Focus on Faculty With Robert Cluxton, PharmD

On Wednesday, Feb. 20, the University of Cincinnati announced that it surpassed the $1 billion goal of its Proudly Cincinnati campaign—four months ahead of the campaign’s June 2013 deadline. The university’s 2013 Proudly Cincinnati Faculty/Staff Campaign continues through June 30, 2013.

The following "Focus On" highlights one faculty member's belief in the power of the Proudly Cincinnati Faculty/Staff Campaign and the contributions to it that have positively impacted the Academic Health Center, improving our tripartite mission of education, research and clinical care.

Robert Cluxton, PharmD, says he never expected to be on faculty at the University of Cincinnati for 39 years, but time flies when you are as active as Cluxton …
 
What year did you come to UC and how did you arrive here?

I first arrived at UC in September 1965 as a first-year BS in Pharmacy student. In 1970 I enrolled in the joint PharmD hospital pharmacy residency program, which I completed in 1972. I was commissioned as a pharmacy officer in the United States Public Health Service, serving on active duty from 1972-1974 at the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration. In August 1974 I accepted a faculty position at the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.

What is your role here now ?

My current position is as professor of pharmacy practice and family medicine. I advise physicians on optimal pharmacotherapy regimens for residents at the Alois Alzheimer Center, and patients newly enrolled the TriHealth Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). As a faculty member in the office of geriatrics medicine, I work with the family medicine physicians who specialize in geriatrics and palliative care.

My most significant teaching is in the clinical environment, specializing in pharmacotherapy optimization for geriatric and Alzheimer’s dementia patients. I teach these subjects, as well as evidenced-based pharmacotherapy, in the classroom and in skills labs.

What are your outside interests?

My major outside interest is Alpine skiing. I am now an "alumni” (aka retired) certified professional ski instructor. During the warmer months of the year I enjoy gardening, playing golf, camping and boating.

Why do you feel it’s important to contribute to the faculty/staff campaign? How long have you been doing so?

I feel giving to the faculty/staff campaign is a way to give back to UC some of what UC has given me. I have been successful because of my UC education, earning four degrees from UC, including my MBA.  I am "Proudly UC.”

 Have you seen the campaign dollars put to use, and how?

Years ago I made major contributions to the Plough Foundation through the McMicken Society and UC Foundation.  Plough scholarships now provide more support to pharmacy students than any other scholarship fund.  I give annually to the faculty/staff campaign to continue to help students who need scholarships to get through the college of pharmacy with minimal debt.

I am one of the many "GEN ONE” graduates of the college of pharmacy. I had to work my way through college, but UC and the college provided significant scholarships and tuition remission.

What message would you like to send to others about contributing?

Pay it ahead! If UC has helped in your career, you then you should "pay it forward.” You never know who you will help, but you do know the current students are the future leaders in the profession and those who will eventually be your care providers.