College of Pharmacy welcomes Aaron Cook as associate professor

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 29, 2024) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) is delighted to announce the addition of Aaron Cook, PharmD, BCCCP, as an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science. Cook’s extensive experience in neurocritical care and critical care pharmacotherapy will significantly enrich the department’s education, research, and patient care initiatives.

Cook, an alumnus of UKCOP, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2000. He completed both his PGY1 pharmacy practice residency and PGY2 critical care specialty residency at UK HealthCare, where he served as chief resident and received the Resident of the Year and Impact Awards. He later served as the residency program director (RPD) for the PGY1 pharmacy residency in acute care at UK HealthCare for over a decade. During his tenure, he oversaw the training of more than 100 residents, with nearly half achieving at least one research publication and three-quarters having at least one peer-reviewed publication. He was instrumental in launching a new PGY1 ambulatory care program and led three successful accreditation surveys.

Since 2004, Cook has been affiliated with UKCOP as an adjunct faculty member, teaching advanced pharmacotherapy and introductory critical care courses. "Returning to the UK College of Pharmacy is both an honor and a responsibility," he said. "The College has a profound legacy in advancing pharmacy education and patient care, and I am excited to contribute to its mission."

Cook's research portfolio is extensive, focusing on critical care facets such as neurotrauma and pharmacokinetics, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters to his credit. His scholarly work emphasizes the acute response to injury and includes significant contributions to multi-center studies.

Among his numerous accolades, Cook was honored as UKCOP Preceptor of the Year in 2022 and Mentor of the Year by the Kentucky Society of Health-System Pharmacists in 2018. He holds fellowships with the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the Neurocritical Care Society, and the Kentucky Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Cook to our faculty," said David Burgess, PharmD, chair of Pharmacy Practice and Science. "His extensive experience and dedication to advancing neurocritical care pharmacotherapy will greatly benefit our students, faculty, and the broader healthcare community. We look forward to his contributions to our educational and research initiatives."

Cook’s appointment reflects the College’s commitment to recruiting top-tier faculty leaders. His expertise and vision will help prepare the next generation of pharmacy professionals and advance the field of pharmacy practice.

Cook resides in Lexington with his spouse, fellow alumna Terri Suffoletta Cook, PharmD, and their children. His appointment officially begins on August 1, 2024.