Effective Aug. 1, Belmont University implemented a change to its College of Pharmacy, — a transition to the newly formed College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS), led by recently named Dean and proven transformational health care leader Dr. Sharrel Pinto. In her new role, Pinto will lead more than 100 faculty and staff and approximately 850 students.
Belmont's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences brings together faculty and students from seven disciplines: physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental health counseling, social work, public health, exercise science and pharmacy and will offer three bachelor’s, three master’s and four doctoral degrees. With multiple tracks, providing a range of options for graduates entering the field, Belmont is committed to equipping students with needed skills, knowledge and experience to provide quality care within the ever-changing healthcare environment.
“Belmont has a rich foundation of interdisciplinary work and inter-professional education across all its Colleges. I am excited for the opportunity to build on this foundation and leverage Nashville’s tremendous health care ecosystem to make an impact in students’ lives,” Pinto said. As Dean, I’d like to continue inspiring students to find or re-identify their purpose and develop skillsets that will improve health outcomes for entire communities.”
Real world preparation is one of the college's biggest priorities — offering simulations and collaborative environments that promote cross practice learning and a team approach to patient care—exactly like the one that students will experience on the job. CPHS collaborative partners in Nashville include Ascension, HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt, allowing students opportunities to connect with hundreds of clinical sites and experts where they can gain valuable hands-on experience.
“Our leadership team has been evaluating opportunities to support growth in key strategic areas of the University and improve operational efficiencies,” said Dr. David Gregory, provost and former dean of the College of Pharmacy. “This work is critical to our success and decisions can only be made after significant discussions are had surrounding a continued focus on our mission, values and priorities in an ever-changing education landscape.”