Medicine vs Pharmacy: Which is the Right Career Choice For Me?

In part 2 of my special series with medical student and entrepreneur Leya Luhar, we tackle the question I'm frequently asked in my DMs:

"Should I choose pharmacy or medicine?"

Instead of just giving my perspective as a pharmacist, I've brought in Leya who's currently experiencing medical school to help break down the honest differences between these two healthcare paths. We cover everything from daily responsibilities and training requirements to salary expectations and lifestyle considerations—the real insights you won't find in university prospectuses.

This is perfect for A-level students trying to decide between medicine and pharmacy, or for anyone curious about the differences between these two vital healthcare professions.

For full access to shownotes, go to https://www.pharmacistdiaries.com/pod...

00:00 Introduction
02:50 What pharmacists do
05:10 What doctors do
06:30 Pharmacy training pathway
13:15 Medical education pathway
17:25 Competition in medicine
20:13 Salary expectations
29:00 Work-life balance in pharmacy
37:15 Work-life balance in medicine
40:38 Similarities between both
37:15 Emerging roles in medicine
54:45 OSCE Toolbox resources

💡 Sleep Better, Work Smarter
If you're a pharmacy student or pharmacist spending long hours in front of a screen (especially in the evenings like I do when working on the podcast!), I highly recommend checking out the blue light blocking glasses from Ocushield. They've made a huge difference to my sleep quality and reduced my eye fatigue—plus, the frames are super stylish!

🎁 I've found a 20% off family & friends discount that you can access through the link below. Treat yourself—you deserve it!

👉 Grab your discount here: https://ocushield.refr.cc/default/u/a...

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:
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Each week, I share:
Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice
Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡
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Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience
Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠https://pharmacistdiaries.kit.com/stu...

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.
⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there's a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/pharmac...


CONNECT WITH LEYA:
Linkedin:   / leya-luhar  
Instagram:   / oscetoolbox  
TokTok:   / oscetoolbox  
Website: https://www.oscetoolbox.com/


OTHER LINKS:
The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA's president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do.
Inplus Music: https://www.inplusmusic.com/

CONNECT WITH ME:
Website: https://www.pharmacistdiaries.com/
Instagram:   / pharmacistdiariesuk  
Facebook:   / pharmacistdiariesuk  
LinkedIn:   / anisha-patel-a95b9562  
Twitter:   / pharmdiariesuk  
Email: [email protected]

NEW TO PHARMACIST DIARIES:

Hi! I'm Anisha Patel, a paediatric pharmacist turned podcaster and digital creator who's passionate about showcasing the limitless possibilities within healthcare careers. Through my podcast, I share stories of innovative pharmacists worldwide while building a community that breaks free from traditional career moulds. After 14 years in clinical practice, including stints as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix pharmacist and working in emergency services in the UAE, I've embraced entrepreneurship to help other healthcare professionals find their voice through podcasting. When I'm not recording episodes or coaching aspiring podcasters, you'll find me planning global adventures with my family or sharing insights about designing a life of impact and freedom

If you want to know more, visit https://www.pharmacistdiaries.com/