Expert: David Scott - 3/14/2001

Question
Hello,
 I am a Biology major and a junior in college.  I am interested in doing biomedical research but I have some questions about the field.  I was wondering how the job market is for this particular job, and how hard or competitive is it to find a job?  Also, I have read that you need either a Ph.D. or an M.D. to do this type of research.  Would it be more beneficial for me to go ahead and go to medical school (would it be worth spending the money)?  Would I have more options in what I could do, and would I get paid any more? Another question is, do you find your job rewarding and fascinating?  Anything else you could tell me about the profession would be helpful.  Thank you!

Answer
Jennifer,
You are looking into a fantastic field.
Research is truly, "testing tomorrow's medications today"
We are working hands on with an HIV vaccine, new statins, new delivery systems for narcotics, and different lotions and topicals for a variety of conditions.  This is a rewarding industry.
If you finish your science degree you can get work as a monitor, traveling the country visiting Doctor offices and checking their work.  If you continue to get your MD, you can work for a Pharmaceutical Company in R&D, and be apart of writing grants, protocols, and overseeing National and International projects.
In the Research Industry, you can either work for Pharmaceutical Companies or Contract Research Organizations (they are contracted by Pharma to do the Research work).
One idea might be: find a CRO or Pharma in your area that you can start working at, so you can test the waters.  After doing so, you will know whether to return to Medical school, or continue growing in your field.
You can contact me directly for more information: david@PalmBeachResearchCenter.com, and (although we are not currently accepting Interns) it would be my pleasure to give you a tour and oral presentation of the research process should you find yourself in the West Palm Beach area.