We, at UB’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, are proud of our tradition of providing outstanding environments for a robust, professional and clinical education leading to degrees in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences.  We do not, however, regard these as separate activities – they are linked, and advances in one area stimulates research and teaching in the other.

Drug therapy represents a major component of modern medicine and is one of the most important challenges in health care management – cures for fatal diseases, treatment of acute conditions, and management of chronic conditions have made it possible for people to live longer, more productive lives.  We are facing that challenge with the entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.  Our extensive educational program will prepare the pharmacist to be a member of the healthcare management team.  The pharmacist is integrated in the drug use decision making process and in some instances is responsible for the selection of the appropriate medication(s), dosage form(s), dose(s), and dose schedule(s). 

The pharmaceutical sciences derive their basic strengths from the interdisciplinary nature of the programs along with their world renowned reputation as leader in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and biopharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences links analytical chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology and toxicology, sophisticated kinetics (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics), clinical medicine, bioinformactics and computational biology.  Interdisciplinary programs involving many other divisions in the University allow the department to continually strengthen their expertise in biopharmaceutical analysis, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and drug delivery.

Our move in 2012 to John and Editha Kapoor Hall, the new School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences building, will allow us to continue our leadership of education and research in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences students into the 21^st century.  Our move to the south campus will also complete the University’s Academic Health Center (AHC), which provides all five of the University’s health science schools, the environment for superb research and educational opportunities for their students.

The future holds much promise for those entering the field of pharmacy and/or pharmaceutical science.  If you, like me, find expanding horizons a cause for excitement, enjoy the stimulation of interdisciplinary pursuits, and welcome a career of disciplined diversity, I offer you a sincere invitation to join us.

Wayne K. Anderson, PhD