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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 and outcomes 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

Students navigate a geriatrics-themed escape room set up in VCU’s School of Nursing that mimics a home visit after a patient has been discharged from the hospital for a fall. (Contributed photo)

Aug. 4, 2026

VCU geriatrics-themed escape room trains health sciences students

Teams representing multiple health professions decipher clues and devise post-hospital plans for an older adult who has endured one of aging’s biggest risks: suffering a fall.

A Class of 2026 graduating student in regalia looks off into the distance with pride and hope ahead of the Hooding and Diploma Ceremony in a large theater-style space.

May 22, 2026

Hooding and Diploma Ceremony speaker to VCU Pharmacy Class of 2026: 'Readiness is not a feeling. It's a decision.'

At Hooding & Diploma Ceremony, graduating Class of 2026 reflects on persistence, resilience and how vital it is to keep swimming.

Ally Thompson joins Dean K.C. Ogbonna to receive the Dean's Awards at the 2026 Graduate Awards Ceremony.

May 8, 2026

Students recognized for excellence at 2026 Graduate Student Awards Ceremony

"How do we sustain this journey to excellence through our careers?" asked keynote speaker Dr. Patricia Slattum. "Well, it requires keeping our attention on why we're doing it."