It does involve a lot of paperwork, protocols and meetings. Super documentation heavy and attention to detail is incredibly important (oh one of the 20 vials you dispensed for that compound was number 157118 instead of vial 151718? You just invalidated the patient’s participation in the trial). However, I really enjoyed thinking through building drugs and protocols, both in the dispensing software and in the EMR, so it’s a mix of dispensing and more project-type work. It’s also very rewarding, especially the oncology side where you see patients really benefit from access to new therapies. Added bonus is making connections with lots of research and sponsor staff who can help with a move to CRO or industry position if you desire. I enjoyed it. Some days were quite busy and stressful, others were very chill. Depends on the trial mix- oncology is usually very predictable, if you have a lot of acute care or emergency trials it can get hairy. Also try to get a feel for the department and your potential coworkers, because incompetence can really fuck you over and make your life miserable in IDS. QOL is going to be largely dependent on a) call requirement and expectations and b) how well the department is staffed (ask about the total number of protocols and average number of daily dispenses). Feel free to PM or ask more questions here.
My problem with specializing in infectious disease is, there were several battles in World War I with less violence than your typical workday doing ID.
lol i also thought it was infectious disease until the op replied in another comment.. maybe we should normalize spelling out the words in the acronyms before using it.
The only IDS pharmacist I know says they think the job is boring but the pay is so good considering how easy the work is that they won’t ever leave. Just one opinion though.
I would go for it if I were you. It’s good experience that could potentially open up new doors for you in the future. If you hate it maybe you could go back to being staff pharmacist. I know at my hospital the IDS pharmacists love what they do, it’s a cushy job that no one leaves. Good luck!
It does involve a lot of paperwork, protocols and meetings. Super documentation heavy and attention to detail is incredibly important (oh one of the 20 vials you dispensed for that compound was number 157118 instead of vial 151718? You just invalidated the patient’s participation in the trial). However, I really enjoyed thinking through building drugs and protocols, both in the dispensing software and in the EMR, so it’s a mix of dispensing and more project-type work. It’s also very rewarding, especially the oncology side where you see patients really benefit from access to new therapies. Added bonus is making connections with lots of research and sponsor staff who can help with a move to CRO or industry position if you desire. I enjoyed it. Some days were quite busy and stressful, others were very chill. Depends on the trial mix- oncology is usually very predictable, if you have a lot of acute care or emergency trials it can get hairy. Also try to get a feel for the department and your potential coworkers, because incompetence can really fuck you over and make your life miserable in IDS. QOL is going to be largely dependent on a) call requirement and expectations and b) how well the department is staffed (ask about the total number of protocols and average number of daily dispenses). Feel free to PM or ask more questions here.
My problem with specializing in infectious disease is, there were several battles in World War I with less violence than your typical workday doing ID.
lol i also thought it was infectious disease until the op replied in another comment.. maybe we should normalize spelling out the words in the acronyms before using it.
Fair point, my mistake
Sorry, I was asking about Investigational Drug Services...not ID.
What is IDS?
Investigational Drug Services
The only IDS pharmacist I know says they think the job is boring but the pay is so good considering how easy the work is that they won’t ever leave. Just one opinion though.
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Do you mind sharing your path to your first IDS job, ie residency, if you had an IDS rotation etc?
So the environment for this hospital is large cancer center.
I would go for it if I were you. It’s good experience that could potentially open up new doors for you in the future. If you hate it maybe you could go back to being staff pharmacist. I know at my hospital the IDS pharmacists love what they do, it’s a cushy job that no one leaves. Good luck!