Welcome to the Department of Pharmacy Practice!
Welcome to the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Gatton College of Pharmacy! We are excited to have you join our vibrant and dynamic community dedicated to advancing pharmacy education, research, and practice. As a department committed to excellence, we strive to provide a comprehensive and innovative learning environment that prepares our students for successful and impactful careers in pharmacy.
At the heart of our department is a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are passionate about shaping the future of pharmacy practice. Through our cutting-edge curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and research initiatives, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in the evolving field of pharmacy. Our commitment extends to transformational pharmacy practice models, including the "Flip the Pharmacy" initiative and advancements in ambulatory care pharmacy, which are integral to our mission of improving patient care.
We are also deeply committed to community-engaged learning and fostering student success. Our faculty provide students with opportunities in innovative community practice, independent community pharmacy ownership, advanced practice in primary and acute care, and collaborative research with faculty from the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and College of Public Health. Specialties represented within the department include oncology, psychiatry, neurology, internal medicine, infectious diseases, endocrinology, family medicine, and pediatrics, in addition to roles in ambulatory/primary care, community pharmacy, and acute care hospital-based practice.
In addition to our Doctor of Pharmacy program, our department continues its pioneering activities in the development of ASHP-accredited residencies in community pharmacy and specialized areas of pharmacy practice, including ambulatory care/family medicine and internal medicine—the first such advanced practice residencies in the region. We also offer a postgraduate research fellowship focusing on applied social/behavioral research and public health.
Our department and College are dedicated to the mission of caring for those in rural and medically underserved areas. We believe that by fostering a culture of student-centered learning and community engagement, we can train tomorrow's pharmacists to not only positively impact the healthcare of the region but also to lead the profession in the 21st century.
When asked about the uniqueness of this college, faculty and students very quickly remark that the Gatton College of Pharmacy is a special place to learn and work. Our highest priorities are academic excellence and cultivating a culture of student-centered learning and collegiality through a team of dedicated faculty who are personally invested in our students' professional development. At Gatton, education is a partnership, and through this partnership, we aim to prepare our students to become leaders in pharmacy practice and champions for the medically underserved.
Sarah Thomason, PharmD
Chair & Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice