Pharmacology and Toxicology

Message from the Department Chair:

Welcome to the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology!!  

Our vision is to be nationally recognized as leaders of excellence in pharmacological and toxicological research and scholarship, with the ultimate goal of improving human health. Furthermore, to be acknowledged as a key institution for the training of graduate students interested in the field of pharmacology and toxicology, who have the potential to be employed in Academia or Industry.  

Our mission is to expand our strengths in all areas of pharmacology; strengthen the education of pharmacology concepts for our graduate, medical, and pharmacology students; expand the research capabilities and encourage the creative pursuit of external funding through new and innovative projects; and become an outstanding source of information on pharmacology research, education and drug action for professionals and the broader community.

Since its establishment as part of the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences, the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology has been illustrious for being a well-rounded division with a strong commitment to bringing scientific, clinical, and educational excellence. The field of pharmacology and toxicology comprises numerous diverse concepts. It spams from the basic mechanisms of drug receptor interaction and drug discovery to the effects, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. It also includes the analysis of the therapeutic and adverse effects that these agents have on the human body. Consequently, the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology integrates a diversity of basic and translational scientific investigations across the campus, to be able to meet the standards of our students, providing a unique foundation that promotes the development of new therapeutic approaches. The Department has continuously met with the strategic missions of the School of Medicine. Part of our task has been to provide a dynamic and diverse environment that fosters innovative research knowledge in basic, clinical, and therapeutic pharmacology. Our department has been also renowned for promoting strong evidence-based teaching and training for our students.  

Our faculty members are committed to the excellence of their respective educational areas. Their research interests are mainly focused in the following areas: (1) molecular and clinical aspects of head and neck cancer, (3) modulation of neurotransmitter uptake and release in epilepsy, (4) phytotherapy, (5) cellular and molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular disease, (6) chemical carcinogenesis, (7) toxicology and risk assessment, (8) oxidative damage and repair in age-related diseases, and (9) molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance and cognitive impairment in people living with HIV. Our faculty is also engaged in research interdisciplinary studies in collaboration with other departments and institutions. 

We invite you to explore our webpage and visit our department, especially during the annual Open House!!

 

Yamil Gerena, PhD
Chair