=1946872

Technorati Tags: food science

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I came across a blog entitled “Alternative Careers- Genetic Counselor” from the Science Magazine Career blog so I decided to find out more information.

So what exactly is a genetic counselor?

A genetic counselor is a health professional with experience in medical genetics and counseling. Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, and social work.

Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects, genetic disorders, or those that may be at risk for inherited genetic conditions. Counselors identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family. Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling, serve as patient advocates, and refer patients to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource professionals for other healthcare professionals and the general public. Many are involved in research activities related to medical genetics and genetic counseling.

I then interviewed a genetic counselor that specializes in cancer. Here are the questions and answers:

• What degree do you need to become a genetic counselor? How do you become a genetic counselor?
  

A master’s degree- graduation from an accredited Master’s program in Genetic Counseling is required.

• What does a typical day look like?

Triage of referrals, case preparation, seeing patients, documentation of visits, insurance issues, giving lectures to students, residents, fellows, attendings, nurses and the general population, research activities including publication of findings. 

• What do you most enjoy/not enjoy?  

I most enjoy meeting with the patients.  I least enjoy doing the dictations and dealing with insurance companies.

• What is the average starting salary?

Mean salary for genetic counselors with 1-4 years experience is $53,666 per NSGC Professional Status Survey 2008.

• Are their internships/shadowing programs out there?  

Yes, contact a local genetic counselor to inquire about a shadowing opportunity. (To locate this person, click on the website below, click on “Find a Counselor” under quick links on the left column, and then you can search by your zip code or institution.)

• Where can you find out more information if interested?

www.nsgc.org

The website listed above is for the National Society of Genetic Counselors and has a lot of very useful information on it, including possible employment opportunities. Another great website is the American Board of Genetic Counseling- www.abgc.net

This site has a general overview of what genetic counseling is plus it includes information about graduate programs that offer genetic counseling, coursework overview, and online programs.

Technorati Tags: Alternative Career, Genetic Counselor