Service leads to many roads for clinical pharmacologist and retired pharmacy professor
For Michael Jann, a clinical pharmacologist and retired HSC professor of pharmacology, service is at the core of his philosophy on work and life.
It is befitting that he was recently named the prestigious 2023 Nathaniel T. Kwit Memorial Distinguished Service Award recipient by the American College of Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Jann accepted the award at the ACCP conference in September, joined by his wife, Belinda and their son, Trevor.
“I was pleasantly surprised and humbled by the honor,” Jann said.
Jann’s service to others and his profession transcends all else. The theme of his acceptance presentation was about how service can take you to many different roads.
His experience with service has been a catalyst to his career growth, mentorship and leadership growth, and personal growth, creating deep connections with others that can last a lifetime.
Jann is significantly proud of his work with ACCP, specifically his contributions to pharmacology and various leadership roles, as well as his mentorship of junior faculty, post-docs and students. He has been actively involved with ACCP since 1987 and was named a Fellow in 1991.
Although officially retired, Jann continues to contribute to the College of Pharmacy as a part-time faculty member in teaching neurology, psychiatry and clinical pharmacology courses.
Once a teacher, always a teacher
Jann dedicates 10-15 hours a week to educating students in underserved areas of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as a part-time educator for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
“There are at least 50 different types of science programs, and I’ve done 30 of them,” he said. “It keeps me busy.”
Through science presentations in elementary schools, Jann aims to promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of health care professionals, scientists and engineers.
Jann, who didn’t get interested in science until college after excelling in chemistry, admires the interest and curiosity of the young students. After sharing a photo of an amazing structure built with magnets by a six-year-old, Jann marveled, “Doesn’t that blow your mind … the imagination of young minds.”
His passion for science education is not slowing down, and he enjoys being a positive role model and mentor.
“We are incredibly happy for Dr. Jann, and there is no one more deserving for this recognition,” said Dr. Annesha White, College of Pharmacy interim dean. “I have known and worked with Dr. Jann for more than 12 years, and he is an exemplary leader, mentor and friend. We are so fortunate and honored that he continues to teach in our college and mentor our students on so many levels.”
Jann imparted this advice in his acceptance speech, “Service to professional organizations and other persons can take on many different forms that can develop into life-long friendships. Be open to new opportunities and endeavors even though you may not know everything about it, as it can take you to different roads and lead to unexpected adventures.”
About the award
This distinguished honor is given in memory of the late Nathaniel T. Kwit, MD, FCP, a founding Fellow of ACCP, who made significant contributions to the field of clinical pharmacology during his tenure. The Nathaniel T. Kwit Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding achievements that benefit the field of clinical pharmacology in various areas such as teaching, administration, service with ACCP, long-term scientific studies of practical importance, and other service-related functions.
More about Dr. Jann
Jann received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from California State University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Southern California. He completed a residency in mental health pharmacy practice at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jann has published more than 275 original research papers, review articles, abstracts, book chapters, and a textbook titled “Applied Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Psychopharmacological Agents.”
As an investigator for more than 100 phase 1-3 clinical drug trials, Jann was instrumental in working with Dr. Ayyappa Chaturvedula to launch HSC’s Pharmacometrics Certificate program in 2020.
In addition to his impressive research contributions, Jann has actively served on the editorial boards of several scientific journals and in multiple ACCP-elected leadership roles and committees spanning more than 40 years.
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