Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Leah Hollon – MS PharmSci Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare

The University of Cincinnati’s MS Pharmacy Science: Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare program boasts an esteemed faculty. Among them, Dr. Leah Hollon is known for making an impact both inside and outside the classroom.

As an Adjunct Assistant Professor, Dr. Hollon instructs pharmacy students on the nuances of a cutting-edge field: pharmacogenomics. She also serves as the CEO, Founder, and Naturopathic Doctor at Richmond Natural Medicine. We were lucky enough to speak with Dr. Hollon about her background in pharmacogenomics, her newly published book, and her time at UC.

What Is Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare?

UC’s online Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare program takes a patient-first approach to pharmaceuticals and genomics—the study of human genes. By studying how our genes influence our response to specific medications and drug therapies, pharmacogenomics professionals can improve patient care.

Through their coursework, students learn how to utilize pharmacogenomics alongside other factors to determine each patient’s ideal drug and dosage. These topics come into play within drug development, cancer therapy, and even food digestion. Another important aspect of the program is the emphasis on Precision Medicine, which keeps individuality at the forefront of treatment.

The program is highly customizable, allowing students to focus on pharmacogenomics or complete a drug development or pharmacy leadership track. Typical coursework for the program includes:

• Metabolism, Molecular Biology, and Pharmacogenomics
• Human Genetics
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
• Drug Development
• Clinical Application of Pharmacogenetics

Prevention, Education, and Advocacy

Dr. Hollon’s story begins in Richmond, VA, where she grew up. After earning her undergraduate degree in psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, she later pursued her MPH through their School of Medicine. After noticing a lack of prevention occurring in other disciplines of medicine, combined with her grandfather’s cancer diagnosis, Dr. Hollon developed a passion for these areas. She became especially interested in how environmental factors could impact illness, as well as additional ways to reduce suffering and prevent disease.

“I deeply believe in prevention, which is what led me to gain my MPH and later pursue naturopathic medicine,” Dr. Hollon says. “Some of the core principles include ‘doctor as teacher,’ that the body has the ability to heal, and that prevention is imperative. I wanted patients to be the driver in their own health and serve as an educator and supporter in their healing process.”

Dr. Hollon describes her role as “similar to Sherlock Holmes.” Many of her patients have rare diseases, autoimmune diseases, or cancer, and they’ve experienced limited success or responded unfavorably to traditional therapies. In her naturopathic practice, Dr. Hollon investigates the underlying causes of illness and treatment options that require the least amount of intervention.

“So many times, we can reduce suffering,” she explains, “and in some cases, there are curative options. The field of pharmacogenomics and even nutrigenomics has allowed us to put these understandings into tangible results for their medical team where patients are met more compassionately and also finally believed. So, in many cases I have served as an advocate for my patients.”

Dr. Hollon’s Teaching Philosophy

Given Dr. Hollon’s passion for sharing information and educating her patients, it’s no wonder she also excels as an instructor. Her personal philosophy that guides her teaching is: “Be an instrument of learning and love. Shine bright.”

At the heart of Dr. Hollon’s teaching is the idea that each individual has different needs. Because of this, patients can’t all be treated the same way. “So many patients fail pharmacotherapy,” she says. “Due to this, they are often turned away or dismissed because some doctors feel that they are difficult patients, or they tend to minimize their symptoms. The patient is left feeling that there is something wrong with them, or they are flawed. Pharmacogenomics is the science that I believe will allow doctors to truly have more freedom to better care for patients.”

Dr. Hollon finds that students learn best through cases, which can often make difficult concepts more understandable. Her daily interactions with patients ensure that she’s constantly learning and can bring those discoveries to the classroom. “I want my students to think outside the box and use their creativity,” she says. “This is how we push the confines of science to learn more.”

When asked to share a meaningful experience with her students, Dr. Hollon spoke warmly of many who are drawn to the program through personal experiences. “Some students come into the program due to their own stories—including their own health challenges or their own family challenges. They want to try to heal themselves or their families, and they want to understand what has led to adverse outcomes from drug therapy. They are curious and want to give back to others through their profession and future career.”

An Impact Outside the Classroom

By putting her teachings into practice, Dr. Hollon stays busy outside of the classroom. Prior to starting her own practice, she worked at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP). She instructed within a variety of areas, such as gastroenterology, women’s medicine, special populations, integrative medicine, and pharmacognosy. In founding Richmond Natural Medicine (RNM), Dr. Hollon hoped to bring prevention, healing, and empowerment back to her home community.

“I see patients with dire health conditions, and many have had significant healing,” Dr. Hollon says. Her work often illustrates how drug therapy can assist in treatment or worsen a patient’s health condition. “What is a miracle for one could be a poison for another. This bond and relationship between pharmacy and naturopathic medicine lets me help many individuals.” Furthermore, this allows Dr. Hollon to “provide true cases of drug failure and drug success within pharmacogenomics” in her curriculum.

From Patient Care to Published

Additionally, Dr. Hollon recently published a book entitled Unwinding the Imprints of Disease: Transforming Intergenerational and Transgenerational Trauma. She describes it as a “culmination” of both her patient care and teaching experiences. Dr. Hollon’s book highlights the impact of epigenetics in “how trauma can be passed down within the lineage.” These traumas can then cause physical, therapy-resistant illnesses without an immediately obvious explanation.

“Within science,” Dr. Hollon says, “we now have true backing and evidence of how the unresolved trauma of our ancestors can be passed on through epigenetics. This includes specific receptors, hormones, DNA, RNA, and even non-coding RNA, and it occurs through the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. I wanted to truly show that, when individuals don’t respond to typical therapies, it may be due to an imprint of the past. Epigenetics mirrors beautifully what I teach at Cincinnati and, more importantly, what I see day-in and day-out with patient care. I wanted to show that there are ways of healing, and that healing may be deeper than just a pill.”

The UC Online Difference

Dr. Hollon prioritizes accessibility in her courses, making them a prime example of where UC’s online programs shine. “We are in a different world, and we each have different learning styles and busy schedules,” she explains. “I work to provide various avenues for accessibility to the knowledge of epigenetics and nutrigenomics, as it can be a tad daunting.” This is just one of the many ways that an online degree program can change your life.

By making sure that her courses are flexible, accessible, and rigorous, Dr. Hollon provides a high-quality education to students from all walks of life—whether they are working full-time or raising a family. “I care about my students, but I also expect them to do the work.” Combined with an asynchronous online format, it is easier than ever to balance these educational goals with a hectic schedule.

Words of Wisdom

Dr. Hollon offers encouraging advice to students considering the pharmacogenomics program—particularly those who will also be maintaining their careers, families, and other commitments while in school:

“You are embarking into a field that is cutting-edge,” she says. “You must have an inquisitive mind and dedicate ample time. We all have responsibilities, but when you are passionate about a field, the time goes by quickly. It is a rewarding field, but you do have to do the work. Pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics are used every day in my patient care, and my patients wouldn’t be as healthy without this knowledge. It is a huge opportunity. and one that all of us are grateful for.”

Interested in Learning More? Contact UC Today and Learn How Online Education Makes a Difference

We can’t thank Dr. Hollon enough for sharing her story with us. Her inspiring background in both education and patient care shows that UC’s online pharmacy students are in excellent hands.

If you’re motivated to study under Dr. Hollon and other nationally recognized faculty members, then consider applying for the Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare master’s program! Equipped with a world-class online education, you can change lives by providing individualized, pharmacogenomic-informed care.

Still have questions? Your personalized Enrollment Advisor is here to help. While pursuing an online degree is intimidating, UC’s online staff is dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible.