My Life as a Remote Pharmacist

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work as a pharmacist outside traditional settings, and how to break into those roles? Many pharmacy students picture themselves working in hospitals or retail settings, but the profession offers far more possibilities.

In this guest feature, Dr. TaMar Hicks, PharmD, MBA, shares his journey into a remote role as a scientific manager and gives an inside look at what the job is really like day-to-day.

About Me

Greetings everyone! My name is TaMar Hicks, and I am a proud graduate of Texas Southern University (TSU), Class of 2023, where I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

During my time at TSU, I stayed actively involved in student organizations, which helped shape not only my professional skills but also my ability to collaborate, lead, and adapt.

Outside of pharmacy, I’m also an avid runner and content creator, sharing my journey and tips through my running Instagram page; this has made running more than just a hobby. It’s a major part of how I connect with others and maintain balance in my life.

My Career Path

Today, I work as a Scientific Manager in medical and scientific communications. In simple terms, I collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to help them communicate the science behind their products clearly and accurately.

My role is rooted in medical affairs rather than marketing, so my focus is on ensuring scientific accuracy, integrity, and clarity—not on promotion.

A large part of my day-to-day work involves creating a variety of deliverables, including:

• Manuscripts

• Research abstracts

• Slide decks for Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)

• Competitive intelligence reports

I essentially help translate complex clinical data into digestible, meaningful content for healthcare professionals and stakeholders. It’s a role that sits at the intersection of science, writing, and strategy.

The Remote Work Experience

What I love most about my job is the ability to work remotely while still maintaining structure. I have a consistent schedule that keeps me productive and aligned with my team, but I also have the flexibility that comes with working from home.

It truly feels like the best of both worlds.

Despite being remote, my company has maintained a close-knit, personal culture. Because we’re a smaller organization, I’ve been able to build genuine relationships with my colleagues.

I know my team on a level that might be harder to achieve in larger corporations, and that sense of connection makes the work even more enjoyable.

Who This Job Is (and Isn’t) For

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with data, writing, and structured tasks.

Much of what I do requires:

• Attention to detail

• Critical thinking

• The ability to synthesize complex information

If you’re someone who thrives on organization and enjoys diving deep into scientific content, this field can be incredibly rewarding.

However, if you prefer a fast-paced, constantly changing environment with minimal structure, this might not be the best fit.

Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest benefits of working remotely has been the positive impact on my work-life balance, especially as a parent of two children under 2.

Being at home allows me to be more present and available throughout the day. I can step away briefly to help with tasks, support my family, and still stay on top of my responsibilities.

There’s also something to be said about creating your own work environment. Whether it’s listening to music at full volume while I focus or structuring my day to maximize productivity, I have the autonomy to work in a way that suits me best.

Final Thoughts

My journey into a remote role in medical communications has been both rewarding and dynamic. It allows me to utilize my pharmacy background in a unique way while maintaining a lifestyle that supports both my professional and personal priorities.

For anyone considering a non-traditional path in pharmacy, this field offers incredible opportunities to grow, innovate, and make an impact without ever stepping into a traditional clinical setting.

That said, getting into this field wasn’t instant. It took me about 8 months of consistent effort, patience, and intentional networking to land my role. One of the biggest tools I leveraged during that time was LinkedIn, but not in the way most people think (I'll go more into that in my next post 😉).

I also made an effort to attend conferences and networking events, which played a huge role in expanding my circle and opening doors. Those connections not only gave me insight into the field but also guided me through the interview process and ultimately led me to opportunities I might not have found otherwise.

If you're considering this path, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and start conversations. You never know which connection could change your trajectory.

💬 Have you ever considered a remote career in pharmacy, or are you curious about non-traditional paths in the field? Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments below.