Scott R. Penzak, Pharm.D., FCP
Professor and Interim Chair of Pharmacotherapy
Education & experience:
I received a BS in Pharmacy from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan and a Pharm.D. from Wayne State University in Detroit. I then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in infectious diseases pharmacology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Prior to my current position, I was Director of the Clinical Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland for 12 years. I also held a faculty position at Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia for 3 years.
Teaching areas & interests in pharmacotherapy:
I have been involved in pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic research and teaching for more than 15 years. My teaching efforts in the doctor of pharmacy program have traditionally centered upon infectious diseases pharmacotherapy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics -with a particular focus on antiretroviral agents. I have also lectured extensively to health care practitioners and trainees on drug-drug, and drug-herb interactions. Finally, I directed a post-doctoral fellowship program at NIH for 10 years where I had the opportunity to supervise and mentor postdoctoral fellows who have taken various positions in the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy practice, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Professional activities and awards:
I am an active member of professional organizations that include the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists. In 2007 I was selected as Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology. I have served on numerous NIH review panels, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Institutional Review Board (IRB), and am an editorial board member for The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy. In 2005 I was recipient of the Society of Infectious Diseases Young Investigator Award. I have also received 3 Directors awards at NIH for scientific achievement (2005, 2013) and patient care (2012). In 2008 I was recipient of the “NIH Mentoring Award.” Prior to joining NIH, I was voted the 2000-2001 “Faculty Member of the Year” by the Mercer University Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society.
Scholarly and clinical interests:
My research has focused mainly on pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, drug-drug, and drug-herb interactions with antiretroviral medications. The studies I have conducted have attempted to elucidate mechanisms by which drug interactions occur such as modulation of drug metabolism and transport processes via inhibition or induction of cytochrome P 450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein, respectively. I have also studied the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that encode for metabolic and transport proteins involved in the disposition of antiretroviral agents. Finally, from a clinical pharmacy service perspective, I have routinely assisted clinicians with therapeutic drug monitoring and drug interaction management in HIV-infected patients.
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