Downs Dedicates His Career to Educating About Substance Use Disorder

Editor's note: This article was written prior to University of the Sciences' merger with and into Saint Joseph's University and does not reflect the current, combined institution. References to programs, offices, colleges, employees, etc., may be historical information.

A well-respected professor of clinical pharmacy with more than 48 years at University of the Sciences, George E. Downs PharmD’72 has dedicated his career to educating student pharmacists about the prevention of substance abuse and the role of a pharmacist in helping those with substance use disorders (SUD). Dr. Downs became a faculty member in 1972, eventually working his way up to Dean of the college, a role he held for 10 years before returning to the faculty.

In 2019, Dr. Downs was named the title of Linwood F. Tice Professor of Pharmacy, an honor given to a member of the Pharmacy faculty that has long-standing accomplishments, service, and scholarly activity.

Dr. Downs serves on the Board of Directors of SARPH, the impaired pharmacists program in Pennsylvania and has been an advocate for student pharmacists living with SUD. He works to educate pharmacy students about SUD to develop their understanding and awareness.