UMSOP and CVS Health Collaborate to Boost Pharmacy Workforce and Advance Innovation

Collaboration includes support for UMSOP’s work in AI and expanded experiential learning opportunities for students.

By Pam Carder
January 20, 2026

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) and CVS Health have launched a multi-faceted initiative designed to strengthen pharmacy education, enhance patient care, and foster innovation in community pharmacy. The multi-year agreement will support UMSOP in exploring and launching an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven pharmacy initiative and experiential learning opportunities for UMSOP students across CVS Health.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to transforming community pharmacy practice,” said Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, PharmD, MS, professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research (P-SHOR) and associate dean for clinical services and practice transformation. “The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and CVS Health are working collaboratively to create community pharmacy environments where pharmacists can practice at the top of their training. By combining the School’s strengths with the national reach of CVS Health, we have the potential to make a meaningful impact across the profession.”

As part of the artificial intelligence (AI) component, UMSOP faculty and students will explore how AI can enhance operational efficiency in pharmacies, improve patient health outcomes, and reduce unnecessary health care costs.

CVS Health’s support of this initiative will help advance UMSOP’s expertise in data analysis, innovative pharmacy program implementation, and show how AI can augment – rather than replace – the pharmacist’s role by streamlining workflow, enabling more meaningful clinical interventions, and advancing chronic disease management. “This is where our innovation ecosystem truly shines,” Rodriguez de Bittner said. “The potential impact on patient care and health-system performance is significant.”

The work also expands experiential learning opportunities at CVS Health locations through UMSOP’s Experiential Learning Program. Students will gain exposure to the full spectrum of CVS Health operations, including community practice, managed care, corporate functions, and call-center environments.

“We want every student to understand the diversity of careers available within community pharmacy,” Rodriguez de Bittner said. “Students will gain real-world experiences that prepare them to lead, innovate, and shape the future of patient care.”

“We’re excited to work with UMSOP to prepare future generations of pharmacists and to help inspire more students to choose a career in community pharmacy for the important impact it has on public health,” said Lucille Accetta, RPh, MPH, MBA, chief pharmacy officer, CVS Health. “Through our support of UMSOP’s innovative AI work and new learning opportunities for student pharmacists, together we are strengthening the future of pharmacy practice.”

“This partnership highlights what is possible when academic and corporate leaders unite around shared goals,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “Together with CVS Health, we are creating innovative pathways for workforce development and exploring new technologies, including AI, that elevate the role of the pharmacist and improve patient care. This effort highlights the School’s commitment to community pharmacy transformation”

Rodriguez de Bittner emphasized that the collaboration is just beginning. “We see endless possibilities ahead. This initiative represents a multi-year commitment to working together, bringing our institutions’ strengths to bear on some of the greatest challenges facing community pharmacy today.”

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