Brian Tsuji Takes Helm at CU Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy with Bold 'Top Five' Vision
Key Insights
Brian Tsuji, PharmD, an internationally recognized NIH-funded clinician-scientist, assumed the deanship at the University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (search) in January.
Tsuji brings a "Dream Big" philosophy and aims to elevate the school into the top five pharmacy schools in the United States through collaborative, interdisciplinary "team science."
His research lab, relocating from the University at Buffalo, focuses on developing new therapeutics against antimicrobial-resistant "superbugs" and is supported by two large NIH R01 grants.
Brian Tsuji, PharmD, an internationally recognized clinician-scientist with two decades of NIH-funded research leadership, stepped into the role of dean of the University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (search) in January, succeeding Ralph Altiere, PhD, who served the school for over twenty years.
"Twenty years of leadership created an extraordinary foundation for this School," said Tsuji. "I am grateful for that legacy and energized by the opportunity to build upon it, chasing excellence, thinking boldly, and moving forward together."
A 'Dream Big' Philosophy Rooted in Collaboration
Tsuji's leadership is anchored in what he calls his "Dream Big" philosophy, with a unifying emphasis on the word "TOGETHER." Even before his first official day, he met with faculty, staff, and the school's marketing and communications team to articulate his vision.
"I want to think big," he said. "I envision us, our School, united and leading the way in innovation, patient care, research, and education. We are well positioned to climb as one of the most truly exceptional schools of pharmacy in the United States. We will do that TOGETHER."
On his first day, Tsuji arrived early carrying a large CCM hockey equipment bag—a nod to his identity as a self-proclaimed hockey dad—and spent the week going office to office, individually greeting each employee and delivering gifts. "My door is open, and I mean that literally," he said. "I want to meet you, hear what's working, learn where we can do better, and figure out how to build what's next."
A Career Defined by Combating Superbugs
Tsuji joins CU Anschutz from the University at Buffalo (UB), where he served as Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Sciences, Linda Edelman Endowed Chair in Experimental Therapeutics, and Head of the Division of Clinical and Translational Therapeutics. He is a Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and served as Past-President of the International Society of Antimicrobial Pharmacology.
His scientific work has focused on developing new therapeutics to combat antimicrobial-resistant "superbugs," a growing global health threat. Tsuji led the international consensus dosing guidelines for the polymyxin antibiotics (search)—guidelines now adopted by hospitals across the United States and around the world—and continues to lead two large NIH R01 grants as principal investigator.
"The most meaningful progress happens when we bring people together around a shared purpose and are willing to tackle hard problems that change the face of healthcare," Tsuji said. "Especially when the stakes are high and we can create new solutions that can directly impact patients."
Building the Next Generation of Clinician-Scientists
At the University at Buffalo, Tsuji built the Division of Clinical and Translational Therapeutics from the ground up, bringing together PharmD, PhD, and MD investigators, scientists, and students. Under his leadership, the division became one of the national leaders in translational therapeutics in NIH funding.
His commitment to training the next generation is reflected in his creation of the nation's first Master's in Clinical and Translational Therapeutics and an NIH-funded T35 training program in partnership with the UB School of Medicine—initiatives designed to break down disciplinary barriers and reimagine how clinicians and scientists are trained to work together.
"In all we do, we need to chase excellence," he said.
The Tsuji Lab: Relocating to Colorado
Part of Tsuji's Colorado story involves relocating his lab and NIH R01 grants from New York to the CU Anschutz campus. The Tsuji Lab for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics includes Research Scientist Shivali Kapoor, PhD; Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Jack Klem, PharmD/MS; PhD students Yang Liu and Lu Han; and Jimmy Tangchittsumran, PharmD student and first-year class president.
The lab develops new ways to fight bacterial resistance by combining research in antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, bacterial genetics, and translational medicine. "In our lab, we work with one goal in mind—to develop smarter, faster therapeutic solutions for patients facing some of the most difficult infections," Tsuji said. "It's about translating discovery into real hope."
A Vision for Top Five
Throughout his interview process and countless meetings with CU Anschutz leadership, faculty, and staff, Tsuji has repeated his goal: to bring the School of Pharmacy into the top five nationally. In his first 90 days, he began putting plans into action on both educational and research fronts, welcoming leaders from across the globe—from Sweden to Kentucky—to support existing leaders in the school.
"The opportunity to enhance and support our amazing faculty is how we will dream big," he said. "The concrete foundation is set, and I can't wait for our climb to tell the 'Colorado Story.'"
Tsuji closed his address at the school's staff and faculty retreat with two words that encapsulate his approach: "MAXimum HOPE"—a term coined after his 14-year-old son Max and 17-year-old daughter Hope. "MAXimum HOPE comes from combining bold science with human connection," he told the school. "When we work together, across disciplines, roles, and ideas, we create the momentum needed to move our School forward and improve lives."