The Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems (PCHS) advances the practice of pharmaceutical care and its role in the healthcare system for the benefit of patients & society through education, research, & service.
Cultivating Pharmacy Practice
PCHS is dedicated to the advancement of pharmaceutical care. Pharmaceutical care was originally conceptualized by faculty within our department and continues to be an integral focus to our departmental identity. 
Our faculty engage in a diverse array of pharmacy practice models and services in partnership with healthcare systems, health disciplines, and the community at large to provide high-quality patient-centered care. Our faculty meet this need through patient care, practice-based research, practice innovation, and education. Learn more about our practice faculty
Driving Research and Scholarship
Faculty and trainees within our department study the pharmacy profession, patient care behaviors, government policies, and the economic, clinical, and humanistic aspects of medications. 
Learn more about our research and scholarship in:
- Patient Care
- Pharmaceuticals and Public Policy
- Educational Research
Advancing Education
PCHS embraces a leadership role in curricular innovation at the College. Our faculty are serving in leadership roles that are creating new learning experiences for Doctor of Pharmacy students and modeling innovative teaching and learning strategies in a variety of courses. Learn more about our advancing education in:
Curricular Domains- PharmD Emphasis - Leadership
- Advancement of Experiential Education
- Innovations in Teaching
Social & Administrative Pharmacy Graduate Program
Study the social, psychosocial, political, legal, historic, and economic factors that impinge upon the use, non-use and abuse of drugs. Learn more about SAPh Degree Programs
Faculty Spotlight:
Kylee Funk
Part of interprofessional partnership to improve medical access for growing, diverse downtown community.
PCHS in the News
Steve Schondelmeyer is featured in the CBS News story, "Prescription drug prices can vary by thousands of dollars depending on where you buy them." He was also featured in the Star Tribune stories "Minnesota employers target high medication prices with 'playbook" and "Minnesota patients paying the price of drug roulette."
Amy Pittenger is quoted in the Minnesota Daily story, "UMN looks to revamp longstanding lib ed requirements."
Greg Rhee was quoted in several news outlets regarding his research that found doctors are increasing simultaneous prescriptions of benzodiazepines and opioids: MPR, Mesabi Daily News, and Association of Health Care Journalists.
Kristin Janke, Social and Administrative Pharmacy graduate student Lisa Hillman, and alumnus Kathryn Smith were quoted in the December Academic Pharmacy Now article, “Together, We Write,” which celebrated the #RxWritingChallenge.
Wendy St. Peter is quoted in the Minnesota Daily story, "Long-awaited academic health restructure goes into effect."
Ann Philbrick is quoted in the Duluth News Tribune story, "Shortage of shingles vaccine expected to continue through 2019, St. Luke’s pharmacist says."
PCHS News
Dr. Andrew Traynor, PharmD, BCPS, has accepted the position of assistant dean of experiential education, effective June 30, 2020. He also holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems.
Amy Pittenger receives the University of Minnesota 2020 President’s Award for Outstanding Service.
The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy mourns the loss of Don Uden, PharmD, professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, who died on Saturday, March 21.