Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science

Shaping the future of medication effectiveness and patient care

Pharmacotherapy and outcomes science integrates pharmacy practice, clinical sciences and health outcomes research. It focuses on optimizing medication use and improving patient outcomes through personalized evidence-based approaches. Our department combines expertise in pharmacotherapy, clinical pharmacology, digital health, personalized medicine and health economics to educate and train future pharmacists, researchers and leaders.

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Degree Offerings

Our M.S. and Ph.D. programs offer rigorous training in pharmacotherapy and outcomes research, equipping students with the expertise to drive innovations in patient care and health outcomes.

Ph.D. student Silas Contaifer shares the final product of his virtual reality research with industry partners at the school's Research Day. The industry partners are reacting with surprise as one of them, wearing a VR headset, turns a dial in the sterile lab space that's being simulated in their VR headset - and the dial works as if the user is really in the lab turning the dial!

Research

Our researchers lead the development of innovative treatments and improvements in health care delivery for patients of all ages and conditions.

A student sits with a patient filling out paperwork.

Courses

Review a list of pharmacotherapy and outcomes science courses on the VCU Bulletin site.

Students and faculty sit at classroom tables talking.

Student Organizations

Explore our dynamic student organizations that offer opportunities for connection, professional development and leadership.

A group of students standing in front of a classroom hold up the number one.

Who We Are

Faculty and Staff

Meet our dedicated faculty and staff, whose expertise and commitment drive our mission and foster a dynamic learning environment.

Graduate Students

Meet our current graduate students, who are actively contributing to cutting-edge research and advancing their fields within the department.

Alumni

Explore the achievements of our alumni, who exemplify the success and impact of our department's education and training.

Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science News

dave dixon

Dec. 19, 2025

VCU Pharmacy faculty help shape ADA’s 2026 Standards of Care in Diabetes

Recommendations from Dr. Dave Dixon focus on addressing and preventing cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.

Rana Amayreh stands with V C U pharmacy faculty and advisors after defending dissertation

Dec. 17, 2025

Ph.D. student’s work aims to expand pharmacist clinical services in Virginia

Class of 2025 Rana Amayreh has developed a resource focused on increasing uptake of statewide protocols and Medicaid billing for community-based pharmacist services in Virginia.

VCU produces more graduates in health-related degrees than any other university in the state, making VCU an unparalleled leader in shaping Virginia’s health care future. (VCU School of Dentistry)

Nov. 21, 2025

Here is how VCU plays an unparalleled role in training Virginia’s health care workforce

The state’s top producer of health sciences graduates is treating the critical need for more providers.