Jeanine P. Abrons, PharmD, a senior co-director at the University of Iowa, is a distinguished expert in global health and underserved care. She brings a wealth of experience to her role, training students in health care practices, conducting impactful research, and managing program operations. Through her efforts, she addresses the needs of diverse communities, advocates for policy change, and develops innovative resources to advance the pharmacy field. Her career reflects a steadfast focus on improving health care equity and fostering collaboration among health professionals.
Dr. Abrons’ academic foundation is both extensive and impressive. She earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University and followed this with two Master of Science degrees—one in social and administrative sciences and another in health professions and related clinical sciences—both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also completed coursework in entrepreneurial studies at the University of Iowa, showcasing her dedication to interdisciplinary learning. Her education has been complemented by numerous certifications, including implicit bias training, diversity and inclusion in organizational excellence, and specialized training in cultural intelligence, all of which enhance her ability to address complex health care challenges.
Throughout her career at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Dr. Abrons has excelled in various capacities. In addition to her current role, she is a clinical associate professor and co-director of the University of Iowa Mobile Clinics, which provides vital services to underserved populations. She also directs international student pharmacist activities, demonstrating her focus on preparing the next generation of pharmacists for a globalized world. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her work as an owner and consultant pharmacist through Travel Medica, bridging academic and professional practice to address patient care and safety.
Dr. Abrons’ career highlights include receiving the prestigious Pinnacle Award for career achievement and being named International Pharmacist of the Year. These accolades recognize her contributions to medication safety and her ability to inspire transformative change within the pharmacy profession. As the sole recipient of these awards in Iowa, she exemplifies the impact of dedication, innovation, and leadership on both local and national levels. Her influence extends beyond the classroom and clinic through her involvement in professional organizations and her dedication to pharmacy literature. She has served on editorial boards, including Pharmacy Times and the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, and contributed as a writer for Pharmacists Peripheral Brain. Her work reflects her passion for translating complex health care issues into accessible resources that empower practitioners and patients.
Health advocacy has been a central focus of Dr. Abrons’ life. Growing up in a small town, she sincerely appreciated the importance of equitable health care access. This perspective has shaped her career, as she consistently prioritizes community-specific solutions over one-size-fits-all approaches. She begins each project with a customizable framework, tailoring it to the unique needs of the populations she serves. Her approach to ethical, patient-centered care ensures that every effort aligns with the values of compassion and respect. Dr. Abrons attributes her success to her tenacity, innovative thinking, and openness to learning from diverse sources and disciplines. She credits her mentors and entrepreneurial training programs with helping her develop her ideas and effectively communicate them to broader audiences. Her ability to pivot and adapt in challenging situations reflects her resilience and drive to improve continually.
Besides her professional achievements, Dr. Abrons values her role as a community member and mentor. She cherishes the opportunity to travel with her children, sharing experiences that inspire their aspirations and broaden their understanding of the world. She also takes pride in fostering strong, lasting relationships with her students, many of whom she considers colleagues and friends as they advance in their careers. Her belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship shapes her interactions with others.
Dr. Abrons is also dedicated to personal growth and wellness. Her interest in martial arts, including tai chi and taekwondo, underscores her focus on balance and resilience. Coaching youth soccer allows her to engage with community development while inspiring the next generation. Looking ahead, Dr. Abrons aims to expand her impact globally and locally by developing resources, creating toolkits, and publishing materials that unite pharmacy practitioners and health care professionals. She envisions a future driven by collaboration, innovation, and improved health care outcomes worldwide. Her forward-thinking approach and expertise in education and publishing positions her as a leader in transforming the pharmacy profession.
In all aspects of her work and life, Dr. Abrons strives to be remembered as a compassionate professional, an ethical leader, and a kind soul. Her holistic approach to health care and dedication to fostering collaboration and equity ensure that her contributions resonate far beyond the present. She remains an inspiring figure in pharmacy and health care, shaping the field with innovation, empathy, and excellence.