Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
James E. Smith, Ph.D., Chairman

Graduate education and training includes quality introductory and advanced courses in physiology, pharmacology and neuroscience, as well as seminars and journal clubs in several major research areas. Laboratory rotations encourage the graduate student to explore various experimental approaches and provide a diverse training experience. The department and Medical Center are frequented by distinguished visitors from other universities who further enrich the stimulating academic environment. Departmental faculty are active in the medical education as well as in residency training programs in Neurology, Psychiatry, Urology, and Surgery.

The foundation for graduate and postdoctoral training is individually directed research opportunities in over four dozen laboratories with active investigative programs.

Our research areas include Substance Abuse, Development and Aging, Cardiovascular, Neuropsychiatric Disorders, and Cognitive Behavior. The faculty also participate in several formal research centers, including the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the Center of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, and the Sticht Center of Aging. Formal graduate and postdoctoral training in the department reflects these areas of intensive research. Medical students also participate actively in research efforts within the department through summer projects and electives. Training programs are developed jointly by trainees and respective faculty mentors to meet the specialized interest of the trainee to maximize future professional options. In the 2006-2007 academic year, there were 28 graduate students and 16 postdoctoral fellows training in the department.