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MISSION

The Pharmacy Addictions Research & Medicine (PhARM) Program addresses systemic barriers, inequities, and stigma related to evidence-based substance use disorder treatment and harm reduction interventions by conducting innovative research and providing education and resources informed by people with lived experience to health professionals, paraprofessionals, academics, and community members.

educational programs

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Meet The Team

FACULTY & STAFF

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Tyler Varisco, PharmD, PhD

Director

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Lindsey Loera, PharmD

Associate Director

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Jennifer Bosworth, PharmD

Associate Director

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Jenny Carrasco, MA

Program & Communications Manager

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Mona Keshavarzi, BA

Research Program Coordinator

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Kiyoung Kim, PhD, MPH

Data Analyst

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Sophia Rhoades, MSc

Implementation Associate

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Daniel Sledge, LP

Academic Detailer

Affiliate members

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Samantha Catanzano, PharmD, BCPP

Affiliate Faculty

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Carlos Tirado, MD, MPH

Medical Consultant

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Deepika Rao, PhD

Affiliate Faculty

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Claire Zagorski, MSc, LP

Affiliate Member

TRAINEES

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Brittany Herman

Research Assistant

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Marissa Johnson

Research Assistant

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Parasto Mousavi, PharmD

Graduate Research Assistant

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Research Assistant

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Edwin Rice

Research Assistant

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Abolfazl Sadeghi, PharmD, HTA, MSc

Graduate Research Assistant

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Gavin Sarabia

Marketing Student Assistant

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We're pleased to share that Dr. Tyler Varisco has officially joined us as the new Director of the PhARM Program!
 
Dr. Varisco is a registered pharmacist and trained health services researcher whose work focuses on improving the quality of care for people with a substance use disorder. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy and his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.
 
Throughout his career, Dr. Varisco has led impactful, collaborative efforts to expand access to treatment. He played a key role in developing the Pharmacy Access to Resources and Medication for OUD Practice Guideline, and currently serves as a subject matter expert for SAMHSA’s revision of Treatment Improvement Protocol 63, which guides the use of medications for opioid use disorder across the country. His research continues to shape how policy influences both patient and provider experiences in behavioral health and addiction care.
 
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Varisco into this leadership role and look forward to the expertise and vision he brings to the PhARM Program.

Leading the Way Forward: Meet Our New Director

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