In Conversation with Ritisha Dhananjay Gupta, PharmD Student at East Point College of Pharmacy Bangalore

East Point College of Pharmacy (EPCP), Bangalore, is a private institution which was established in 2004. The institution has been approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), the Board of Examination Authority, Pharmacy and the Government of Karnataka and is accredited by NAAC. East Point College of Pharmacy has been affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).

In this interview between Careers360 and Ritisha, a final-year PharmD student at EPCP Bangalore, the discussion highlights a balanced academic and social life, with a routine of morning lectures, afternoon labs, internships and more.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself. Where are you from? What made you choose to pursue a Pharm.D degree? What do you hope to achieve through Pharmacy?

Ritisha: I'm Ritisha Dhananjay Gupta from Mumbai. I'm currently a Pharm.D intern. My passion for pharmacy began with a deep curiosity about how medicines work and the profound impact they have on people's lives. Choosing to pursue Doctor of Pharmacy was my way of combining scientific knowledge with clinical practice and contributing meaningfully to patient care.

To me, pharmacy is much more than a profession—it's a bridge between science and healing. My aspiration is to make a lasting impact in public health by promoting safe medication practices, improving patient outcomes, and contributing to quality healthcare. Every experience during this journey has strengthened my commitment to becoming a compassionate and competent clinical pharmacist.

Also See: EPCP Bangalore Admissions

Careers360: Presently which course are you pursuing and in which year are you? What has been your most rewarding academic experience so far?

Ritisha: I am currently pursuing the final year of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) programme. One of the most rewarding experiences in my academic journey has been participating in clinical case discussions and hospital-based patient care. It was the first time I truly felt like an active contributor to a patient's therapy rather than just an observer.

Reviewing patient cases, understanding treatment plans, and collaborating with the healthcare team enhanced both my clinical knowledge and confidence. These experiences reaffirmed my passion for clinical pharmacy and strengthened my commitment to patient-centred healthcare.

Careers360: Tell us about the course curriculum and specializations offered. Is the learning more theory-based or practical-based?

Ritisha: East Point College of Pharmacy is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), and the Pharm.D curriculum follows the university's comprehensive academic framework. The programme offers an excellent balance of theoretical knowledge and practical exposure.

Students begin with strong foundations in subjects such as Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmacy Practice. As the course progresses, learning becomes increasingly application-oriented through hospital postings, clinical rotations, ward rounds, patient counselling, and case-based discussions. This combination of classroom learning and clinical exposure prepares us exceptionally well for real-world healthcare practice.

Careers360: Did you face any difficulty during the initial months after joining the institute?

Ritisha: Coming from Mumbai, adapting to a new city, academic environment, and the demanding Pharm.D curriculum was initially challenging. The medical terminology, clinical routines, and rigorous coursework required time to adjust.

However, the constant encouragement and support from my faculty members and classmates made the transition much easier. Their guidance helped me overcome those initial challenges, enabling me to grow both academically and personally.

Careers360: Were there any guest lecturers or industry interactions organized by the institute? Tell us about them.

Ritisha: Yes. East Point College of Pharmacy regularly organises insightful guest lectures, webinars, and expert sessions featuring professionals from leading hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry.

These interactions expose students to current industry trends, clinical practices, research developments, and real-world case studies. Listening to experienced professionals share their knowledge and career journeys has broadened my understanding of the diverse opportunities available in pharmacy while connecting classroom learning with practical applications.

Careers360: Does the institute provide opportunities to interact with industry experts? Share your experience.

Ritisha: Absolutely. The institute frequently facilitates interactions with healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical industry experts through seminars, workshops, and career guidance sessions.

These engagements have introduced me to various career pathways including clinical pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical research. They have expanded my perspective beyond conventional roles and helped me better understand the evolving healthcare ecosystem.

Careers360: What initiatives are taken by the institute to make learning more engaging?

Ritisha: The faculty members create an engaging learning environment through quizzes, clinical case presentations, poster competitions, seminars, peer discussions, and practical demonstrations.

Assignments are designed to encourage critical thinking, evidence-based learning, and patient-oriented problem-solving. These activities strengthen our analytical abilities, communication skills, and confidence while making learning more interactive and meaningful.

Careers360: How helpful has the institute been in offering resources for learning?

Ritisha: The institute has consistently provided excellent academic support through the Quiklrn platform, which offers easy access to study materials, assignments, and regular academic updates.

One of the greatest strengths of East Point College of Pharmacy is its highly approachable faculty. They are always available to guide students academically and personally, ensuring that every concern is addressed promptly. This supportive learning environment has greatly contributed to my academic progress.

Careers360: What extracurricular activities and clubs are available? Which ones have you been part of?

Ritisha: The college offers several academic and co-curricular clubs, including the Pharmacovigilance Club and the Newsletter Club, which encourage collaborative learning and professional development.

I have actively participated in the Pharmacovigilance Club, where I gained valuable exposure to drug safety, adverse drug reaction reporting, and regulatory practices. These activities have enhanced both my technical knowledge and leadership skills.

Careers360: Tell us about the faculty-student relationship at the institute.

Ritisha: The faculty-student ratio is well balanced, allowing every student to receive individual attention and guidance. The professors are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in our academic and professional development.

Their encouragement creates a positive learning atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking guidance, and exploring new ideas.

Careers360: Does your college help students with internships? Share your internship experience.

Ritisha: As a final-year Pharm.D student, I am currently undergoing my mandatory hospital internship and advanced clinical training facilitated by East Point College of Pharmacy.

Although the internship is unpaid, it provides invaluable practical exposure. Working closely with doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals has strengthened my understanding of patient care, medication management, clinical documentation, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Adapting to the fast-paced hospital environment was initially challenging, but it has significantly enhanced my confidence, communication skills, and clinical decision-making abilities.

Careers360: Tell us about the placement support provided by the college.

Ritisha: The college has been organizing career guidance programmes and industry interaction sessions that introduce students to opportunities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

I believe expanding dedicated placement initiatives, resume-building workshops, and mock interview sessions specifically for Pharm.D students would further enhance career readiness and benefit future graduates.

Careers360: Which companies generally recruit from your campus? What kinds of salary packages are offered?

Ritisha: The college regularly organizes career awareness sessions featuring opportunities in organizations such as IQVIA, TCS, and other pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.

These sessions provide valuable insights into careers in pharmacovigilance, clinical research, regulatory affairs, medical writing, and related domains. Salary packages generally vary depending on the job profile, organization, and location.

Careers360: What facilities are available on campus? What do you like most about the campus?

Ritisha: The campus provides excellent infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, a comprehensive library, modern classrooms, seminar halls, sports facilities, and a vibrant cafeteria.

What I appreciate most is the welcoming and supportive campus environment. The institute encourages students to participate in academic, cultural, and professional activities, creating opportunities for holistic development.

Careers360: What about the medical facilities?

Ritisha: One of the biggest advantages of studying at East Point College of Pharmacy is access to the fully functional 1200 bedded East Point Medical College Hospital located within the campus.

Students receive immediate medical attention whenever required, especially hostel residents. Having a Multi-Speciality teaching hospital on campus offers both excellent healthcare support and invaluable clinical learning opportunities.

Careers360: How do you balance your studies, projects, exams, and extracurricular activities?

Ritisha: Balancing academics and extracurricular activities requires good planning and time management. I maintain a weekly schedule, prioritise important tasks, and ensure I dedicate sufficient time to studying while also participating in college activities.

Having supportive friends and maintaining a positive mindset has helped me manage academic responsibilities effectively while enjoying my college experience.

Careers360: How comfortable are the hostels? How is the cleanliness?

Ritisha: The hostel facilities are comfortable, safe, and well maintained. Cleanliness is given high priority through regular maintenance, creating a hygienic and pleasant living environment.

The hostel provides a peaceful atmosphere for studying while also offering opportunities to interact with fellow students, making it feel like a home away from home.

Careers360: What are the popular hangout places on and around the campus?

Ritisha: Within the campus, the cafeteria and playground are popular gathering spots where students relax and spend time with friends between classes.

Outside the campus, nearby cafés and local eateries are favourite destinations for students to unwind after a busy academic schedule.

Careers360: How do you spend your leisure time on campus?

Ritisha: During my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, participating in college events, and taking walks around the campus.

These activities help me relax, maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal life, and stay connected with the vibrant student community at East Point College of Pharmacy.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a part of the marketing initiative between Careers360 and East Point College of Pharmacy.