Professional Life CAREER OUTLOOK
“The American biopharmaceutical industry is the global leader in research and development (R&D) and has delivered many of the treatments and cures that have saved millions of lives around the world,” said Dr. Anne Pritchett, vice president, policy and research, at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). “Yet, these advances and breakthroughs
are only possible through continued support of public policies that promote a highly- skilled, diverse American workforce; support a science-based regulatory system; and ensure a level-playing field with robust trade policies and intellectual property protections” she said.
Dr. David Dalton,Pharmacist and Biopharmaceutical Entrepreneur
radio-pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and earning over six figures,” he said. Among other things, today’s
pharmacists are “providing more access to the underserved, giving doctors and nurses and other healthcare provider’s advice on medication therapy decisions, immunizations and managing diabetes,” he added. Telehealth-technologies that deliver virtual medical, health and education services anywhere you are also in the mix.
Career Tips Dr. Dalton’s interest in pharmacy
According to a recent study, the biopharmaceutical industry supports more than 4 million jobs. That is why Dr. David Dalton, an award-winning pharmacist and biopharmaceutical entrepreneur, is setting up a simple system for under-served students to complete the federal aid application for financing college. He believes it is important for students to learn about
financial aid available from the government; how to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, how aid is calculated, and how to stay eligible for Aid. Dr. Dalton lectures at several schools of pharmacy
It’s essential for kids coming out of high school to see how valuable their STEM programs are for this new arena, whether it’s practicing in retail stores, research, production, clinical, hospital, or whatever site you choose.“
throughout the United States. He is past president of the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy Presidential Committee. A few years ago, the University of West Virginia recognized
him as a “Distinguished Alumni,” and honored him as an “Outstanding Alumni of West Virginia School of Pharmacy” in recognition of his outstanding service to the School of Pharmacy of West Virginia University.
Opportunities in the Pharmacy Industry The pharmacy profession has changed a lot since Dr.
Dalton took an entry-level position as an intern healthcare professional at Rite Aid Corporation. When he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in
Pharmacy from West Virginia University in 1971, the U.S. Congress had just passed the National Cancer Act. The new law unleashed an escalation in research efforts to conquer cancer. Since then, the pharmaceutical industry has made
investments in technology and biopharmaceuticals for the future discovery and development of medicines that improve health and quality of life. Advances have led to new medicines and treatments for
cancer and many other conditions including, asthma, cardio vascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, lupus, and Alzheimer. As a pharmacist in the early 70s, Dr. Dalton
enhanced patient care by prescription fulfillment and consultation, with very few technology and insurance payments. “The role of the pharmacist has moved towards being
a clinical provider, supported by technology; providing new medications, including high tech biological product and
www.blackengineer.com
1. Keep current with changes in your career. 2. Become more knowledgeable outside of your zone, like technology and financial management.
3. Maintain your competitiveness and go for it. 4. Make sure your path is supporting your interest and lifestyle.
By mid-career, Dr. Dalton was not only playing a role in helping people get the best results from their medications, he was involved in training medication specialists on healthcare teams, and liaising with colleges of pharmacy, which are centers of academic excellence, scientific research and innovation. During the 1980’s, he held a series of corporate positions
in professional placement and professional relations at Rite Aid. He moved rapidly up the career ladder from assistant vice president to vice president, senior vice president and executive vice president, placing him front and center of patient care, scientific research, and innovation.
Acquisitions and Mergers In 1989, he left Rite Aid to acquire Peoples Drug
Stores with an investment group including Robert Bass of Texas. Dr. Dalton served briefly as a senior vice president
at Peoples Drug Stores, before acquiring the Sherman Management Group, one of the first worker compensation pharmacy benefit management companies in the United States, and the Medical Service Agency, where he served as
DEANS ISSUE 2017 I USBE&IT 61
sparked early because Pharmacy was a profession that included business, science, research, and innovation. By 1972, he had served as a district pharmacy supervisor
and then as a divisional pharmacy manager. Two years later, he had earned his doctorate in pharmacy in Maryland. “The pharmacist that comes out today is more educated than the pharmacist coming out of college in the 1970’s,” Dr. Dalton said. “So it’s essential for young people coming out of high school to see how valuable their STEM programs are for this new arena,” he said. Whether it’s practicing as a retail pharmacist, clinical pharmacist, hospital staff pharmacist, academic pharmacist, pharmaceutical industry research pharmacist, or whatever area young people choose to practice, Dr. Dalton says it’s important to:
“The pharmacist that comes out today is more educated than the pharmacist coming out of college in the 1970s.
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