Woodruff named ACCP Fellow, appointed associate dean for professional education

National recognition for clinical and academic excellence

Woodruff was notified of her ACCP fellowship in July and will be formally inducted during the organization’s annual meeting this October in Minneapolis. The designation of fellow, one of the college’s highest honors, recognizes sustained excellence in clinical pharmacy practice, research, and service to the profession.

To be considered for fellowship, nominees must demonstrate at least a decade of practice, a minimum of five years of ACCP membership, and a history of sustained contributions to the organization. These contributions are wide-ranging, from leadership roles in professional networks to original research and mentorship of students and residents.

Woodruff’s selection reflects her extensive contributions across these areas. At Buffalo General Medical Center, her clinical practice informs patient outcomes research, which in turn drives innovation in care delivery. Nationally, she has completed a three-year leadership term as chair-elect, chair, and immediate past chair of AACP’s Technology Special Interest Group. She has also mentored dozens of students and residents in clinical research projects, work that earned her a Mentoring Award through ACCP’s Adult Medicine Practice and Research Network.

“This recognition means so much because it’s peer recognition of the work I’ve done over my 15 years as a faculty member,” Woodruff said. “To have that recognized by my colleagues is an honor.”

Leading innovation in pharmacy education

In her new role as associate dean for professional education, Woodruff will oversee the PharmD program with a focus on guiding the rollout of the school’s new curriculum. She played a central role in developing this curriculum, particularly its integrated courses in the P2 and P3 years, which combine clinical and foundational sciences with patient care skills organized by organ system.

One of the most significant shifts in the new curriculum is the school’s expanded use of “assessments for learning,” where students experience more frequent, lower-stakes opportunities to practice and build confidence with course material.

“This transition to change the culture around assessments will be a work in progress for the next few years,” she said. “We want students to see them as opportunities for growth that can help them become more adaptable and confident practitioners.”

In addition to supporting the continued implementation of the curriculum, Woodruff will help lead preparations for the school’s next accreditation cycle. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) will conduct its on-site visit during the 2027–28 academic year. In the years leading up to the visit, she will work in concert with faculty and staff on an extensive self-study process led by the Office of Analytics and Accreditation Compliance.. This collaborative, months-long effort will involve intensive program reflection and documentation to demonstrate the school’s continued excellence in education, assessment and student support.

Bringing clinical experience to the classroom

Woodruff practices as an internal medicine pharmacist at Buffalo General Medical Center, a role that deeply informs both her teaching and leadership. Over her 15 years as a clinical faculty member, she has taught a wide range of topics, giving her a unique perspective on how clinical concepts fit within the broader PharmD curriculum.

Her own experience as a learner continues to shape her approach to instructional design and assessment.

“I always joke with students that I wasn’t the most naturally gifted student. I still struggle to this day to learn and retain information, especially the older I get!” she said. “That perspective has helped me as I’ve worked to design educational approaches that make complex concepts more digestible and inclusive for students.”

This practical, student-focused perspective has driven many of the innovative strategies she has brought into the classroom, from making complicated topics more accessible to developing assessment strategies that reflect the realities of how students learn. 

Looking ahead

Woodruff is optimistic about the opportunities and challenges ahead for UB SPPS and the pharmacy profession. With national enrollment in professional programs declining, she points to the school’s top-20 national ranking and strong admissions strategy as key strengths in maintaining competitiveness.

“Our programs and outreach — like the Pharmacy Summer Institute — help get students interested in pharmacy and UB SPPS as early as possible,” she said. “That foundation positions us well to adapt and continue attracting exceptional students to the profession.”