Difficult? Yes. Impossible? Definitely not. I think the biggest mistake is treating “pharma” as one job market. Last time I was reading survey studies, I found India’s pharmaceutical industry is already around ₹5.56 lakh crore ($60 billion), and the government has said it has the potential to double in size over the next five years. IBEF also projects the Indian pharma industry to grow at more than 10% CAGR and reach $130 billion by 2030.

So the opportunity is there. The problem is getting that first credible industry experience.

What helped me understand this better is seeing how differently people make the transition.

Dr. Pragya Mishra, an MBBS graduate, had no established pharma career. Through structured training in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, ICSR, signal detection and MedDRA, along with interview preparation, she transitioned into a non-clinical role at Accenture at ₹17 LPA.

Dr. Shruti Wagh moved from clinical practice into pharmacovigilance and secured a ₹21 LPA role at Accenture after training in clinical drug development and industry-oriented interview preparation.

Dr. Oshi Goswami, a BDS graduate, used the same kind of transition route and secured a role at Pristyn Research with a ₹6.5 LPA offer.

Dr. Salman’s story is particularly relevant for PharmD graduates. After struggling to establish himself in industry, he received two offers after structured Medical Affairs preparation: ₹7 LPA from Olivia Medsafe and ₹8 LPA from Syneos Health.

The common thread isn't that a course magically replaces experience. It's that they built evidence of industry readiness. That's what I'd focus on if starting from zero. Don't just ask, “How do I get pharma experience without a pharma job?” Ask, **“**What can I demonstrate right now that proves I can do pharma work?”

That could mean relevant projects, clinical research exposure, scientific writing, pharmacovigilance knowledge, Medical Affairs case studies, clinical-trial simulations, or role-specific interview preparation.

If you're considering a professional course, I'd look beyond the certificate. CPD recognition can also be useful, particularly for healthcare professionals who need to demonstrate continuing professional development. For example, Academically's Executive Programme in Medical Affairs offers 180 CPD points on completion, with the points valid for five years.

I've found this distinction useful:

Knowledge gap → learn the industry.

Evidence gap → build projects/capabilities you can show.

Hiring gap → improve CV positioning, networking and interviews.

You don't necessarily need years of pharma experience to start. But you do need to give an employer a reason to believe you're ready for the work. What say?

Visited Dehradun’s Kumhar Mandi near Bindal Pul recently, and honestly, it felt goosebumps. One of the Kumhars told us that this place dates back to the British era and was once home to hundreds of potter families making everything from matkas and diyas to kulhads and bricks, using the local soil and water. Today, only around 10–12 families are still keeping the craft alive. What struck me most wasn’t just the idol making art, but how sadly this tradition is vanishing. Way too much development has contributed negatively for these artisans to continue what their families have done for generations.

The biggest treasure of Rishikesh is the Bhagirathi river that flows in through the valleys and alleys! What a beautiful sight while on the way to Neelkanth temple uphill.

So I'm everything about good pork dishes and if I notice anything close to Naga thali I'd run into it quite literally. It was raining heavily but I still took an auto ride to this place from home and had a great meal. Idk if it's a proper, authentic Nepali thali but it was just so filling especially the pork. So well cooked. Need to visit again just for the pork curry and rice. Has anybody visited this place yet? I believe it has been existing for quite long now.

Yes, but not every clinical drug development course is worth your time or money.

I was hovering over websites and uni brochures for clinical drug development courses for the last six months. Surprisingly, I found that most course pages focus on what you'll study, such as modules on clinical trial phases, ICH-GCP, regulatory pathways, protocol design, and drug approval. Now all these are good for a uni syllabus or degree course, but the question is, will this course make me industry-ready?

An EY report says the pharmaceutical industry invests close to US$300 billion annually in research and development. Quite evidently, clinical research organisations (CROs) continue expanding globally to support thousands of ongoing clinical trials. I expected more discussion around industry-ready skills rather than just course modules. India, in particular, is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical CRO markets over the coming years, making this an exciting time for professionals looking to enter drug development. Yet most course websites still focus on Phase I, II, III and IV trials instead of what employers actually expect. That's the gap I kept noticing.

The more I researched, the more I realised that clinical drug development isn't a single job. It's an ecosystem.

People move into Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Medical Writing, Pharmacovigilance, Drug Safety, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Information, Clinical Project Management and several other roles. Understanding how these teams work together throughout a drug's lifecycle is far more valuable than simply memorising regulatory guidelines.

I recently read about a physician who had spent 15 years in family medicine before reaching a point of burnout. While exploring alternatives, she realised that years of monitoring patients, documenting treatment outcomes and recognising adverse drug reactions had unknowingly prepared her for drug safety. She didn't really quit medicine. She simply found another way to apply everything she'd already known for years. That perspective completely changed how I think about non-clinical careers.

Another story was about a biotechnology professional involved in oncology research and clinical trials, including work on cancer diagnostics. Despite having strong research credentials, she struggled to find a role that combined science, communication and industry exposure. Learning about Medical Science Liaison and the broader clinical development ecosystem helped connect those experiences instead of forcing a complete career restart.

Those stories reinforced something important. A clinical drug development course shouldn't just teach science. It should teach context. If I were choosing a course today to get a job, I'd care much less about the number of recorded lectures, fancy degree, and much more about questions like these:

• Are the faculty actively working in pharmaceutical companies?
• Are real clinical trial case studies discussed instead of only textbook concepts?
• Will I understand how Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Drug Safety and Regulatory Affairs collaborate during drug development?
• Are protocol reviews, safety reporting, benefit-risk assessment and regulatory decision-making explained using real examples?
• Does the programme help with CV building, interview preparation and networking?
• Does it discuss emerging topics like AI in clinical development, decentralised clinical trials and real-world evidence?

Another factor I hadn't considered initially was Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The more I looked into it, the more I realised that recognised CPD demonstrates structured professional learning beyond a one-time certificate. In healthcare and life sciences, CPD is increasingly used to show commitment to keeping knowledge current and continuously improving professional competence.

While comparing courses all over the internet, I noticed that not every clinical drug development course includes recognised CPD benefits. One programme that caught my attention was the Executive Programme in Clinical Drug Development, mainly because it has practical, industry-focused learning with 180 CPD points, valid for five years after successful completion. I also liked that the emphasis appears to be on applying concepts through case discussions, a capstone project and 1-on-1 mentorship rather than simply completing recorded modules.

I don't think any certificate, no matter how prestigious, guarantees a job. Recruiters aren't hiring someone because they can list the phases of a clinical trial. They're hiring people who understand how medicines move from discovery to patients, how different functions collaborate, how scientific decisions are made, and how to communicate evidence effectively across teams.

Did you know, the Medical Affairs outsourcing sector alone is projected to grow from USD 2.7 billion in 2026 to USD 4.6 billion by 2030, at a 13.6% CAGR, with Medical Science Liaison (MSL) forecast to be the fastest-growing service segment.

It's no surprise that more doctors, pharmacists, and life science graduates are looking for the best medical affairs course online. But the question is whether a short-term course can actually help you get hired, or is it just another marketing gimmick and certificate?

I've actually interacted with healthcare professionals with a clinical degree and has successfully transitioned to high paying non clinical roles that too within 30 days of pursuing a medical affairs course. Yes, you read that right. Let's see how it's possible.

Dr. Salman, a PharmD graduate, enrolled in an Executive Programme in Medical Affairs/Medical Science Liaison. With the help of MSL industry experts and medical doctors mentoring him, he rebuilt his corporate CV, optimised LinkedIn, practised scientific communication, and went through mock interviews, all while pursuing a structured Medical Affairs/MSL onboarding programme. He reportedly secured offers from Oviya Medsafe with a ₹7 LPA and Syneos Health with an ₹8 LPA.

Many healthcare professionals aren't underqualified academically. They're just underprepared for industry hiring.

I also found Dr. Saif's journey rather inspiring. As an MBBS graduate who had failed the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam and Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) several times, he lost all hope until he stumbled upon a structured medical affairs course online. He described his Medical Affairs course training as feeling "more like onboarding into the pharmaceutical industry than another academic course." He highlighted capstone projects, KOL engagement exercises, scientific communication, CV reviews, and interview preparation. Whether someone chooses the same programme or not, I think that's a much better benchmark for evaluating any medical affairs course than simply looking at the syllabus.

Another story that resonated with me was Dr. Athira Ravi's. She had already built a career as an MBBS doctor, Pharmacology teacher, and Casualty Medical Officer, but wanted a more sustainable career without leaving healthcare altogether. Rather than abandoning her clinical experience altogether, she learnt how to reposition it for the pharmaceutical industry and eventually transitioned into a corporate healthcare role. It reminded me that not everyone switches careers for a higher salary. Many are looking for long-term growth and better work-life balance.

I noticed similar themes in the experiences shared by Dr. Bindhumadhuri, a PharmD and PhD scholar bridging the gap between academia and industry, and Rahul, a PharmD graduate who realised communication and relationship-building were just as important as scientific knowledge for an MSL career. Different backgrounds, but the same takeaway: practical industry exposure mattered far more than collecting another certificate.

One thing I rarely see discussed is CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points. If you're investing in a medical affairs course, they're worth considering because they reflect structured, recognised professional learning. This medical affairs course online offers 180 CPD points alongside mentorship, resume reviews, mock interviews and capstone projects. Personally, I found that combination more value-for-money than a certificate alone because it has recognised professional development with job readiness.

What's your opinion on these short term courses for non clinical careers?

Been a "Cultured" loyalist since 3.5 years now. It's a bakery located in Safdarjung Humayunpur and I've always been a fan. I tried their mango basque cheesecake because well, the season is as such haha. Absolutely loved it.

Yes, but with one important caveat. A dental degree, be it BDS/MDS alone, won't automatically land you an MSL or Medical Advisor role, be it within India or abroad. What I've noticed after going through dozens of job descriptions is that the path is much more nuanced than most career blogs suggest.

In India, BDS/MDS graduates are actually getting high-paying jobs in Medical Affairs, Medical Information, Medical Writing, Clinical Research, and Pharmacovigilance before transitioning into MSL or Medical Advisor positions. However, in the US, UK, and much of Europe, field Medical Affairs roles often prefer MD, PharmD, or PhD candidates, particularly in pharmaceutical companies. That doesn't mean dentists are excluded. It just means the strongest opportunities are often in MedTech and dental device companies rather than traditional pharma. Recent openings from companies like Medtronic have even listed BDS/MDS among eligible qualifications for Medical Affairs roles, while global MedTech organisations continue to recruit scientific professionals to support evidence generation, KOL engagement and clinician education.

The biggest advantage dentists underestimate is their scientific communication ability. You're already trained to interpret clinical evidence, explain complex concepts to patients, and understand oral-systemic disease relationships. Those skills translate surprisingly well into Medical Affairs.

That said, I think many dentists make one mistake: applying directly for Medical Advisor jobs with a purely clinical CV. Recruiters usually want evidence that you can work cross-functionally, critically evaluate literature, communicate scientific data to healthcare professionals, and understand compliance, not just clinical expertise.

A far more preferred route is building 1-3 years of industry experience through Medical Writing, Medical Information, Drug Safety, Clinical Affairs, or Product Specialist roles, then moving internally into Medical Affairs. This is especially true if you're targeting global companies.

If you're interested in dentistry-specific Medical Affairs, I'd also look beyond pharmaceuticals. Dental implants, biomaterials, orthodontics, digital dentistry, imaging systems, and regenerative technologies all require professionals who understand both science and clinical practice. That's where a dental background becomes a genuine competitive advantage instead of a limitation.

Nasi Lemak is a Malaysian delicacy, consisting of rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with spicy sambal, fried chicken, anchovies, peanuts, and eggs. What a miracle to find this dish at a supperclub named The Omakase Studio. They did this Asian supper meal and I booked my tickets on its first day to grab these. Absolutely love what Dehradun is bringing on.

So this is a south Indian restaurant in Dehradun that serves really good Benne Dosa and the interiors are really interesting. I wonder what's the religious significance of this elephant head inside, does it have to do with Prabhu Ganesh or something else?

It is rare to come across Bengali food miles away in the mountains.

But the best part is, the ones that has established itself time and again as one of the best to serve undisputed Bengali food. Hotel Santiniketan is a bengali hotel and restaurant that is known especially for its hospitality and Bengali thali, authentic to its core and the mangsho.... Oh, out of words!

When your home is in hill station, the perks it has is incredible! Just like the rain and the beauty it brings forward. Being a tourist at your own home is so good!

I always take strolls at my favourite corner in Dehradun everyday and each day unveils a different location that's not exactly hidden but not much talked about. I absolutely love this part of Dehradun and would so want it to remain the same for years to come.

I think one of the biggest misconceptions hospital pharmacists have is believing they need to "start from zero" to enter Drug Safety. Honestly, you probably already use many of the core skills the role requires. You just know them by different names.

When I first started reading about Drug Safety, I assumed recruiters only wanted candidates with prior pharmacovigilance experience. But after speaking with people in the industry and understanding what these roles actually involve, I realised that hospital experience wasn't irrelevant at all. Medication reconciliation, identifying drug interactions, reviewing high-risk prescriptions, documenting adverse drug reactions (ADRs), counselling patients, and collaborating with physicians are all medication safety activities. Drug Safety applies those same principles on a much larger scale.

The biggest change was noticing how some healthcare professionals presented their experience on CV. Instead of writing things like "dispensed medications to patients", they optimised their CV to focus on medication safety reviews, ADR identification, prescription validation, medication error prevention, clinical documentation, and multidisciplinary communication. That one little twitch made my experience look far more relevant to Drug Safety recruiters.

Dr. Shruti Vinod spent 15 years as a family physician before working as a Medical Officer at ECHS South Pune. Like many clinicians, she initially thought Drug Safety was a completely different career. But she later realised that years of monitoring patients' responses to medicines, documenting outcomes, identifying medication-related risks, and making clinical decisions had already built the exact foundation needed for pharmacovigilance. Her switch from hospital pharmacy to drug safety reinforced something I wish more hospital pharmacists knew.

If you're planning the switch, I'd keep the learning roadmap simple instead of trying to master everything.

Start with Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs), seriousness vs. severity, causality assessment, MedDRA basics, and how medicines move through the clinical development and post-marketing safety lifecycle. Those topics come up repeatedly in interviews and are far more useful than spending months learning programming or advanced analytics.

Something else that helps many candidates was following a structured roadmap rather than jumping between random YouTube videos, PDFs, and blog posts. I eventually completed Executive Programme in Clinical Drug Development or Medical Affairs because it tied together hospital pharmacy, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and pharmacovigilance in a way that finally made the whole ecosystem click.

More importantly, it gives practical life skills that you could confidently discuss during interviews instead of just quoting definitions. Whether you choose a short term course, find a mentor, or learn independently, having a clear path saves a lot of time and confusion.

My biggest advice would be this. Stop thinking of yourself as "a hospital pharmacist trying to break into pharma." It's not a career switch*.* You're already a medication safety professional. Your job now is simply to learn how to communicate those skills in the language that Drug Safety hiring managers understand. Once that mindset shifts, your CV, your interviews, and even your confidence start to change.

I absolutely love shopping at a few pop up stores in Meharchand Market. Remy's is a newly opened shop. I think it's been barely a year or two. After seeing it doing rounds on social media I thought of visiting it during my evening stroll. To my surprise, their pesto pasta and tiramisu is spot on! Can't wait to be back.

An absolute bliss is surprises like this, at work and that too, when it's about to rain in Dehradun. Is it a conspiracy to make me yawn throughout the day so that I'm not able to work? Well, after this mango therapy I won't mind falling into trouble haha.