Pharmacists play a major role in the research and understanding of neurological issues. For Jacci Bainbridge, PharmD, FCCP, clinical care neurology pharmacy is more than just prescriptions, it’s about advancing research and shaping the future of patient care through understanding and innovation.
As a clinical pharmacy specialist at the UCHealth Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion Neurology Clinic and a Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Bainbridge has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for patients with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease. Bainbridge recently received a grant to advance research on how cannabis may help patients with restless leg syndrome. Her work pushes groundbreaking research into clinical trials, offering hope for patients facing some of the most challenging neurological disorders.
"Neurology has really exploded in terms of pharmaceutical care and devices. We're learning so much more about these conditions, and there are so many more therapies. There are also more drug interactions to really be teased out and make sure we're keeping patient out of harm, keeping them out of the hospital and preventing adverse effects."
Clinical research is a cornerstone of Bainbridge’s work. She has led and collaborated on NIH-funded trials investigating therapies for Parkinson’s disease, along with studies focused on epilepsy and MS management. Beyond the research, Bainbridge's work is driven by something deeper; passion and a commitment to patients who often feel unheard. " This work is so important to me because of my passion," she said. "There are voices out there, people who need to be heard. Something needs to be done; I want to change that and bring what we have figured out would work to a more global market."
As personalized medicine and technology advance, the potential for pharmacists in neurology continues to grow. For Bainbridge, her mission continues, fueled by her passion for driving research forward through clinical trials to improve patient care. For students considering pharmacy, her work proves that a Doctor of Pharmacy degree can lead to a career that is both meaningful and impactful. "I would encourage students and pharmacists to do what they want to do," she said. "Don't let people tell you no, it's the 'I can't' that I usually change to 'I can.'"
There are multiple ways to connect with Dr. Bainbridge to learn more about her career in clinical care neurology:
- Dec 17: Follow @CUPharmacy Instagram account and submit your AMA questions to Dr. Bainbridge
- Dec 18: Watch for Dr. Bainbridge's answers to your Instagram questions.
Clinical Care Neurology is just one of the specialties that you can pursue with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from CU Anschutz School of Pharmacy.
Learn more about Pharmacy Careers here.
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