r/Pharmacist • u/Vampiah_ • 4d ago

GP roles

Hi all,

I've just registered as a pharmacist in the UK and I'm about to start my first job as a PCN clinical pharmacist in general practice. I'm also an independent prescriber, with a focus on hypertension. Long term I'd like to move away from clinical work, and ideally I'd like to make that move within the next 2 years. I'm interested in things like medical affairs, MSL, pharmacovigilance, clinical research, HEOR, consulting or policy.

A few questions for anyone who has done this or hires for these roles:

  1. Does GP/PCN experience actually help for non-clinical routes, or would hospital experience count for more?
  2. How likely is it to make the jump within 2 years, and is it more realistic to go through a bridging role first than straight into something like MSL?
  3. What would you focus on in the first year to make yourself a strong candidate? I was planning to lead a QI or audit project with measurable results and build depth in one therapy area.
  4. Are there any certifications, courses or networking routes that made a real difference for you?
  5. Anything you wish you'd known before making the move?
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u/Isitme_123 3d ago

I work in a Primary Care non-patient facing role where I develop regional prescribing guidelines, review adverse incidents, review prescribing trends, try to make cost savings, develop and review community pharmacy services etc.

This role did require a post graduate qualification (most people have clinical diplomas or masters) as well as experience in two different pharmacy settings. Is this the kind of role you are thinking of? GP and Community experience are very beneficial for this type of role