Infectious Diseases Pharmacist Lorena Gonzalez Joins PPTR as Clinical Assistant Professor

June 27 — The University of Houston College of Pharmacy recently welcomed Lorena Gonzalez, Pharm.D., BCPS, as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research and the Rio Grande Valley Pharm.D. Satellite Program.

Gonzalez also serves as a clinical pharmacist at DHR Health in Edinburg, Texas, where she specializes in internal medicine and infectious diseases and co-leads the institution’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee. She also serves as an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) preceptor and DHR Health residency program coordinator, providing advanced clinical training to both pharmacy students and postgraduate residents, respectively.

Gonzalez earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy and completed a PGY-1 pharmacy residency at DHR Health. During her residency, she participated in the Texas A&M Academic Training Program and delivered didactic lectures to pharmacy students and medical residents across a wide range of topics, including antimicrobial therapy and pharmacokinetics.

Her clinical and research interests include antimicrobial stewardship, internal medicine, transitions of care, and science of teaching and learning. Gonzalez has collaborated on several studies assessing the clinical and economic impact of pharmacist-led interventions in hospital settings. Her work has been presented at professional conferences such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting and the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists Alcalde Conference, with topics ranging from IV opioid safety in renally impaired patients to Clostridioides difficile treatment patterns.

Gonzalez holds multiple advanced certifications, including board certification in pharmacotherapy (BCPS) and credentials in emergency medicine, academic training, and antimicrobial stewardship. Gonzalez was recognized with the 2025 Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award by the Rangel College of Pharmacy for her leadership in clinical pharmacy practice, research and education.

— Naqiyah Kantawala