PHARMACY

Graduated in 1980 (BS Pharmacy) and 1982 (PharmD)
VP and Chief Clinical Officer, Omnicell, Inc.

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: I was attracted by the quality of the faculty as well as the variety of experiential sites available.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Pharmacy?

A: I was interested in a health-related career that would allow me various options.  I also have an uncle who is a pharmacist, and I learned a lot about pharmacy from him.

Q: Who was your most memorable Professor?

A: Two professors really stand out to me.  Robert Louis Ferdinand when I was obtaining my bachelor’s degree.  I was really interested in pharmacology and appreciated his love for teaching.

When I was obtaining my PharmD degree, Doug Miller - he challenged us, and we learned and did more than I think we ever thought we could through his rigor and encouragement.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Medicinal Chemistry - Dr. Dunker was very intimidating and I really lacked skills in the lab.

Q: Did you have a favorite hangout on campus?

A: We liked to go to Greektown for lunch when schedules permitted.

Q: Share some reflections about your time at Wayne State:

A: Wayne State provided me with an outstanding education and an opportunity to work and get practical experience during my formal education.  The faculty had a significant impact on forming the direction of my career.  At the end of my education, I came to fully appreciate how well I was prepared by the faculty at Wayne State.  It was an honor and a pleasure for me to come back to Wayne State as a faculty member myself after about 10 years.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: Since graduation the continued advancement of the role of clinical pharmacists in the care of patients, and the integration of automation, analytics, and electronic information systems have been significant changes.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: After graduation I served as a faculty member and Director of Pharmacy/Chief Pharmacy Officer at three universities/academic medical centers. I also served as Chief Clinical Officer for a medication automation and technology company for 5 years before retiring. It's been a wonderful career, allowing me to visit and create professional friendships with colleagues on 6 continents, and to participate in leadership roles in various professional organizations. I've also loved being able to be involved in educating pharmacy students and residents.

Jim has served on the Board of Visitors for the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences since 2022.

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The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University is a four-year curriculum in the heart of Detroit. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in each year of the program. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process or the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins each July.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.