Bethany DiPaula

Bethany DiPaula is a Professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research (P-SHOR) at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. She serves as Director of the University of Maryland Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program and holds dual roles as a board-certified psychiatric pharmacist with inpatient/outpatient practices in psychiatry and substance abuse. Dr. DiPaula completed her PharmD and psychiatric pharmacy residency at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

Research & Clinical Focus: Her work centers on psychiatry, substance abuse treatment, and comorbidity management. Notable initiatives include pioneering collaborative Suboxone maintenance clinics in suburban health departments and community health centers, optimizing care through pharmacist-physician partnerships. She has developed protocols to reduce treatment costs and diversion risks while improving patient outcomes through structured care models.

Education & Residency Leadership: DiPaula oversees the psychiatric pharmacy residency program, training residents like Rebecca Waite, Darren Freeman, and Sheryl Thedford. Her educational contributions include curriculum development to address stigma toward mental illness and advancing experiential learning in substance dependence care.

Clinical Practice: She practices at Springfield Hospital Center and Howard County Health Department, integrating pharmacy services with mental health/substance abuse counseling teams. Her work at People’s Community Health Center demonstrated cost savings through pharmacist-led medication management for psychiatric and Suboxone-maintained patients.