Where are they now?
David Brushwood, R.Ph, J.D.
Current Residency: Wenatchee, Washington | Current Position: Senior Lecturer, University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy
Years Employed at UF:
1990-2014
ROLE AT UF COLLEGE OF PHARMACY:
Professor of Pharmaceutical Outcome and Policy
As a young child growing up in Kansas, David Brushwood was enamored with the American West. His family would regularly vacation in Montana, and he and his wife, Chris, have always felt at home in the western states. In 2022, the couple moved to Wenatchee, Washington, and the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
“When it became obvious that our four kids and seven grandkids were trending toward living in the Pacific Northwest, we decided to move to Washington to be close to them,” Brushwood said. “We enjoy living here and exploring all the outdoor activities in the area, including visiting local wineries and attending concerts at The Gorge Amphitheatre.”
While Brushwood, R.Ph., J.D., retired from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 2014, he has continued working part-time in academic pharmacy. He serves as a senior lecturer in the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy, teaching online classes in pharmacy regulation. The position allows him to work remotely yet stay engaged with students and the profession.
Online education is an area very familiar to Brushwood, as he founded the UF College of Pharmacy’s online programs in pharmaceutical outcomes and policy in 2006. At the time, several former students wanted to advance their careers in pharmacy regulation outside of attending law school. The POP online program began with a track in pharmacy regulation and quickly expanded to other areas such as pharmacoeconomics and managed care pharmacy. Today, the program has helped more than 650 graduates secure a master’s degree and advance their careers. Some of whom still stay in contact with Brushwood.
“I enjoy keeping in touch with former students and other colleagues of my generation who continue to be interested in pharmacy regulation,” Brushwood said.
Another important contribution Brushwood made to the UF College of Pharmacy was the establishment of the History of Pharmacy Museum. He felt it was important to recognize the rich history of pharmacy in Florida. The museum exists today on the fourth floor of the Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy Building in Gainesville and features a collection of medicines, plant specimens, photos, memorabilia and books. It offers a reminder of years past and the people, like Brushwood, who have helped the UF College of Pharmacy reach its centennial year.
