Jonathan Watanabe

Dr. Jonathan Watanabe serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy. A board-certified geriatrics pharmacist and health policy investigator, he leads strategic initiatives in medication optimization, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical workforce development.

• Education:
  • BS - University of Washington
  • PharmD - University of Southern California
  • MS - University of Washington
  • PhD - University of Washington

His research focuses on real-world evidence application for policy formulation, with particular emphasis on polypharmacy, medication safety, and opioid use disorder treatment. Current work examines GLP-1 receptor agonist utilization trends and anticholinergic burden consequences in aging populations.

Dr. Watanabe's recent publications demonstrate expertise in diabetes pharmacotherapy, geriatric drug safety, and health policy analysis, with methodological strengths in pragmatic clinical trials and real-world data implementation.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Peter P. Lamy Memorial Lecture Award (2021)
  • PhRMA Foundation Value Assessment Challenge Award (2020)
  • National Academy of Medicine Emerging Leaders Scholar (2018-2021)
  • Distinguished Fellow, Get the Medications Right Institute (2019-present)

As a NASEM committee member, he shapes national policies on drug evaluation and pharmacy practice transformation. His clinical expertise spans PACE programs, long-term care, and consultant pharmacy services.