Wisconsin college announces plans for pharmacy school

Yet another college has thrown its hat into the pharmacy school arena-this time it's the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) in Milwaukee.

MCW trustees recently approved a plan to open a pharmacy school in either 2017 or 2018. About 60 students will be admitted into each class.

Too many pharmacists? No. Greater need to use them wisely? Yes!

“MCW possesses the expertise and experience to train the next generation of healthcare professionals in specialty practices such as pharmacogenomics, pediatrics, cancer, and mental health. Interprofessional training with our medical students and early clinical exposure will further add value to the pharmacy school at MCW,” John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, president and CEO of MCW stated in a release.

“The next generation pharmacist will be trained to provide expanded services in medication monitoring, immunizations, health screenings, chronic disease management, acute ambulatory care, and specialty pharmacy care,” Raymond added.

MCW officials said the new pharmacy school would address the need for highly qualified pharmacists who can provide expanded services as part of a healthcare team. They believe it will also help address the need for pharmacists in underserved communities in Wisconsin.

The school has started a national search for a founding dean. MCW also expects to hire additional staff and faculty members during the school’s development phase.

The total cost for the school is expected to be $30 million over the next five years. A MCW endowment will provide $3 million for initial design and development.

“This endeavor will be enhanced by the engagement of our hospital partners, our pediatric and adult practices, and our community partners, as well as our expertise in research and education,” said Joseph E. Kerschner, MD, MCW’s executive vice president and dean of the school of medicine.