Hirsch to Head New UCI Pharmacy School

Jan Hirsch appointed founding dean of University of California, Irvine’s new School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences; she joins in January 2019.

• By Leila McNeill
• Nov 06, 2018

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) has selected Dr. Jan Hirsch as director and founding dean of the planned School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Prior to her appointment at UCI, which will commence in January 2019, Hirsch has served as the first chair of the Division of Clinical Pharmacy at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego. At UCI, Hirsh will oversee the university’s effort to build a pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences school, which will be one of the academic foundations of the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences.

On UCI’s decision to select Hirsch, Chancellor Howard Gillman said, “Dr. Hirsch’s distinguished history of academic experience, scientific expertise and proven leadership makes her the perfect choice to lead our pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences faculty and staff through the successful launch of a full-fledged school.”

Interim Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences Alan Goldin added, “UCI’s vision for the health sciences is unique and is focused on changing the healthcare landscape in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and population health. Dr. Hirsch will play a key role in achieving this vision.”

The proposal for the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences is expected move forward with Board of Regents’ approval in the next two to three years. Until then, Hirsch will begin her position by supporting the application process and expanding the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the new Department of Clinical Pharmacy.