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

Dr. Holdford and Dr. Pontinha smile together for a photo while Dr. Pontinha holds a VCU Pharmacy pennant just before Dr. Pontinha graduates from VCU School of Pharmacy in 2022.

May 6, 2026

'Be that person that’s a joy to be with': Notable Pharmacy educator, researcher and dedicated mentor David Holdford retires after 31 years

Bringing 'wisdom' and 'the element of humor' to the job, the Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes professor rarely gave students THE answer – and that, they say, is what made them better leaders.

two researchers wearing sterile lab covering making balm.

March 21, 2026

Why pursue a Pharm.D. concentration in pharmaceutical industry

How can our concentration in pharmaceutical industry set you up for success in your career? We’re glad you asked.

A VCU student with a gold sweater, a mask and her hair in a bun administers the COVID-19 vaccination to an older adult man at the VCU Health Hub at 25th in 2021

March 7, 2026

Why pursue a Pharm.D. concentration in geriatrics

Delve into how our new geriatrics concentration can set you up for success in your career.