Alumni Profile: Bruce Scott

Bruce Scott: Supporting the College’s Commitment to Excellence

Bruce Scott

Although he is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Bruce Scott’s commitment and connection to the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy have remained strong for more than three decades. During this time, Scott has contributed his time and talents to help ensure Minnesota remains a leader in educating the next generation of pharmacists.

After graduating from Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, Scott earned a master’s degree in pharmacy administration from the University of Kansas, where he also completed a pharmacy residency program followed by five years as Assistant Director of Pharmacy.

A job at United Hospital, now part of Allina Health, in St. Paul brought him to the Twin Cities in 1987. In his role as the Director of Pharmacy, he had his first collaboration with the College of Pharmacy as students completed clinical rotations at the hospital. Following his role at United Hospital, Scott held senior leadership positions with Allina Health for nearly 20 years.

“Over the years, I was involved with the college at every opportunity possible,” said Scott. “With every interaction, I saw dedicated faculty who do a tremendous job preparing pharmacists for practice and the profession.”

“Over the years, I was involved with the college at every opportunity possible"

Following Allina Health, Scott served as the Chief Operating Officer of McKesson Medication Management, and in 2008 he joined Medco—now part of Express Scripts— as Chief Pharmacist and Senior Vice President of Professional Practice responsible for leading the practice of more than 3,500 pharmacists, nurses, dieticians and other health care professionals. Today, Scott serves as President of EnvisionPharmacies.

Throughout his leadership roles, Scott has maintained a steady connection to the college and his community serving on the college’s National Board of Advisors, as the President of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, President of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the Pharmacy Leadership Academy faculty of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

For the past several years, Scott and his colleagues Susan Cantrell and Sara White have presented a lecture for new students entering the College of Pharmacy, based on a book he helped edit, “Letters to a Young Pharmacist: Sage Advice on Life & Career from Extraordinary Pharmacists.”

“I enjoy interacting with pharmacy students,” said Scott. “Conversations with students always generate a great discussion, and I learn so much about what interests students today.”

Scott’s advice to those entering the profession today is mentorship—the need for positive mentors throughout one’s career and the value it can bring, especially as they start their professional path.

“Conversations with students always generate a great discussion, and I learn so much about what interests students today.”

“Mentors have always been tremendously valuable to me,” said Scott. “It’s also important to give back by helping others, and I always tell students to reach out to people who have been on the journey you are embarking on.”

Scott also encourages pharmacy students and those entering the profession to keep an open mind.

“Be open to opportunities that may not be the classic definition for pharmacy practice,” he said. “There are so many opportunities today that weren't available a few years ago.”