UCSF Forms First Joint Department in Schools of Pharmacy, Medicine

UCSF has created its first joint department between schools – the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences – the first of its kind in the United States.

The new department unites the former Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy and the Program in Bioengineering in the School of Medicine.

The department is led by co-chairs Kathy Giacomini, PhD, an international expert in pharmacogenomics, and Sarah Nelson, Dr. rer. nat., a pioneer in developing new imaging techniques.

“The goal of the department is to speed the innovation of sophisticated medicines and medical devices by bringing together scientists with expertise in bioengineering as well as computing and scientists with expertise in the pharmaceutical sciences and genetics,” said Chancellor Mike Bishop, MD, in an email to the campus community.

“Creation of this joint department was a notable achievement in the history of UCSF, and a tribute to the collaborative spirit that we value so highly,” Bishop said. “I applaud the perseverance and contributions of all faculty and administrators involved, as well as the foresight of School of Pharmacy Dean Mary Anne Koda-Kimble and School of Medicine Interim Dean Sam Hawgood.”

For more information about the department, go here.