Dawn Knudsen Gerber

Dawn Knudsen Gerber, Pharm.D., serves as Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Midwestern University College of Pharmacy – Glendale while concurrently directing Education & Professional Development for the Arizona Pharmacy Association. With two decades of academic experience and 17 years as an Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Banner Health Center, she bridges clinical practice and education through leadership in PGY2 Geriatric Pharmacy Residency programs.

Education:

• Pharm.D., Drake University (2004)
• Pharmacy Practice Residency (Ambulatory Care emphasis), Creighton University Medical Center

Research Focus: Dr. Gerber's work critically examines geriatric pharmacotherapy safety, herbal product integration, and political advocacy frameworks. Her investigations into bisphosphonate fracture patterns reveal systemic gaps in postmarket surveillance, while her scholarship on soft skills underscores communication's pivotal role in senior care outcomes. This dual emphasis on medication safety and professional development defines her scholarly identity.

Publication Trends: Recent work (2022-2024) demonstrates evolving focus from pharmacovigilance methodology toward educational innovation, particularly in geriatric communication competencies. Both articles originate from The Senior Care Pharmacist, reflecting specialized contribution to geriatric pharmacy discourse.

Scientific Recognition:

• Gerontologist of the Year (Arizona Geriatrics Society)
• Fellow, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
• Fellow, Arizona Pharmacy Association
• Multiple AzPA leadership awards

Mentorship & Leadership: As preceptor for APPE rotations and PGY2 Geriatric Residency programs, she cultivates next-generation pharmacists through courses like Complementary & Alternative Medicine and Political Advocacy. Her dual institutional roles enable unique integration of academic training with statewide professional development initiatives through AzPA.

Professional Infrastructure: Directs Midwestern's PGY2 Geriatric Residency program while architecting continuing education frameworks for the Arizona Pharmacy Association, creating synergistic pathways between academic training and professional practice advancement.