Welcome to the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
Pharmacology is a vital linchpin of biomedical science, uniquely weaving together diverse disciplines to propel drug discovery, unravel the intricacies of drug action, and refine therapeutic delivery. The demand for skilled pharmacologists is strong across academia, the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, and regulatory agencies, where they play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications that impact countless lives.
The faculty within our department are world-leaders in a wide spectrum of cutting-edge research areas, including the complexities of neuropharmacology, innovative drug discovery, the intricacies of immunology, the mechanisms of cancer biology, metabolic pathways, signal transduction processes, and the insights offered by structural biology. This diverse research landscape provides our trainees and staff with a broad spectrum of dynamic laboratories in which to pursue their research interests.
Our Doctoral and Master’s programs are designed to equip students with a robust foundation encompassing both fundamental biomedical principles and specialized knowledge of pharmacology. We cultivate an environment that fosters critical and creative thinking, empowering our graduates to become impactful contributors to research and scientific innovation. Our comprehensive curriculum features three core pharmacology courses, complemented by an array of specialized offerings that allow for focused exploration. Beyond our rigorous academic training, our students benefit from a wealth of professional development opportunities. Active participation in local, national, and international seminars, symposia, and conferences keeps them at the forefront of the latest research advancements and expands their professional networks. It is no wonder that many of our current students and graduate alumni have achieved some of the Nation’s most prestigious and competitive awards in science. Our faculty also contribute and direct one of the Nation’s highest-ranked online programs in the pharmacological sciences – the Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology.
Our commitment to training also encompasses robust postdoctoral opportunities for talented individuals seeking to further refine their research skills and advance their careers. Our postdoctoral scholars are integral members of our research teams, working alongside our distinguished faculty on cutting-edge projects across the diverse areas of pharmacology. Our postdoctoral and research-track faculty committee hosts regular professional development and social events, providing a unique environment to bolster training. Postdocs leaving our department are well prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government.
Furthermore, we recognize the importance of fostering early interest in pharmacology. Our department hosts undergraduate and postbaccalaureate training initiatives designed to provide recent graduates with valuable research experience and strengthen their applications for graduate or professional programs. Through these programs, including one generously supported by the American Society for Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, participants gain hands-on laboratory skills, work closely with faculty mentors, and develop a deeper understanding of the exciting possibilities within pharmacology.
We take immense pride in supporting individuals at all stages of their training journey as they pursue their passion for pharmacology. UF Pharmacology & Therapeutics is committed to a supportive environment where all are welcome. We eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking discoveries and transformative innovations that our trainees, postdoctoral scholars, and fellow faculty will bring to our field, making a tangible difference in human health right here in beautiful, sunny Florida and beyond.
Come and discover with us: Your Pharmacology path starts here!