Interview with Marilyn K. Speedie

Abstract

Dr. Speedie begins part one of her interview by describing her early life and educational background. She reflects on her undergraduate education at Purdue University, discussing her early experiences working in community pharmacies and her exposure to laboratory research. She briefly discusses her time in graduate school and reflects on her return to Oregon following graduation. She discusses her move to Baltimore, as well as her becoming assistant professor and department head at the University of Maryland. Dr. Speedie then reflects on being recruited to the University of Minnesota. She discusses the appeal of an administrative position, as well as her ongoing interest in teaching and research. She reflects on the chaotic state of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy upon her arrival, the mentorship she received, and the openness of the pharmacy profession to women. Dr. Speedie then discusses some of the College’s more famous research projects, including investigations into epilepsy, HIV, and opioids. She then details the founding of the Rural Health School and the impetus behind the Duluth expansion. She concludes by comparing revisions made to the College of Pharmacy curriculum in 1995 and 2013 and by reflecting on faculty responses to those changes. Dr. Speedie begins part two of her interview by offering some additional comments about curricular design and the contributions of specific people to that project. She then reflects on changes in pharmacy practice in the mid 2000s, describing the significance of medication therapy management (MTM), collaborative practice, and pharmaceutical care. She then discusses the changing status of the Pharm.D. degree. Dr. Speedie then reflects on the founding and vision behind the Doctor of Pharmacy Program for Practicing Pharmacists (DP4). She then describes the relationship between academic and practicing pharmacists and discusses Dr. Lawrence Weaver’s role in bridging these groups. She discusses the significance of the Center for Leading Health Care Change and the Academic Health Center (AHC). She briefly reflects on the difficulties involved with connecting the College of Pharmacy and Fairview Health Services and with securing physical space for the College. Dr. Speedie concludes by commenting on her position as the first female dean and on the future of pharmacy enrollments.