Pharmacy Professor Who Expanded School’s Educational, International Scope, to Conclude Deanship

School of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Doug Bricker, a leader in pharmacy education who developed global partnerships for the University, will conclude his 14-year tenure as dean on Tuesday, June 30.

School of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Doug Bricker
Dr. Doug Bricker

A Duquesne faculty member since 1985, Bricker expanded the school’s international presence, teaching its first course in Kobe, Japan, in 1993. He forged productive partnerships with universities around the world, including two programs each in Italy and Japan, along with programs in China, Nigeria, Poland and India. The Kobe collaboration is celebrating its 30th year.

“Doug Bricker has literally opened up the world for many of our pharmacy students during his impressive career at Duquesne,” said President Ken Gormley. “The international partnerships he forged helped to create life-changing experiences that made our students not only better pharmacists, but also global citizens.

Dean Bricker congratulates a pharmacy student at the 2016 White Coat Ceremony.
Dean Bricker congratulates a pharmacy student at the 2016 White Coat Ceremony.

“My own son, Luke, a 2015 pharmacy graduate, benefitted enormously from the study abroad program that Dean Bricker and his wife, Lil, established in Italy,” Gormley added. “That program literally changed his life—and that is true for hundreds of other students who learned from Dean Bricker’s wisdom and experience. We thank him for his dedication to Duquesne, his leadership as dean and his commitment to the mission of this University, all of which have dramatically enhanced the school’s already outstanding reputation.”

Under Bricker’s guidance, Duquesne was one of the first schools to develop a global health course to aid medically underserved areas, including Haiti and Cost Rica. The program allowed pharmacy students to provide care and learn about relevant international health issues.

“That is a special program that really took off and means a lot to me,” Bricker said. “Our faculty and students are helping underserved communities not just in our region, but around the world. And, it’s still going strong today.”

Dr. Bricker processes into the 2017 Pharmacy Commencement.
Dr. Bricker processes into the 2017 Pharmacy Commencement.

Bricker also was a leader in moving pharmacy education from a product-focused to a patient-focused approach, which expanded the pharmacist’s role as a health care provider. He established several academic centers, including the University’s Center for Pharmacy Care—which focuses on disease prevention and disease management—and the Center of Pharmacy Services, which served patients in the Hill District community for 10 years. These programs have further solidified Duquesne’s commitment to engaging communities and improving public health.

“Doug Bricker’s dedication to pharmacy education and his students is truly remarkable,” said Provost Dr. David Dausey. “He has been instrumental in changing the way pharmacy students are taught, both by helping students to develop new skills and creating opportunities for internships and other valuable learning experiences.”

From left, Laura Gormley, President Ken Gormley, Dr. Bricker and his wife Lil, with a Doug Bricker bobblehead, at the pharmacy school’s 2017 Alumni Conference.
From left, Laura Gormley, President Ken Gormley, Dr. Bricker and his wife Lil, with a Doug Bricker bobblehead, at the pharmacy school’s 2017 Alumni Conference.

In addition to global collaborations, Bricker developed academic partnerships with regional health care organizations to enhance research opportunities for faculty and learning experiences for students.

A beloved professor, Bricker has been recognized by his students and peers with 10 Teacher of the Year and Teaching Excellence awards. He recently received the 2019 Mortar and Pestle award from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association, a special honor presented at the discretion of the association’s board of directors, which recognizes service to the pharmacy profession.

Bricker also held many offices in the Rho Chi Society, the honor society of pharmacy. His research interests include the effects of drugs, chemicals and disease states on the regulation of calcium uptake mechanisms and the role of calcium in mechanisms of toxicity, resulting in numerous scientific presentations and publications. Bricker received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and a doctoral degree in pharmacology/toxicology from Duquesne.