Dr. David Holdford

July 2017

Teaching in
Action

"I believe that smart people will succeed in life with good work habits and a mindset that encourages personal growth by trying new things and learning from mistakes."
David Holdford, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science.

Describe your teaching style or philosophy.

I believe that smart people will succeed in life with good work habits and a mindset that encourages personal growth by trying new things and learning from mistakes. My teaching attempts to foster good habits in students and push them outside of their comfort zone, all while making a case for how this will make them better pharmacists.

Why did you choose this career?

My first career as a hospital pharmacist and manager did not allow me to utilize my personal strengths. After returning to school to get my Ph.D. I now spend time every day with exceptional students and faculty members doing a job that allows me to learn, influence and create.

What qualities or insights do you want our graduates to take away from the VCU Pharmacy programs?

I want our graduates to be so successful that every employer says, "My best pharmacists are VCU graduates. I want to hire more of them."

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