Interview with Albert I. Wertheimer

Abstract

Dr. Wertheimer begins his interview by describing his early life and educational background. He reflects on his undergraduate education at the University of Buffalo and on his choice to pursue a career in pharmacy. He discusses his interest in marketing and his pursuit of an M.B.A. at Buffalo. Dr. Wertheimer then discusses his decision to pursue a Ph.D. in pharmacy at Purdue University. He describes his time working as a hospital pharmacist in Lafayette, Indiana and as a community pharmacist in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Wertheimer discusses his path post-graduation, reflecting on his time as assistant professor at SUNY Buffalo and on his work with the Social Security Administration. He then describes the circumstances surrounding his move to the University of Minnesota and his attraction to the Twin Cities. Dr. Wertheimer reflects on his early years in the College of Pharmacy, the mentorship of Dean Lawrence Weaver, the significance of the Academic Health Center (AHC), and the emergence of the Pharm.D. degree. He then discusses the history of the Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy describing its origin and development, ensuing turf battles, as well as notable faculty and alumni. He also discusses the founding and development of the Kellogg program. Dr. Wertheimer reflects on the growth of clinical pharmacy, shifts in promotion and tenure procedures, and changes to the pharmacy curriculum. He then discusses his experience as a community pharmacy owner, as well as changes in the interaction between pharmacists and patients. He also reflects on his roles as Vice President for First Health Services Corporation and as Director of Outcomes Research and Management for Merck and Company. Dr. Wertheimer then discusses changes in the leadership of the UMN College of Pharmacy and his activities as director of graduate studies. He describes his departure from UMN and reflects on how the College of Pharmacy compares to other educational institutions. He concludes by commenting on more recent developments in the college and by reflecting on his relationship with Dean Lawrence Weaver.