Showing posts with label pharmacy. Show all posts
Friday, 27 March 2015
Dermatology Trends in 2015
Non-invasive cosmetic surgery and dermatology have grown in importance and popularity over the last few years. People have become more image conscious, and this has led to many youngsters and adults opting for non-invasive therapies.
In 2014, the American Society for Dermatological Surgery (ASDS) conducted a survey on non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The survey took opinions of the public on whether they would opt for cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance. Out of 8,300 survey participants, 52% said they would prefer to use non-invasive techniques to refresh their appearance.
Reasons behind the Growth of Cosmetics and Dermatology
The survey proves that many women and men are giving a great deal of thought about cosmetic or dermatological procedures, and how it affects their appearance. There are a variety of reasons for the growing interest in cosmetics and dermatology:
• New technologies have led to the availability of many non-invasive techniques.
• New technologies ensures fewer side effects.
• With higher paying jobs, consumers are in a better position to opt for high cost and quality treatments.
• More people have become aware of dermatology and cosmetics as industries. They are also aware of the benefits accrued from cosmetic procedures.
Current Trends in the Dermatology Industry
Keeping all the above points in mind, there are certain cosmetic and dermatological trends that may be seen 2015 onwards. The below points have been taken from spa industry publication, Americanspa.com:
• Certain minimally invasive procedures like fillers, Botox, and photo rejuvenation will continue to grow in popularity.
• According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in 2013, out of 1,000,000 cosmetic procedures, 9% of these were for male patients. Although still a minority, men will also play a part in the number of people opting for cosmetic procedures.
• Perhaps the biggest trend that will aid the dermatology and cosmetics industries is the expanding age groups. Today, cosmetic procedures are not restricted to only youngsters or adults. Both age groups are realizing the importance of these techniques, and are opting for the same.
There is a lot of work going into cosmetic research as well. Various organizations are conducting tests to create and provide Botox in a gel formulation. It is expected that clinical trials will begin by the end of this year, or early 2016.
The various trends may lead to greater knowledge and understanding of cosmetics and dermatology. One may see more people giving aesthetic medicine as much importance as their medical healthcare.
In 2014, the American Society for Dermatological Surgery (ASDS) conducted a survey on non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The survey took opinions of the public on whether they would opt for cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance. Out of 8,300 survey participants, 52% said they would prefer to use non-invasive techniques to refresh their appearance.
Reasons behind the Growth of Cosmetics and Dermatology
The survey proves that many women and men are giving a great deal of thought about cosmetic or dermatological procedures, and how it affects their appearance. There are a variety of reasons for the growing interest in cosmetics and dermatology:
• New technologies have led to the availability of many non-invasive techniques.
• New technologies ensures fewer side effects.
• With higher paying jobs, consumers are in a better position to opt for high cost and quality treatments.
• More people have become aware of dermatology and cosmetics as industries. They are also aware of the benefits accrued from cosmetic procedures.
Current Trends in the Dermatology Industry
Keeping all the above points in mind, there are certain cosmetic and dermatological trends that may be seen 2015 onwards. The below points have been taken from spa industry publication, Americanspa.com:
• Certain minimally invasive procedures like fillers, Botox, and photo rejuvenation will continue to grow in popularity.
• According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in 2013, out of 1,000,000 cosmetic procedures, 9% of these were for male patients. Although still a minority, men will also play a part in the number of people opting for cosmetic procedures.
• Perhaps the biggest trend that will aid the dermatology and cosmetics industries is the expanding age groups. Today, cosmetic procedures are not restricted to only youngsters or adults. Both age groups are realizing the importance of these techniques, and are opting for the same.
There is a lot of work going into cosmetic research as well. Various organizations are conducting tests to create and provide Botox in a gel formulation. It is expected that clinical trials will begin by the end of this year, or early 2016.
The various trends may lead to greater knowledge and understanding of cosmetics and dermatology. One may see more people giving aesthetic medicine as much importance as their medical healthcare.
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
How to Become a Pharmaceutical Consultant
The pharmaceutical industry is generally seen as a stable, lucrative industry, which offers many opportunities in terms of growth and flexibility. Many people have even termed pharmaceutical jobs as ‘recession proof’. The reason for this is that there is never a dearth for people in the industry, no matter what the state of the economy may be.
Having worked in the industry for 20+ years, I can say with confidence that being a pharmaceutical consultant can be a career that most people would enjoy. So here are my tips on becoming a successful consultant for the pharmaceutical industry.
Steps to Becoming a Pharmaceutical Consultant
Having worked in the industry for 20+ years, I can say with confidence that being a pharmaceutical consultant can be a career that most people would enjoy. So here are my tips on becoming a successful consultant for the pharmaceutical industry.
Steps to Becoming a Pharmaceutical Consultant
1. Focus on your Education: A strong educational foundation can go a long way in shaping your career. At the basic level, you need to at least have a background in life science. For your Bachelor’s education, it would be advisable to have a combination of a science major, and a second major like marketing or communications.
There are two benefits to this – the science major will give you the freedom to work in different fields within the pharmaceutical industry. The marketing or communications major will put you in a position to understand the business side of the industry.
If pharmacy is your main goal, then you should look at a course that will help you get registered as a licensed pharmacist. Examples of these can be Bachelor of Pharmacy, Diploma Pharmacy Programs, or MSc in Pharmaceutical Technology. Also, a strong foundation can be of great help if you ever decide to start your own business.
2. Get Work Experience: A pharmaceutical consultant’s job broadly deals with working with clients and creating in-house strategies that can streamline work processes. Understanding the workings of various departments within a pharmacy or a pharmaceutical company is imperative. Depending on the department in which you are offered a job (R&D, sales and marketing, communications, etc.), take the time to create a strong foundation of experience and knowledge. Try to get first-hand experience working in all the different segments of a pharmaceutical company. For example, if you are into R&D, see if you can also get training in marketing and communications. Most companies offer training programs or seminars that can help you. Ensure that you have a minimum of 3 to 4 years of work experience before you make any plans to study further, or move to a different organization.
3. Work to Attain a Management Position: This point is about gaining knowledge and mastering the art of handling store branches, employees, products, marketing strategies, campaigns, etc. Combined with strong technical knowledge, this will also put you in a good position to attract, create, and maintain good relations with clients.
4. Keep Up with Latest Trends and Happenings: Knowledge and experience will certainly help you in your career as a consultant. However, it is extremely important that you keep your eyes and ears open about the latest trends and changes taking place in the industry. This will put you in a stronger position when pitching products and solutions to clients, and convincing them to make changes in their companies.
5. Create a Strong Network: The help of a friend or colleague can go a long way. Ensure you have a good network of contacts within your company and the industry. Take the time to converse with your seniors, peers, as well as professionals and representatives of other organizations. Attend conferences and trade shows; share your knowledge as well as get more information. A strong network will allow you to have the right people on your side as you move ahead in your career.
6. Be Ready for the Long Haul: Even if you have performed all the points mentioned above, your career as a pharmaceutical consultant will require time to take off. Do not get frustrated if things do not work out at first. Keep working and try to find ways to get new projects. Be willing to multi-task, work on multiple projects at a time. This will help you create a strong reputation in the industry, and even help you find new clients.
Passion, dedication, and smart future planning can go long way to establishing your career. A combination of all these points can lead to a strong and stable career as a successful pharmaceutical consultant.
Friday, 13 March 2015
Why are Drug Prices Increasing?
The health care industry is progressing like never before. There are many innovative solutions that are being developed both in terms of drug research, time-saving apps, and new medical products. As you can imagine, the price of good healthcare in the near future is going to be anything but inexpensive.
There has been a continual rise in prices of various medicines, especially generic drugs that are bought by patients on a regular basis. Glass Box Analytics, a consultancy, and analytics company, studied and followed the progress of 4,421 generic drug groups from Nov 2013 to Nov 2014. The company found that out of this large group, 222 drug groups experienced more than a 100 percent increase in price.
One well-known example is the price of the drug tetracycline, which is mainly used for treating different kinds of bacterial infections. In 2013, the price for this drug was $0.0345 per tablet. However, in the following year, the price increased to $2.3632 per tablet.
Generally, the public is outraged when a sudden price rise take place. Often drug companies are accused of hiking prices just to bring in a larger profit, and not thinking of the public’s requirements. While I agree that some companies have indeed tried unscrupulous methods, one bad egg does not mean that the whole basket is rotten.
Reasons behind the Hike in Drug Prices
There are many legitimate reasons behind the continual rise in drug prices. The most important reasons are:
Is There a Solution?
While there is no complete solution to this problem as of now, efforts are being made to ensure that drug companies provide medicines at reasonable prices. Companies are taking the effort to collate data about drug price information. They are also analyzing pricing changes, so that they can make accurate price changes. Manufacturers cannot risk hiking the prices as they will have to pay a penalty to the Government. With such efforts underway, we can hope that the drug price problem will reach a consensus in the near future.
There has been a continual rise in prices of various medicines, especially generic drugs that are bought by patients on a regular basis. Glass Box Analytics, a consultancy, and analytics company, studied and followed the progress of 4,421 generic drug groups from Nov 2013 to Nov 2014. The company found that out of this large group, 222 drug groups experienced more than a 100 percent increase in price.
One well-known example is the price of the drug tetracycline, which is mainly used for treating different kinds of bacterial infections. In 2013, the price for this drug was $0.0345 per tablet. However, in the following year, the price increased to $2.3632 per tablet.
Generally, the public is outraged when a sudden price rise take place. Often drug companies are accused of hiking prices just to bring in a larger profit, and not thinking of the public’s requirements. While I agree that some companies have indeed tried unscrupulous methods, one bad egg does not mean that the whole basket is rotten.
Reasons behind the Hike in Drug Prices
There are many legitimate reasons behind the continual rise in drug prices. The most important reasons are:
- Merging of Generic Drug Companies: The logic behind this reason is simple. When you have multiple companies providing the same type of drug to cure a certain ailment, there is a huge amount of competition. Higher the competition, lower the price. With generic drug companies consolidating to increase their research and manufacturing capabilities, the competition is far less. Hence, the rise in prices.
- Shortage of Raw Materials: Every drug contains one primary element or compound, which is responsible for the drug’s performance. These days, finding a producer who can provide quality raw materials to create generic drugs is difficult. To satiate the demand, manufacturers end up importing raw materials from other countries, which is by no means inexpensive. This leads to a rise in the price of a drug.
- Problems in Manufacturing Process: If there is a shortage of raw materials, it leads to delays in the production schedule. When a new drug is being created, changes in the drug formulation process can also delay production. Other known factors include obsolete equipment, and limited production capabilities. All these factors will lead to the unavailability of a drug, which will lead to a rise in its price.
- Supply and Demand Problems: This point is a simple case of pharmaceutical economics. The demand for a particular drug can increase due to a growing epidemic, an extremely positive response to a drug, changes in therapeutic guidelines related to a medication, etc. Such issues can lead to a rise in the price of that product.
- Regulatory Issues: This is one area that is not well-known amongst patients. In North America 2014, Congress passed the Medicaid Generic Drug Price Fairness Act. The aim of the act was to ensure that drug manufacturers do not extend the price of a drug higher than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during a financial quarter. If a manufacturer does this, then he is expected to pay a high penalty sum.
Is There a Solution?
While there is no complete solution to this problem as of now, efforts are being made to ensure that drug companies provide medicines at reasonable prices. Companies are taking the effort to collate data about drug price information. They are also analyzing pricing changes, so that they can make accurate price changes. Manufacturers cannot risk hiking the prices as they will have to pay a penalty to the Government. With such efforts underway, we can hope that the drug price problem will reach a consensus in the near future.
Tuesday, 10 March 2015
The Growing Importance of Pharmacotherapy
Last week, I had written a post on the new trends that can be expected in the pharmaceutical industry in 2015. There is no doubt that while the healthcare system may become more efficient, it will also become more expensive.
With new medication being developed and released every year, it is extremely important that doctors and patients understand the right medication and dosage required to enable complete recovery from an ailment or condition.
When one thinks of pharmaceuticals, one usually imagines a drug company that sells various pharmaceuticals. However, this is just one part of the field. The field of pharmacy is not just the design and production of drugs, it also includes how the drugs should be provided in terms of quantity, quality, and price. This aspect of pharmacy is known as pharmacotherapy.
What is Pharmacotherapy?
To put it very simply, therapy that is provided using pharmaceutical drugs is known as pharmacotherapy. It comprises the safe, applicable, and cost-effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. It also involves studying the therapeutic effects of drugs in patients.
The primary healthcare professionals who are responsible for providing this medical service are pharmacotherapy specialists. They are directly responsible for the patient’s care, and are required to have extensive knowledge of pharmacotherapy, and current and new medications.
A pharmacotherapy specialist can help a patient in many ways:
Why is Pharmacotherapy Important?
Despite the fact that some over-the-counter medications are regularly taken by most patients, not all drugs react in the same way for every patient. There is always a chance of variability in the way the body responds to the drug. There are different factors that can cause the drug response to be varied:
The pharmacotherapy specialist should be in a position to ascertain which drugs will be appropriate for the patient according to the above-mentioned factors, and ensure that no adverse drug interactions take place.
Benefits of Pharmacotherapy
The focus of pharmacotherapy is not the drug or even the disease. The main focus is the patient and his health. The proper use of pharmacotherapy can result in many benefits for the patient:
Applications of Pharmacotherapy
As mentioned earlier, pharmacotherapy can be used to help patients deal with all types of conditions. It can be used to help patients cope with a variety of physical and mental conditions such as:
It can also be used to support various fields of medicine, including pediatrics and geriatrics.
Pharmacotherapy can be used as an effective tool in patient recovery and rehabilitation. Correct diagnoses, and the right combination and dosage of medication can even lead to complete disease remission. This helps in improving the quality of a patient’s life and those around him.
With new medication being developed and released every year, it is extremely important that doctors and patients understand the right medication and dosage required to enable complete recovery from an ailment or condition.
When one thinks of pharmaceuticals, one usually imagines a drug company that sells various pharmaceuticals. However, this is just one part of the field. The field of pharmacy is not just the design and production of drugs, it also includes how the drugs should be provided in terms of quantity, quality, and price. This aspect of pharmacy is known as pharmacotherapy.
What is Pharmacotherapy?
To put it very simply, therapy that is provided using pharmaceutical drugs is known as pharmacotherapy. It comprises the safe, applicable, and cost-effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. It also involves studying the therapeutic effects of drugs in patients.
The primary healthcare professionals who are responsible for providing this medical service are pharmacotherapy specialists. They are directly responsible for the patient’s care, and are required to have extensive knowledge of pharmacotherapy, and current and new medications.
A pharmacotherapy specialist can help a patient in many ways:
- They can provide medicines to the patient.
- They share knowledge about medical conditions and medications with patients.
- They also have knowledge in terms of prescribing and administering medication.
Why is Pharmacotherapy Important?
Despite the fact that some over-the-counter medications are regularly taken by most patients, not all drugs react in the same way for every patient. There is always a chance of variability in the way the body responds to the drug. There are different factors that can cause the drug response to be varied:
- Age
- Disease
- Body size/composition
- Environmental factors
- Interaction of two drugs competing for the same internal body process
The pharmacotherapy specialist should be in a position to ascertain which drugs will be appropriate for the patient according to the above-mentioned factors, and ensure that no adverse drug interactions take place.
Benefits of Pharmacotherapy
The focus of pharmacotherapy is not the drug or even the disease. The main focus is the patient and his health. The proper use of pharmacotherapy can result in many benefits for the patient:
- Pharmacotherapy can be Used for Many Conditions: Pharmacotherapy is not limited to certain diseases or conditions. It can be used to treat physical, physiological, and psychological conditions.
- It Balances out the Condition: The main advantage of appropriate pharmacotherapy is that it helps stabilize the patient’s condition. This allows the patient to attain some mental freedom to perform his daily tasks with ease. For example, if a patient suffers from arthritis, and undergoes pharmacotherapy, the right dose of medications can give some relief to work, travel, etc.
- It can Support Extreme Cases: Proper dosage of medication can be of immense help to patients who may be in critical stages of a disease, or who require immediate attention and assistance. For example, appropriate pharmacotherapy can support the rehabilitation of patients who suffer from drug dependencies. It can also be used alongside behavioral therapy and other rehabilitation programs.
- It can Support Drug-free Living: Once a patient has reached a stabilized state, the pharmacotherapy specialist can gradually reduce the dosage to a point where the patient can live drug-free. This will aid in faster recovery and reduce dependency on medicines.
Applications of Pharmacotherapy
As mentioned earlier, pharmacotherapy can be used to help patients deal with all types of conditions. It can be used to help patients cope with a variety of physical and mental conditions such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Early stages of Cancer
- Substance Abuse Disorders
- Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
It can also be used to support various fields of medicine, including pediatrics and geriatrics.
Pharmacotherapy can be used as an effective tool in patient recovery and rehabilitation. Correct diagnoses, and the right combination and dosage of medication can even lead to complete disease remission. This helps in improving the quality of a patient’s life and those around him.
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Hobbies – Getting the Most out of Life
If you’ve been in New Zealand for a long time, chances are, you will be into a variety of hobby activities – be it sports, entertainment, or travelling. And my family and I are no different. There are a variety of activities that tickle our fancy.
Sports Galore!
As Aucklanders, sports are among our favorite pastimes. Auckland is famous for cricket, rugby, tennis, football, sailing and more. And we locals can’t get enough of them.
Sailing has been a passion of mine for many years. A trip on the boat is just what I need to de-stress and relax. For my family, taking the boat out is a lot of fun, because we always try and find a nice, calm spot where we can drop anchor and go fishing.
I’m proud to say I have caught a few a beautiful snappers and crayfish, which we have enjoyed over a nice barbie (that’s barbeque, not the doll). Tennis is also a sport I enjoy playing. The beautiful Auckland morning weather creates the perfect atmosphere to put on my sports shoes, grab the tennis racket, and go a few rounds on the court.
Let’s Fly Away
Travelling for the family and I has become more than a passion. We ensure that we visit a new place every time we plan a trip abroad.
I have travelled quite a bit around Europe. My UK connection (I worked in Essex for three years) led me to travel across the continent, and learn more about the various cultures, histories, and of course, the food.
While Europe is a favorite, we also love going to countries where we will get a lot of sun and sand (maybe we’re looking for a piece of home elsewhere).
The country that is most special to us is Hawaii. Its beautiful beaches, lovely people, amazing food, and historic culture are some things that we identify with to a great extent. Also, the Polynesian connection makes us feel at home.
We travelled to Maldives on one occasion, and we were simply astonished by its beauty. The stunning beaches, crystal clear water, and numerous fish delicacies have made such a mark on us, we can’t wait to go back.
I have also travelled to India many times. I think it is a beautiful country, and one trip is never enough as there is so much to see.
But it’s Not Just about Hobbies…
…The truth is, these activities are just one of the many reasons that I can spend time with my family. After all, you can’t truly enjoy success or happiness if you don’t have a family to share it with.
Sports Galore!
As Aucklanders, sports are among our favorite pastimes. Auckland is famous for cricket, rugby, tennis, football, sailing and more. And we locals can’t get enough of them.
Sailing has been a passion of mine for many years. A trip on the boat is just what I need to de-stress and relax. For my family, taking the boat out is a lot of fun, because we always try and find a nice, calm spot where we can drop anchor and go fishing.
I’m proud to say I have caught a few a beautiful snappers and crayfish, which we have enjoyed over a nice barbie (that’s barbeque, not the doll). Tennis is also a sport I enjoy playing. The beautiful Auckland morning weather creates the perfect atmosphere to put on my sports shoes, grab the tennis racket, and go a few rounds on the court.
Let’s Fly Away
Travelling for the family and I has become more than a passion. We ensure that we visit a new place every time we plan a trip abroad.
I have travelled quite a bit around Europe. My UK connection (I worked in Essex for three years) led me to travel across the continent, and learn more about the various cultures, histories, and of course, the food.
While Europe is a favorite, we also love going to countries where we will get a lot of sun and sand (maybe we’re looking for a piece of home elsewhere).
The country that is most special to us is Hawaii. Its beautiful beaches, lovely people, amazing food, and historic culture are some things that we identify with to a great extent. Also, the Polynesian connection makes us feel at home.
We travelled to Maldives on one occasion, and we were simply astonished by its beauty. The stunning beaches, crystal clear water, and numerous fish delicacies have made such a mark on us, we can’t wait to go back.
I have also travelled to India many times. I think it is a beautiful country, and one trip is never enough as there is so much to see.
But it’s Not Just about Hobbies…
…The truth is, these activities are just one of the many reasons that I can spend time with my family. After all, you can’t truly enjoy success or happiness if you don’t have a family to share it with.
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
All Things about Kerry Donald Bell!
Hi,
I’m Kerry Donald Bell, and I would like to welcome you to my Blog.
Here, you can:
Learn More About – My Life, Work, Passions, and Successes.
Find News about the Latest Pharmacy Happenings, Trends, and Changes.
Increase your Knowledge on the Latest Pharma Products.
Before We Start…
A Little Bit about Me:
My Accomplishments!
Why Pharmacy - From the get-go, pharmacy was my first passion. I knew that I wanted to work in this field early on. So, at the age of 21, I did my Diploma in Pharmacy from the Central Institute of Technology, Heretaunga, New Zealand in 1981, receiving high credits for the course.
Early Successes - I began my career at Lockingtons Pharmacy in Auckland. When I first began in 1982, I was only a young intern. With hard work, passion, and dedication, I advanced to the position of Head Pharmacist in Suburban Pharmacy by 1985.
I love travelling, and I always dreamt of visiting the United Kingdom. I got that opportunity through my work, when I got the chance to work as Manager of Shadforths Pharmacy Group, Chelmsford Essex. I handled 7 pharmacies across Essex County from 1985 to 1986.
Going for the Gold - But I always had bigger dreams – to own my own company in the pharmaceutical industry! So, in 1987, I returned home to New Zealand, and started Kingsland Pharmacy. This grew into a successful business, which continued till 2000. Another accomplishment I am proud of is holding the position of Additional Director, Brinton Pharmaceuticals, UK.
Today, I specialize in providing Consulting/Advisory Services to National and Multinational Pharmaceutical Companies.
So that’s my life in a nutshell.
Now, Let’s Get Started….
I’m Kerry Donald Bell, and I would like to welcome you to my Blog.
Here, you can:
Learn More About – My Life, Work, Passions, and Successes.
Find News about the Latest Pharmacy Happenings, Trends, and Changes.
Increase your Knowledge on the Latest Pharma Products.
Before We Start…
A Little Bit about Me:
- Born: 1960
- From: Auckland, New Zealand
- Job: Pharmaceutical Consultant, Investor/ Venture capitalist
My Accomplishments!
- Former Manager, Airport Oaks Pharmacy
- Director, Marigold Investment
Why Pharmacy - From the get-go, pharmacy was my first passion. I knew that I wanted to work in this field early on. So, at the age of 21, I did my Diploma in Pharmacy from the Central Institute of Technology, Heretaunga, New Zealand in 1981, receiving high credits for the course.
Early Successes - I began my career at Lockingtons Pharmacy in Auckland. When I first began in 1982, I was only a young intern. With hard work, passion, and dedication, I advanced to the position of Head Pharmacist in Suburban Pharmacy by 1985.
I love travelling, and I always dreamt of visiting the United Kingdom. I got that opportunity through my work, when I got the chance to work as Manager of Shadforths Pharmacy Group, Chelmsford Essex. I handled 7 pharmacies across Essex County from 1985 to 1986.
Going for the Gold - But I always had bigger dreams – to own my own company in the pharmaceutical industry! So, in 1987, I returned home to New Zealand, and started Kingsland Pharmacy. This grew into a successful business, which continued till 2000. Another accomplishment I am proud of is holding the position of Additional Director, Brinton Pharmaceuticals, UK.
Today, I specialize in providing Consulting/Advisory Services to National and Multinational Pharmaceutical Companies.
So that’s my life in a nutshell.
Now, Let’s Get Started….
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