Articles

A successful pharmacist requires a combination of skills unique to the role. A high level of scientific ability is a pre-cursor to any role, as mentioned above, in addition to proficiency in mathemati
A career as a pharmacist is a highly responsible one that requires a considerable amount of application and learning. All Pharmacists in the UK have degrees in Pharmacy recognised by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. For those considering a career in research, a postgraduate qualification will be expected in addition to a degree. The majority of Pharmacists are registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and such registration can only be achieved after a year of supervised work under a Society recognised Pharmacist. A successful pharmacist requires a combination of skills unique to the ro…

Some areas of the pharma industry are clearly at the cutting edge of new technology. But especially in Europe, this hasn't translated to eBusiness efforts in the sector - it's far behind other indust
Some areas of the pharma industry are clearly at the cutting edge of new technology. But especially in Europe, this hasn't translated to eBusiness efforts in the sector - it's far behind other industries in computerization and automation, particularly in Europe. So why are European pharma not capitalizing on the savings IT can bring, and when will this change? John Band investigates... What images does the pharmaceutical industry conjure up for you? Many people would see a hotbed of new technology. Perhaps a white-coated scientist, using the latest high-tech equipment to analyze the new drug…

E-business is turning from hype to reality and is starting to become that most crucial of things, measurable. Pharmaceutical companies must orient their businesses to take into account the formidable
A few years ago, the internet was booming and any idea or even word starting with "e" was seemingly worth millions. The new economy was here to stay.... Thousands of "start-ups" mushroomed. A year later, the bubble burst and "start-ups" began disappearing... Does that mean that the Internet won't deliver on its promises? Certainly not. But the reality is that the way to invest in the internet has changed. The gold rush has stopped. Pharmaceutical companies are moving away from the model where they outsourced work to pure dot.coms. Instead, they are moving toward a Clicks and Mortar model, wher…

Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old system of healing from India, suggests a holistic approach to skin health and luster - eating right, and rehydrating the skin from within are crucial aspects of skin care.
Natural creams and lotions are great for your skin, but if you want your skin to look good day after day and year after year, you have to work on it from the inside out. Ayurveda - the 5,000-year-old system of holistic healing from India that's becoming popular in the world of cosmeceuticals and botanicals-based skin care - contends that a balanced diet, proper digestion and regular elimination are vital for clear glowing skin. "Ama" - the residue of improper digestion that can accumulate in the body - is the number one enemy of healthy skin, leading to lifelessness and breakouts, according…

If you have suffered from insomnia for a protracted amount of time you should consult your doctor. For those of us who just can’t seem to drop off from time to time, try some of the methods and advice
The average adult needs around 7-8 hours sleep a night, this enables the body and mind to rest sufficiently in order to be restored for another days activity. Insomnia, the inability to get to sleep, affects most of us at some time in our lives. The reduction in our nightly quota of deep and dream sleep leads to a vicious circle, irritability and tiredness leading to increased stress and anxiety, which in turn affects our ability to sleep the following night. For the majority, insomnia is a passing phase linked to the regular stresses of life, career worries, moving house, money worries etc. I…

The pharma industry mega-merger is a gargantuan task that can make your working situation difficult or even untenable but if you approach the process objectively it can be turned to your advantage. He
The demands of investors and the paucity of promising drugs in the industry has led to a wave of big mergers and acquisitions in the last few years. As a result the industry landscape is full of monolithic companies with worldwide headcounts approaching those of cities. But despite all this action the largest pharmaceutical company in the world still only has a 7% market share and several of the major players still haven’t been involved in any consolidations, both Roche and MSD spring to mind. It’s therefore logical to assume that further consolidation will occur in the sector, consolidation t…

The big change will come in the objectivity of the product web-sites that the pharmaceutical companies produce, or more accurately are forced to produce. Initially comprehensive first generation produ
Business has been living uneasily with the internet for several years now. Through the boom and bust of the first phase of the dot.com dream, through waves of non-event e-mail virus’ and promise after promise about how the internet can and will put millions on companies’ bottom line. As yet, the results have been minimal. If anything B2B, the dream of online procurement and improved efficiencies, has been even more of a disappointment than B2C. Most internet users have bought a CD or a book online but how many people do you know that have placed a stationary order that has been accepted online…

A lack of cohesive planning and poor execution has dogged the Internet and online ventures. After the initial frenzy surrounding any Internet-based idea, the pharmaceutical industry sat back and asses
Customisation is the key to m-health success A lack of cohesive planning and poor execution has dogged the Internet and online ventures. After the initial frenzy surrounding any Internet-based idea, the pharmaceutical industry sat back and assessed the situation, concluding that "e-anything" just does not work. This attitude could infect the mobile health, or m-health, arena. Hooman Bahmandeji, President, MedSphere Corp., USA, says it doesn't have to be that way. A little thought, combined with some in-depth research into what the user really wants, will reap its rewards. If the service is…

In this article, David explains some of the e-initiatives he and his team have launched at Novartis, describes the excitement from seeing first results and speaks about the challenges he is facing.
e-detailing? CRM? Wireless devices? B2B Marketplaces? e-supply chain? Online recruitment? e-clinical trials? All these terms are covered under the umbrella of e-Business. “e” today represents an array of new business opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to leverage their existing skills and customer relationships. But as attractive as e-propositions can look in concept, it is proving a major challenge to pharma industry executives to manage the way to the e-treasure. With the continuing uncertainty in the stock market environment for dot.coms, technology houses and telecomms, there is inte…

Everyone hates interviews, but the more you attend, the better your performance becomes. Initially, it's a good idea to go to interviews even if you're not sure about the job. The experience will se
Everyone hates interviews, but the more you attend, the better your performance becomes. Initially, it's a good idea to go to interviews even if you're not sure about the job. The experience will serve you well when you go for the one you really do want. Before you go - do some research. Find out what you can about the company and which drugs you are likely to be selling. If you can find someone who works for them then brilliant. If not there's usually a lot of information to be found on their website. It is often a requirement that trainee medical reps have spent at least one day shadow…

There are many qualities often listed as pre-requisites for success in the field of pharmaceutical sales - the following are just some - maybe those seen as most important:
There are many qualities often listed as pre-requisites for success in the field of pharmaceutical sales - the following are just some - maybe those seen as most important: Organisational ability - You will have to manage your time and your territory to obtain the best results possible. Can do, will do - Determination to succeed, despite the knockbacks. Self-motivation skills - This is a must! There is no one to make sure you get out of bed and into the office on time. Communication skills - Ability to talk to people on all levels without either being dumbstruck or patronising. Hard working - Willingness to go that ex…

If millions of women worldwide are going through the menopause, think of what the men are going through!
Menopause Manners for Men The menopause is not what it used to be. Women are approaching this time of life differently - the new outlook is energized as most women are healthy and free of their past identities and responsibilities. I'm hoping to see more women incorporate a valuable and natural ally crucial in making this next stage truly exciting - our men! But we can't do it alone. So based on our completely unscientific research, here are tips I hope our better halves will find useful. 1. Be ready for emergencies. This doesn't require dialing 911, but you still have to move fast. Sometimes the symptoms of menopause may require your loved one to exit quickly. Don't ask question…

A new UK scheme to introduce qualifications for clinical research staff will give Britain extra credibility in an increasingly competitive market for clinical trials research into new medicines.
A new UK scheme to introduce qualifications for clinical research staff will give Britain extra credibility in an increasingly competitive market for clinical trials research into new medicines. The new standards and qualifications will emerge from co-operation between two leading organisations, the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), it was announced today. The standards would give British clinical research personnel additional standing and emphasise Britain’s status as a centre for quality research, because their ability to cond…

The housemates constant sun worship anticipates what many of us will be doing in our gardens this summer but who sets the best example to the viewing public of how to tan safely, and who is going to e
As the caged denizens of the Big Brother house enter their fifth week of captivity it looks very much as though all of the interesting housemates are going to be evicted before the series reaches its conclusion. This leaves us, the clinically addicted viewing public with something of a problem, we are compelled to watch their lethargic antics, but without feisty Narinder, loopy Penny and misfit Stuart, what is there to snare our attention? Well there’s always the option of taking a zen-like fascination in their ongoing quest to get a tan that vaguely approaches Josh’s. The housemates constant…

Fully introduced in September 2000, Individual Learning Accounts offer financial incentives to anyone over the age of 19 to begin training or courses in a variety of disciplines. Any British citizen o
Tony Blair’s mantra of ‘Education, Education, Education’ may have been enough to satisfy the electorate that this was the first Labour government worthy of a second full term in power but, for the majority of the population, what is happening in our schools remains a mystery. However a commitment to enabling lifelong learning, and a second chance for people to get the education they want was also an element in both the 1997 and 2001 Labour manifesto’s. So what has been done for the population over the age of 19? Individual Learning Accounts are the answer. Fully introduced in September 2000,…

There are some enduring myths going round the industry too.
As has been mentioned, everyone working in pharmaceutical sales has to sit and pass this exam within two years of entering the industry. The exam is not difficult in itself, as it is all multiple choice questions of one sort or another. However, there is a vast pool of information to be absorbed from which the questions may be derived. There is a tendency (for very bright graduates, in particular) to receive their syllabus, glance at it, and decide they'll look at it properly "later". The problem is that, all too often, later becomes about 3 weeks before the exam and then when they start, they suddenly realise just how much they need to know and panic! If a company has a structured training programme or uses an outside train…

Contrary to the opinion of irascible doctors up and down the country, medical sales reps have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of both healthcare and the NHS. Experienced reps enhance this kn
Contrary to the opinion of irascible doctors up and down the country, medical sales reps have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of both healthcare and the NHS. Experienced reps enhance this knowledge during their many years interaction with the medical profession but it is often kick started by study for the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry exam. The ABPi insist that all pharmaceutical sales representatives pass an examination within two years of starting work in the industry, the Association’s stated aims in making reps take this exam are, (a) To ensure the overall q…

Like murder (apparently), resignation gets easier the more times you do it, but for the employee preparing to take the plunge for the first time it can still be an intimidating process. From the first
With the end of the days where jobs for life were a possibility, let alone a reality, resigning has become a skill we must all learn to survive. Like murder (apparently), resignation gets easier the more times you do it, but for the employee preparing to take the plunge for the first time it can still be an intimidating process. From the first ‘can I have a quick word?’ to the last drink at the leaving party, a month of awkwardness is on the cards. To deal with the situation in as professional a way as possible it is worth taking time out to look at the situation you are about to create from a…

In the second part of our feature about stress we look at five more easy methods for reducing your stress levels…
In the second part of our feature about stress we look at five more easy methods for reducing your stress levels… 6. Forget being number one The desire to be the best has been the impetus behind many of humankind’s greatest achievements but it is also a primary driver behind depression and, therefore stress. Every day we are indoctrinated with an idea of success manufactured by advertising executives and film writers but we seemingly find it impossible to see the contradiction between George Best the footballing god and George Best the incurable alcoholic being the same man. Nobody is perfect in the real world, David Beckham is a bit thick, Stephen Hawking is no looker. By adop…

Landen Associates provide tailored 3 day training courses for graduates looking to break into a career in Medical Sales. Intensive, small group courses take place every month and cover all aspects of
Landen Associates provide tailored 3 day training courses for graduates looking to break into a career in Medical Sales. Intensive, small group courses take place every month and cover all aspects of the Medical Sales Representative role. The cost is only £100 and is refunded if you are placed as a result of the course. For further details see the information below. Course Description Landen Foundation Training Course alumni have been placed at companies like Medeva, Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Yamanouchi and Schering-Plough. The course provides practical training for practical people and pro…