Department of Pharmacy Practice : Curtis D. Black

Dr. Black entered the graduate program in Clinical Pharmacy at Purdue University after receiving his B.S. in Pharmacy degree from The University of Toledo in 1974. He received his Master of Science degree in 1976, concurrently completing an ASHP-accredited residency in Hospital Pharmacy at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. Dr. Black then continued his educational pursuits receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacy in 1978. His doctoral dissertation studying the effects of dextrose, amino acids and electrolytes on the stability of intravenous lipid emulsions, was the first published research that profiled the relative stability and safety of what now is commonly known as "3-in-1 admixtures" for the provision of parenteral nutrition.

Dr. Black began his academic career as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at Purdue, joining a young cadre of instructors assigned to a new curricular program known as "clinical clerkship." He established a practice at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lafayette as part of that teaching program. Additionally, Dr. Black continued his research endeavors by collaborating with faculty in the School of Foods & Nutrition, studying the influence of specific nutrient regimens on tumor growth. That work has since branched to investigative studies with cancer in both experimental models and human systems, including current research evaluating the development and effect of tumor vaccines on the outcome of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In all, Dr. Black has over 50 publications, four monographs and one book chapter highlighting his scholarly endeavors.

A hallmark of Dr. Black’s career is pursuing new initiatives through collaborative efforts in teaching, research and practice. Such collaborations early in his career led to the development of experiential training sites in affiliated institutions (outside of the Indiana University Medical Center) throughout Indiana. More recently, these collaborations have led to partnerships with organizations such as the Kroger Corporation, to establish community pharmacy residency programs. In the classroom, Dr. Black partnered with Dr. Peter Heinstein at Purdue to develop an elective course in Clinical Laboratory Medicine; a resource that served as a foundational course for Purdue’s non-traditional Pharm.D. program. At The University of Toledo, Dr. Black partnered with Dr. Richard Hudson, a professor of medicinal chemistry, to a develop a three-part monograph on biotechnology and its implications for pharmacy practice. This series is in its second edition and is used as a course resource in pharmacy colleges throughout the US. Working with departmental colleagues, Dr. Black developed courses both in Professional Practice Development and in Pharmaceutics, the latter with a focus on applications of pharmaceutical principles for contemporary compounding. He also worked with colleagues from the three other colleges of pharmacy in Ohio to establish a pathway and courseware for non-traditional Pharm.D. programs. These efforts have been reflected in two "Outstanding Teacher Awards" from the College of Pharmacy and an Outstanding University Professor Award from the University of Toledo in 1997. Dr. Black also has been selected by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education to serve for fourteen consecutive years as an accreditation team member for professional programs in pharmacy. He was selected as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Toledo in 1997, and of Purdue University in 2002.

Dr. Black’s penchant for implementing new ideas and for collaboration, also has led to many leadership opportunities. At Purdue, Dr. Black was Associate Head of the Pharmacy Practice Department from 1986 until his departure in 1990. He also served as local chapter president of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, as State President of the Indiana Nutrition Council, and as president of the Purdue Men’s Bowling League. He joined the faculty at The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy as Merck Professor of Clinical Pharmacy in May 1990, and currently serves as Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Chair, of the Department of Pharmacy Practice. At Toledo, Dr. Black has served as the local chapter president of Sigma Xi, as chapter secretary of Phi Kappa Phi, as an Executive Committee member of the Faculty Senate, as National President of Rho Chi, the Pharmacy honor society, and as president of the UT Faculty Bowling League. Dr. Black also co-chaired a faculty and staff capital campaign that raised $1.3 million for University programs and scholarships.