Suzanne Soliman, PharmD, BCMAS

I have received many questions over the past few months about salaries.

Yes, it is a topic that depending upon whom you ask can be viewed as impolite or rude. It is definitely something that many do not ask about during an interview. It is important though to know one’s salary range when deciding which field of pharmacy to focus on or when making a decision about a career change.

As more pharmacists seek nontraditional work opportunities, this topic is timelier than ever. However, many pharmacists shy away from asking about salary.

In 2022, the top 5 highest-paying pharmacy specialties are listed below in descending order:

. Think of a traditional chain pharmacy and the manager there. These pharmacists are among the top paid, with salaries ranging between 

 This is a specialty area in pharmacy in which pharmacists compound or prepare and dispense patient-specific radiopharmaceutical doses for diagnostic imaging and/or therapeutic procedures. These salaries range between 

, putting it at No. 3 on the list. But this position has the potential to be No. 1, depending upon how busy a pharmacy is with not just prescriptions but also supplemental revenue.

. Health care payer is another area in which many pharmacists are interested, especially related to prior authorizations. Pay of 

 is higher than many would expect, and there is also an opportunity to work from home.

 This includes clinical development, medical and regulatory affairs, and even chief medical officers. These positions also afford to the opportunity work from home. The pay is 

This should provide some food for thought when pharmacists are thinking about where to set their ranges for various positions. Good luck!

is the chief academic officer at the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and the founder of Pharmacist Moms Group, the largest group of female pharmacists in the United States, with more than 45,000 members.

1. Average retail pharmacist salary. Zippia. Updated February 9, 2022. Accessed July 8, 2022. https://www.zippia.com/retailpharmacist-jobs/salary/

2. Nuclear pharmacist salary in the United States. Salary.com. Accessed July 8, 2022. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/nuclear-pharmacist-salary 134,000-154,000

3. Is owning a pharmacy profitable? Elements Magazine. August 29, 2018. Accessed July 8, 2022. https://www.pbahealth.com/elements/is-owning-a-pharmacy-profitable/

4. Managed care pharmacist salary in the United States. Salary.com. Accessed July 8, 2022. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/managed-care-pharmacist-salary

5. Medical science liaison pharmacist salary. ZipRecruiter. Accessed July 8, 2022. industry pharmacist https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Medical-Science-Liaison-Salary https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/chief-medical-officer-salary

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This is important to establish when deciding on a pharmacy focus or making a career change.

Know Your Salary Range

Limited resources, staffing issues and heavy work schedules can lead to burnout. Female pharmacists may be affected disproportionately because they often juggle household and work to a greater extent than their male counterparts. Pharmacists just starting their careers also often experience high levels of burnout because their inexperience means they tend to take longer to complete tasks.

Burnout is defined as emotional exhaustion, a feeling of being detached from other individuals or one’s work, and a reduced sense of accomplishment.

According to the results of a survey on the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the mental health of health care workers, the majority of respondents reported experiencing clinically significant psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety (75%), depression (74%), posttraumatic stress disorder (38%), and thoughts of self-harm or suicide (15%).

 Although health care workers experience burnout at an alarming rate, they are less likely to receive psychiatric care because of barriers such as difficulty accessing care, “heroic” health care worker myths, and the stigma around mental health issues.

Self-care often is recommended for those experiencing burnout. Suggestions from members of the Pharmacist Moms Group for dealing with burnout include getting a massage, meditating, praying, or reading a book. Although these are ways to manage stress, they do not address the underlying situation, which is often related to the work environment. Advocating for self-care also puts the burden of reducing burden on employees rather than requiring anything of employers.

Here are 9 ways employers can help reduce stress in the pharmacy:

. Offer full or partial reimbursement for child care.

 Allow everyone’s input into scheduling, especially for parents with children.

 Explicit supervisor appreciation and encouragement go a long way.

 Chaos breeds more chaos. Organizing the pharmacy is extremely important. Sometimes just looking for a stapler can cause undue stress at work. This can easily be eliminated by staying organized.

 Pharmacy leaders must speak up to protect and support pharmacy workers.

 Provide food, such as pizza, for employees on Fridays, the night shift, and/or the weekends. Incentivize those shifts that are less desirable and it will be easier to find those who are willing to work.

 Reaching out to coworkers who may be experiencing stress
is critical.

 With gas prices higher than ever, compensating employees
for transportation to and from work is a wonderful way to make them feel appreciated.

 Provide access to evidence-based psychiatric treatment and help erase the stigma so that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are not ashamed to seek help when they need it.

, is the chief academic officer at the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and the founder of Pharmacist Moms Group, the largest group of female pharmacists in the United States, with more than 45,000 members.

1. Hendrickson RC, Slevin RA, Hoerster KD, et al. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, occupational functioning, and professional retention among health care workers and first responders.

. 2022;37(2):397-408. doi:10.1007/s11606-021-07252-z

Here are 9 tips for employers to address employees’ feeling of detachment, exhaustion, and reduced accomplishment.

Burnout: Self-care Is Not the Answer

Social media platforms are constantly changing and it is important to keep up with their evolution to optimize usage. Sometimes it is difficult to start. Many individuals only have personal Facebook accounts. What should you post and how often? Should you tweet or retweet? Share an article on LinkedIn or just like a post?

When social media started, it was mostly just for fun, but this is no longer the case. The pharmacy world is no exception, as it is becoming more internet-based, with many professionals using social media platforms to advertise and market products and services. Social media is now a critical part of our way of life, used by colleges, corporations, governments, and pharmacies to make announcements and share ideas. Social media enables pharmacists to bring attention to their brand and work and allows the profession to highlight and showcase its value. It also allows pharmacists to connect with one another. Prior to the launch of the Pharmacist Moms Group, many female pharmacists operated in silos at their own pharmacies with a pharmacy technician or 2. Social media has allowed group members to connect immediately with other pharmacists. Have a drug question or a prescription that cannot be deciphered? Made a difference? Saved someone’s life? These are all topics to post about.

Let’s look at the various social media platforms and how phar- macists can use them.

LinkedIn is my favorite, most exuberant and professional platform for pharmacists to showcase themselves and their brands and follow other brands (eg, https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannerabi/). The platform is a very productive place to network. Used worldwide by all types of professionals, it is ideal for hiring pharmacists and a great place to start for those looking for new positions. LinkedIn profiles are ranked highest of all social media platforms so typically come up first in a name search. Make sure to include a photo in your profile. No photo means no new job. After joining, create a detailed profile; the more complete it is, the higher it will rank in a search. Share your areas of interest, education, expertise, professional experience, and links to your website, and get recommendations from peers. LinkedIn allows pharmacists to immediately build a substantial network of pharmacist colleagues and communicate directly with others. It is also easy to track who has viewed your profile.

Facebook is the best social media platform for connecting with friends and relatives. You can also follow groups such as the Pharmacist Moms Group (https://www.facebook.com/pharmacistmoms- group/). Pharmacists who interact with the public and have followers can create their own Facebook pages. The platform also provides access to apps that allow users to sell things online and even market their business or products by using paid Facebook advertisements. Let’s connect! (https://www.facebook.com/drsuzannesoliman/)

Twitter is excellent for pharmacists who want to learn, network, or teach others. It is the best-known microblogging site that allows users to “tweet” quotes, attach media, and more. Anyone can read a tweet but only users can post a tweet. Pharmacy owners can promote their pharmacy and have customers shop directly through the tweets. It is a great option for following news, quick reads, and sharing successes. Remember to use the appropriate hashtags, such as #pharmacy, which allow others to search for specific topics. Twitter allows professional networking especially on key topics. I follow influential health care leaders to stay up to date with the pharmacy profession. Twitter users can find the latest news from government leaders, major medical journals, and patient advocacy groups. When a bill is up for debate, pharmacists can make their voices heard on Twitter and do their part for the profession. When signing up on Twitter, remember to include your credentials and a photo. A record of past tweets is stored on the home page. Follow me on Twitter at @suzannersoliman.

Pinterest is a platform for those who are selling something visual. The site consists of digital bulletin boards on which users can pin content, making it especially good for small pharmacy businesses. Pinterest’s target audience is primarily women.

Instagram is a powerful tool and a great platform to share professional wins by using hashtags. With patients’ permission, pharmacists can post photos of themselves immunizing, and pharmacy students can share photos of themselves running clinics. When signing up and creating a profile, make sure to include a photo. Let’s connect! (https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesoliman)

YouTube allows pharmacists to introduce themselves to patients in videos and discuss what services their pharmacies provide. It is also a great vehicle for creating educational videos. I did my residency in ambulatory care, and I know firsthand that many individuals still do not know what an ambulatory care pharmacist is or what they do. A YouTube video is the perfect way to showcase this work. After creating an account, search for relevant channels. To post videos, use a high-quality camera and keep in mind your video may need editing. Remember to add a professional profile picture and link back to your website or other social media accounts.

Pharmacists should take social media activities seriously. Remember to safeguard your privacy and control who sees your content. Bear in mind that everything we say online can come back to haunt us. Always be aware of your company’s policies regarding the use of social media. Have questions? Let’s keep the discussion going. Follow or message me.

As the profession moves more toward the internet, it is helpful to know how to best use the various platforms.

What Are the Advantages of Social Media for Pharmacy Professionals?

2021 has been remarkably difficult for everybody, including women in pharmacy. They have been working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while juggling family and/or personal responsibilities. Many pharmacist moms have done their jobs while entertaining children with pent-up emotions, facilitating remote learning, and managing tantrums. Inevitably, self-care is neglected. Here are 6 tips for starting 2022 the right way.

Embrace 1 daily, happy-making habit in the new year.

 Time is limited. Select a habit that creates happiness each day. It can be drinking a cup of your favorite coffee or hot tea in a special mug, reading a chapter of a book that has been sitting on the shelf, or stretching in the morning or before bedtime. It is amazing how a simple ritual can set the tone for the day, week, or even year.

Think of it as the art of tagging out. Make a list of ways to ask for help. Maybe it means asking a partner to take care of the kids’ bedtime for half the week or being OK with the dinner dishes sitting in the sink until the next morning. Make it a priority to either delegate tasks or cross less important ones off the list. Let go of at least 5 chores.

Have a quiet breakfast. Meditate. Or not. Bottom line: Make 10 minutes of quiet a day, with no interruptions, mandatory. During the pandemic, many women added neighborhood health care provider and therapist to the already demanding roles they have as employees, daughters, managers, mothers, owners, partners, and/or sisters. That is where 10 minutes a day comes in. Take time each day to address your own feelings. It is almost impossible to keep showing up for family members in a sustainable way without taking time for yourself. It is not selfish to take care of yourself and care for family members later.

Make time to update your resume or look for a nontraditional position. The time is now for certification, such as in a clinical field, medical affairs, medication therapy management, or prior authorization. Even though family and work can be consuming, it is important to focus on the future of your career. Take small steps if necessary but set a goal and work toward it.

Doing and having it all used to be the mantra for working, but it is unrealistic even during normal times. During the pandemic, pharmacists have been working on overdrive. It is a wonder that many of them have time to drink a glass of water, let alone log a good night’s sleep. Assess how you are feeling and set boundaries when necessary.

Never lose yourself to comparisons. Everyone is spread incredibly thin right now, which makes comparing yourself to others a slippery slope. If there is a social media platform, text chain, or recurring Zoom session with someone whose life seems fabulous while you are frazzled, log off and take a break. Those individuals will still be around afterward.

Implementing these steps will leave you feeling refreshed and better able to tackle the stress of juggling personal and professional responsibilities. Happy new year.

2021 was almost as difficult as 2020; learn ways to start the new year with these recommendations.

Here Are 6 Tips for Self-Care Heading Into 2022

Over the past year, the role of pharmacists has come to the forefront as many patients are turning to them for key public health functions and recommendations about self-care, including cognitive support. In fact, 8 out of 10 adults in the US are interested in cognitive benefits.

 With brain health top of mind, especially at this moment in time—and with so many products on the market—many are looking to their local pharmacists for help.

In the summer of 2021, 2,000 pharmacists were randomly selected from the Pharmacist Moms Group on Facebook and surveyed on their awareness of and knowledge about brain health supplements. Of the 524 (26.2%) who responded to the survey, the majority were employed by a chain (38%) or an independent pharmacy (16%). Nearly 2/3 of respondents were in favor of using brain health supplements, yet remarkably, only 6% said they were up-to-date on brain health supplements, and 99% asked for more clinical information, including a continuing education program, in this area. Given data published by the Global Counsel on Brain Health that reveals 75% of adults in the US use dietary supplements, these survey findings suggest the need for improvement in the education of pharmacists about brain health supplements.

Prioritizing brain health is important for everyone, and the pharmacist can make a difference for patients in this area. The brain is able to form new connections between neurons, which is known as neuroplasticity. This allows the brain to change and evolve throughout the course of one’s life.

 In other words, you’re not stuck with the brain you were born with.

There are multiple nonpharmacological ways to improve brain health, including through sleep, a healthy diet, physical exercise, an active social life, and brain exercises. Data also shows that stress can impact areas of the brain associated with the regulation of emotions and memories.

 That’s why, regardless of age, it is also important to take care of the brain during stressful times.

In addition, scientific data supports the use of certain supplements, which can be incorporated into a daily brain health routine. Always look for brain health supplements with science-backed ingredients.

Given my desire to recommend a supplement with science behind it, I often suggest Neuriva for those interested in supporting cognitive health. Although many people are concerned about cognitive health later in life, I learned that it is never too early to start supporting the brain. So many times I also recommend Neuriva for younger patients like young professionals and parents.

Additionally, it is important to me as a pharmacist to know “who” is behind the supplement. Neuriva is manufactured by Reckitt, a consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition company that takes the safety of its ingredients and products seriously. All Neuriva products are manufactured within the strict FDA guidelines and Current Good Manufacturing Process, and all products are tested for purity and labeled potency. The company also consults with various brain health experts, including registered dietitians, neuroscientists, medical doctors, and pharmacists like me to help advance brain health education and research. Reckitt manufactures, markets, and/or distributes products across 25 brands in the United States, including Airborne, Mucinex, K-Y, Move Free, Enfamil, Delsym, and Lysol.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT BRAIN HEALTH WITH NEURIVA?

Neuriva is a brain health supplement that is rooted in both nature and science. It comes in two formulations, Original and Plus, and contains two clinically tested, naturally sourced ingredients that support key indicators of brain health: focus, memory, learning, concentration, accuracy and reasoning.* Neuriva is also decaffeinated, GMO-free and gluten-free. Its active ingredients are Neurofactor® and plant-sourced Sharp PS® (phosphatidylserine). Neurofactor® is made from the nutrient-rich fruit of the coffee cherry and has been clinically tested to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuroprotein that is known to manage neuron growth and survival.

 BDNF influences the health of existing brain cells, the growth of new neurons and synapses, neuronal plasticity, and overall cognitive function including memory and learning. PS is a major brain phospholipid that helps support neurons and communication between them.*

In 2019, a published study suggested that Neurofactor® is associated with improvements in reaction times, thus improving the speed of cognitive performance. The reductions in reaction time (P=0.04) were statistically significant and suggested that during periods of cognitive challenge, coffee cherry extract may improve processing speed, support reduced mental fatigue, attention, focus and/or alertness.*

Additionally, Sharp PS® is known to help support memory and learning.* One clinical study that randomized 120 people into two groups, one receiving 250 ml milk and the other 250 ml milk with 100 mg PS/day for 40 days, reported that PS led to statistically significant (P<0.05) improvement in cognitive performance, directed memory, associative learning, and recognition.

The brain is the most complex organ in the body, and it requires a holistic approach, including brain exercises. Neuriva provides the Neuriva Brain Gym, which is available for download via the App Store and Google Play. It assists patients by assessing their skills, and providing thorough and customized brain training via brain games and puzzles. Premium access to the Neuriva Brain Gym is free with every purchase of the Neuriva supplement.

For more information on brain health and Neuriva, including additional clinical data, please visit this dedicated HCP portal exclusively for healthcare providers: www.rbhcprofessional.com.

Suzanne Soliman, PharmD, is compensated by Reckitt, maker of Neuriva, for her involvement with Neuriva and the Brain Health Network.

Schaie KW, Willis SL. The Seattle Longitudinal Study of Adult Cognitive Development. ISSBD Bull. 2010;57(1):24-29.

Voss P, Thomas ME, Cisneros-Franco JM, de Villers-Sidani E. Dynamic brains and the changing rules of neuroplasticity: implications for learning and recovery. Front. Psychol. 2017;8:1657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01657

McEwen BS, Gianaros PJ. Central role of the brain in stress and adaptation: links to socioeconomic status, health, and disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010;11(86):190-222. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05331.x

Bathina S, Das UN. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications. Arch Med Sci. 2015;11(6):1164-1178. doi:10.5114/aoms.2015.56342

Robinson JL, Hunter JM, Reyes-Izquierdo T, Argumedo R, Brizuela-Bastien J, Keller R, et al. Cognitive short- and long-term effects of coffee cherry extract in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn. 2020;27(6):918-934. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1702622

Reyes-Izquierdo T, Argumedo R, Shu C, Nemzer B, Pietrzkowski Z. Stimulatory effect of whole coffee fruit concentrate powder on plasma levels of total and exosomal brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects: an acute within-subject clinical study. Nutr. Food Sci. 2013;4(9):984-990. doi: 10.4236/fns.2013.49127

Reyes-Izquierdo T, Nemzer B, Shu C, Huynh L, Argumedo R, Keller R, Pietrzkowski Z. Modulatory effect of coffee fruit extract on plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects. Br J Nutr. 2013;110(3):420-425. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512005338

Yong T, Qianyong Z, Mantian M, Gang H, Jung W. Research on human memory enhancement by phosphatidylserine fortified milk. Chongqing Medicine. 2011. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-83483.2011.30.003

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

New Survey Finds Pharmacists Eager for More Brain Health Supplement Information

The holiday season is often a stressful time for pharmacy professionals, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made life even more frenetic for pharmacist moms, who are working twice as hard at administering vaccines yet still need to take care of their families. Moms often try to get time off from work to spend more time at home, but they too frequently find themselves trying to “run an errand” to get away. In the best of times, stressors include maintaining a healthy diet and dealing with family members who are difficult or may not be around next year. With COVID-19, moms take on the additional stress of determining which guests are “safe” to invite over or visit.

I asked some pharmacist moms and colleagues for tips on how to make the holidays more of a celebration and less of a hassle. Here is some advice they shared.

. Consider driving or renting a recreational vehicle to avoid overcrowded airports. Travel early or late so children can sleep in the car or on the plane. Keep in mind that airports will be much more crowded than in 2020. Consider buying travel insurance, in case fear takes over or someone gets sick.

. This helps families keep track of all arrangements, children’s and holiday events, and work commitments, including end-of-year deadlines or reviews.

. Decide in advance with whom to spend time and to pass up because of the pandemic. Many individuals still have a limited social circle and are not obligated to open it up during the holidays.

. This is the best time of year to get rid of clutter. Teach children about the spirit of giving and have them donate toys they no longer use.

. If hosting, create a menu and save it. Pull it out each year and take notes so that nothing is forgotten in subsequent years.

. Before moms built a family, and definitely before the pandemic, going to the mall to browse and maybe grab a latte was easy. Now shopping online is the way to go. Stalk family and friends’ Instagram or Pinterest accounts to get ideas. Or forget about gifts altogether and exchange recipes or donate to a charity instead.

. Childcare can be a nightmare around the holidays. Day care centers do a better job of staying open than regular schools, but even day care centers close for breaks. Once children are in elementary school, they often have at least 1 to 2 weeks more time off than their parents do. The end of the year can be a busy time for deadlines, so enlist family members and friends to spend time with and watch the kids.

Finally, and most importantly during the holidays, be thankful. This can be a hard time of year for many, even during normal times, let alone during a pandemic. Those who are missing loved ones should think of ways to honor them during their festivities. Be grateful for family, friends, health, and a job, even while acknowledging that the past year and a half has been really difficult and that we have lost a sense of normalcy that many are only starting to regain.

is the chief academic officer at the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and the founder of Pharmacist Moms Group, the largest group of female pharmacists in the United States, with more than 35,000 members.

Pharmacists, who have doubled their efforts during COVID-19, can follow these tips to make this special time of year less stressful.