Focus on Faculty With Rowena Schwartz, PharmD

The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy welcomes Rowena ("Moe") Schwartz, PharmD, to the position of associate professor of pharmacy practice with a focus in hematology oncology.  In this position, Schwartz will be working with the University of Cincinnati (UC) Cancer Institute and UC Health with Phase I Clinical trials in oncology.  Within the College of Pharmacy, she will teach oncology pharmacy therapeutics and practice and work with students during their advanced pharmacy practice experiences.  Additionally, she will work as part of the UCMC   Oncology Pharmacy team at the UC Health Barrett Cancer Center patient care facility in ambulatory oncology.

In her words:

What is your background?

I received a Bachelor of Science at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Texas and then completed a fellowship in oncology drug development at the University of Texas.  I have spent much of my oncology pharmacy career in clinical practice at the University of Pittsburgh/University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.  I was director of Oncology Pharmacy Services at  Johns Hopkins Hospital and maintained an active clinical practice at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Most recently, I worked with the U.S. Oncology Network as vice president of clinical content and pharmacy operations at McKesson Specialty Health. I've taught at pharmacy schools at University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, University of Maryland, Charleston College of Pharmacy, University of Houston and Misr International University in Cairo, Egypt.   I am an active member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, Oncology Nursing Society and the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practice.

Do you have any areas of focus?

I have practiced in many areas of oncology pharmacy over the years but have an interest in drug development for cancer treatment.  As cancer is often a disease of older adults, I have developed an interest in oncology pharmacy and the elderly.

Why did you choose UC?

I was drawn to the combination of the College of Pharmacy and the UC Cancer Institute.  There are so many opportunities to collaborate with others in practice, research and education. 

What website do you find yourself visiting most of the time?

I love looking at new information about oncology and will often look at recently published literature on PubMed or other medical information websites.

What's something few people know about you?

That my mother is my personal hero.  She was a dedicated nurse that served in England during WWII, and her stories of service and establishing new pathways inspire me.

What do you do when you're not working?

I love being at home with my family (husband and two dogs), and I love to travel.  I love the balance of being at home and going to oncology pharmacy meetings around the world.