The department is home to a community of researchers, students and faculty who strive to improve the treatment of medical disorders through a better understanding of the pharmacology of agents and by developing safer and more effective drugs.  Currently ranked thirteenth among National Institutes of Health-funded pharmacology and toxicology programs in the U.S., the department has educated alumni who have gone on to distinguished careers in government, academia and the private sector as researchers, educators, and consultants. The work our students do at VCU and beyond has the potential to improve the health and well-being of people all over the world.