The Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation (CPPI) is excited to welcome its newest core faculty member, Emily Gravlee, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Gravlee brings a background in health policy and health outcomes research, with a focus on access to healthcare and pharmacies, contraceptives and harm reduction services. Her research evaluates the impact of health-related legislative and regulatory interventions. 

She earned her Pharm.D. in 2020 and her Ph.D. in 2025 from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. Following her doctoral studies, she completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Southern California Mann School of Pharmacy and the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. 

When asked about her background and motivation to join the team, Dr. Gravlee shared:

"I was motivated to join CPPI because of its strong emphasis on diverse community partnerships as a means of advancing health policy. I believe that the best research is research that is responsive to our communities and their needs."

Dr. Gravlee’s research and professional goals align closely with CPPI’s mission of helping pharmacists optimize patient outcomes by integrating pharmacists into patient-centered care models.

"My goal for the future of pharmacy practice is that we're able to craft policies that ensure sustainable reimbursement for pharmacists, whether that's filling prescriptions, providing vaccines or engaging in other provider-forward services," she shared.

Looking ahead, Dr. Gravlee shared her excitement for collaboration across the school and community settings:

"I am most excited about the opportunity to learn from my colleagues, my students, and our CPPI partners. That said, I also hope to have the opportunity to create meaningful change for pharmacy practice!"

Outside of her role at VCU Pharmacy and the Center, Dr. Gravlee enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Richard, and German/Australian shepherd dog, Virginia: “We read, watch opera, and go on long walks!” 

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Gravlee!