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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.

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Courses

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

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Student Organizations

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

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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

Portraits of Dr. Yana Cen and Dr. Hylton Gravatt on a gold background

Sept. 11, 2025

Drs. Cen and Hylton Gravatt named VCU faculty awardees for research and teaching excellence

These awardees, who raise the number of such honorees at VCU SoP to five in the last three years, will be recognized at the university's Faculty Recognition Gala in October.

A woman speaks into a microphone at a lectern and gestures with her hand.

Sept. 5, 2025

Dr. Krista Donohoe earns Distinguished Teaching Award at VCU’s 43rd Annual Faculty Convocation

Dr. Donohoe, who began her career as an eighth-grade teacher, encourages Convocation audience to consider – and thank – a teacher who made a difference for them.

Keynote speaker Anna Prilutsky addresses the audience in the Library of Virginia auditorium at the 3rd Annual School of Pharmacy Convocation.

Aug. 22, 2025

Haleon R&D leader at Convocation: Innovation is ‘figuring out how to open doors for those who will make a difference’

Keynote speaker Anna Prilutsky addressed faculty, staff and new students to share how she got her start in her career as an innovator before the community celebrated seven faculty and staff honorees and five faculty promotions.