P. David Rogers, PharmD, PhD, an alumnus of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy and an affiliate professor in the college’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, has been elected to the esteemed National Academy of Medicine (NAM) for his pioneering work in medical mycology and antifungal pharmacology.
Election to the NAM is among the highest accolades in the fields of health and medicine, honoring leaders who have made significant contributions to the advancement of health and medical science and who demonstrate a strong commitment to service.
Dr. Rogers’ election to membership underscores the evolving role of pharmacists in health care, highlighting their responsibilities beyond medication dispensing to include vital contributions in medication management, research, clinical practice, and the improvement of health outcomes. Pharmacists like Dr. Rogers are at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future landscape of health care and pharmacy through research and direct patient engagement.
Dr. Rogers, who serves as chair of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and holds the St. Jude Endowed Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences, is renowned for his work utilizing molecular, genetic, and genomic tools to understand how pathogenic fungi develop resistance to antifungal medications. His research is particularly vital for pediatric patients with weakened immune systems, who are at risk of serious fungal infections.
“I am honored to be among a handful of pharmacists who have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine,” Dr. Rogers said. “I look forward to supporting the important mission of NAM.”
Dr. Rogers’ research excellence embodies the spirit of discovery and innovation at UT Health Science Center and the College of Pharmacy. The college had more than $20 million in research funding in 2024 and ranks 12th among pharmacy colleges nationwide in NIH grant funding. Additionally, UT Health Science Center received the prestigious R1 designation earlier this year, a testament to excellence among university scientists and educators and placing it among the top-tier research institutions in the country.
Notably, in addition to Dr. Rogers, among the few pharmacists elected to the NAM, two are former faculty members of the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, including alumnus William Evans, PharmD, and Julie Johnson, PharmD. James T. Dalton, PhD, a former faculty member of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was also elected to the NAM.