University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

John A. Gans P’66, PharmD’69, was recently appointed executive director of healthcare leadership in Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Dr. Gans will integrate his wide sphere of global pharmaceutical, government, and academic networks to drive forward recognized and sustainable healthcare leadership initiatives for Mayes College.

“The opportunity to return to the academic institution that mentored and inspired me to be a leader in pharmacy is a wonderful privilege for me,” said Dr. Gans. “I am excited to share my many experiences in the health professions to bridge healthcare business and policy, and I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students at the University.”

Dr. Gans returns to the University following 20 years of service as executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Pharmacist Association (APhA). Prior to joining APhA, Dr. Gans served on the faculty and was dean of pharmacy at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now University of the Sciences), where he earned his pharmacy degree in l966 and his doctorate in pharmacy in 1969. In addition to his role as executive director of healthcare leadership, Dr. Gans will serve as a professor of healthcare and pharmaceutical business and as a professor of pharmacy.

“Our students will benefit significantly from Dr. Gans’ experience in leading the pharmacy profession through tremendous practice, industry, and technology changes, as well as from the many relationships and networks Dr. Gans has throughout the industry, government and private sectors,” said William L. Ashton, founding dean of the Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy.

Dr. Gans’ influence on healthcare and medication use expands beyond the profession of pharmacy. In June 2009, he was awarded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Commissioner’s Special Citation Award in recognition of 20 years of outstanding leadership in ensuring issues of importance to pharmacists and the APhA are considered in FDA regulatory decision-making. Also in 2009, Dr Gans received the 2009 Remington Honor Medal, the pharmacy profession’s highest honor administered by the APhA. University of the Sciences presented Dr. Gans with an honorary degree at its commencement ceremony in May 2008.

Dr. Gans began his career in 1966 as a community pharmacist in Broomall, Pa. During 1967-68, he held a residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Following his residency, he became assistant director of pharmacy at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and held that position from 1968-70. Dr. Gans was a pioneer in the area of parenteral nutrition and clinical pharmacy. From 1974 to 1985, he served as the managing director of pharmaservices, a consultant firm to nursing homes.

Dr. Gans has served as the founding chairman of the Delaware Valley Regional Poison Control Program which established a 24-hour regional poison control center in 1985. In 1980-81, he served as president of the Pennsylvania Society of Hospital Pharmacists and, in 1986-87, as president of the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (now the American Society of Health System Pharmacists).