The educational research and leadership of Lorraine Carlson Garavalia transforming pharmacy programs nationwide.
Lorraine Carlson Garavalia, PhD, is a pioneering pharmacy educator and assessment specialist known for advancing curriculum development and innovative teaching methods. With a career spanning leadership roles at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and Western University of Health Sciences, she has significantly influenced how pharmacy students are trained through research on active learning, flipped classrooms, and educational assessment. Her work continues to shape pharmacy education nationwide, ensuring rigorous academic standards and improving student outcomes.
Facts About Lorraine Carlson Garavalia
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Lorraine Carlson Garavalia |
| Professional Name | Linda S. Garavalia, PhD |
| Profession | Pharmacy Educator and Assessment Specialist |
| Field of Expertise | Pharmacy Education, Curriculum Assessment |
| Doctorate | Educational Psychology |
| University | University of South Carolina |
| Former Position | Professor & Associate Dean for Academic Affairs |
| Institution | University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Pharmacy |
| Later Role | Professor & Associate Dean for Assessment |
| Institution | Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy |
| Research Focus | Curriculum development, active learning, educational assessment |
| Publications | 75+ academic publications |
| Citations | Over 1,300 citations in academic literature |
| Current Status (2026) | Retired faculty member, independent education consultant |
Early Education and Academic Background
Dr. Lorraine Carlson Garavalia’s academic journey began with a strong interest in education and psychology. She earned her PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of South Carolina, where she studied how people learn and how educational programs can measure learning effectively.
This background in educational psychology became the foundation of her career. Instead of focusing on clinical pharmacy practice, she specialized in educational assessment and curriculum design. Her goal was to help pharmacy schools build stronger academic programs and ensure students were truly learning the knowledge and skills required for professional practice.
Career at the University of Missouri-Kansas City
Dr. Garavalia held several key leadership positions at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, often referred to as UMKC. Between 2009 and 2015, she served as Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
In this role, Lorraine Carlson Garavalia helped guide the academic direction of the pharmacy program. She evaluated student learning outcomes, improved curriculum design, supported faculty teaching methods, and oversaw program assessment to ensure strong educational standards.
She also previously served as Assistant Dean of Assessment, where she helped develop systems to track how well students met professional learning goals. These roles allowed her to guide faculty members in using data and evidence to improve their courses.
During her time at UMKC, Dr. Garavalia also collaborated with researchers in clinical medicine and pharmacy practice. Some of her early studies focused on patient medication adherence, particularly for heart patients taking antiplatelet medications.
Joining Western University of Health Sciences
In 2015, Dr. Garavalia took on a new leadership role at the Western University of Health Sciences in California. She joined the Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy as Professor and Associate Dean for Assessment.
Dr. Lorraine Carlson Garavalia took on the role to enhance the college’s evaluation and academic quality, overseeing program assessment, learning outcomes, accreditation, and curriculum improvement.
Dr. Lorraine Carlson Garavalia was recognized for her expertise in educational assessment and taught courses in classroom assessment, research methods, psychometrics, and educational measurement.
Research Contributions in Pharmacy Education
One of Dr. Garavalia’s greatest contributions lies in her research on pharmacy education and teaching innovation. She co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles that explored new ways to improve learning in PharmD programs.
Flipped Classroom Learning
In a 2019 study published in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Dr. Garavalia and her colleagues compared traditional lectures with a flipped-classroom teaching model.
In a flipped classroom, students study learning materials before class and use class time for discussions, case studies, or problem-solving. The study found that students taught using this approach performed better on exams and assessments. However, some students still preferred traditional lectures.
Instructional Design and Learning Science
Another study published in Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning examined how instructional design models can improve teaching in professional programs.
The research applied evidence-based educational frameworks to help instructors organize lessons in ways that match how students process information. This work highlighted Dr. Garavalia’s interest in combining learning science with professional education.
Improving Pharmacokinetics Education
Pharmacokinetics, the study of how drugs move through the body, can be challenging for pharmacy students. Dr. Garavalia participated in a long-term project that redesigned a pharmacokinetics course using active-learning techniques.
Over several years, the study found that students achieved higher exam scores and deeper understanding after the course was redesigned.
Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA)
Another major focus of Dr. Garavalia’s work involved the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA). This standardized exam helps pharmacy schools evaluate how well their students are mastering key knowledge areas.
Her research focused on how pharmacy schools use PCOA results to evaluate curriculum effectiveness and interpret student performance.
Early Research in Health Outcomes
Before turning her focus to education research, Dr. Lorraine Carlson Garavalia contributed to clinical studies on patient care. Notably, she examined medication adherence in heart patients taking clopidogrel after stent placement, publishing findings in journals like Patient Preference and Adherence and the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, exploring why some patients discontinue medications and how it impacts recovery.
Teaching and Mentorship
Dr. Lorraine Carlson Garavalia was a dedicated educator, teaching research methods, classroom assessment, psychometrics, and curriculum design while helping students and faculty improve how learning is measured.
Colleagues often described her as an award-winning educator who brought both expertise and enthusiasm to the classroom. She also helped guide faculty members in designing courses that promote deeper understanding rather than simple memorization.
At WesternU, she supported innovative projects such as student-led educational programs, including initiatives like medical Spanish training for pharmacy students.
Professional Influence and Academic Impact
Dr. Garavalia’s scholarship has had a lasting impact on pharmacy education. According to academic citation records, her research has produced:
- More than 75 publications
- Over 1,300 academic citations
Her work has influenced educators across many pharmacy schools in the United States.
She has also been connected with professional organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, which supports collaboration and innovation among pharmacy educators.
Current Status and Consulting Work
As of 2026, Dr. Lorraine Carlson Garavalia has stepped away from full-time academic positions. Professional profiles indicate that she is retired from faculty roles and now works as an independent consultant in pharmacy education.
Consultants like Dr. Lorraine Carlson Garavalia help universities with curriculum evaluation, accreditation, assessment strategies, and faculty development, often utilizing frameworks similar to plan4learning.
Legacy in Pharmacy Education
The career of Lorraine Carlson Garavalia shows how educators can influence an entire profession through research, teaching, and leadership. While pharmacists work directly with patients, educators like Dr. Garavalia ensure that future pharmacists receive strong training.
Her contributions helped advance modern teaching practices such as active learning, flipped classrooms, and standardized assessment methods. These approaches continue to shape pharmacy education today.
