Focus on Faculty
March 2008
Todd Vanderah, PhD
Associate Professor,
Pharmacology
Where were you born?
I was born in Dubuque, Iowa, and moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., when
I was 12 years old.
How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?
In seventh and eighth grade I became interested in science. In
high school I enjoyed biology, but fell in love with anatomy and
physiology. I have always been very curious about how the brain
functions. Sometime around my sophomore or junior year I decided
to either go into medicine or teach science.
Tell us about your training and previous positions.
My first two years of college I went to Phoenix Community College
and received an associate's degree in biology. Next, I came to
The University of Arizona, where I took an organic chemistry class
with Dr. Eugene Mash. Due to a shortage of TAs in organic chemistry,
I was asked to teach as a student assistant for an organic chemistry
laboratory course. I received my bachelor’s degree in molecular
and cellular biology and applied for the PhD program in pharmacology/toxicology,
as well as to the MD program. I was accepted into the pharmacology/toxicology
PhD program and was posted on the waiting list for medical school. At
this time I realized that I really enjoyed basic science, research
and teaching students and tabled my decision to go to medical school.
After I earned my PhD degree with Drs. Porreca and Yamamura in
the area of novel delta opioids and pain, I worked as a post-doctoral
fellow in Denver at the University of Colorado with Dr. Adrian
Harris, who is a renowned scientist in alcohol research.
When did you join the UA faculty?
I became a research faculty member in May 1997 in pharmacology
and a tenure track assistant professor in anesthesiology in July
2000. I received a joint appointment in pharmacology and, later
in January 2003, moved my tenure track position from anesthesiology
to the Department of Pharmacology with a joint appointment in anesthesiology.
I felt that this was a better match with my research and teaching
interests. I achieved tenure in 2005 and was promoted to
associate professor.
In what ways are you engaged with the greater Arizona public?
I go to the high schools and middle schools to educate children
about drugs and drug abuse. I give lectures on chronic pain all
over Arizona to groups of pain patients and their families. I also
give lectures at other hospitals besides UMC to physicians on acute
and chronic pain as well as information on the medications used
to treat patients.
What are your primary professional interests?
My first interest is in understanding and helping people with
chronic pain by researching the plasticity of the nervous system.
Secondly, I truly enjoy teaching medical and graduate students.
I love the interactions with the students, and I enjoy it when
they get excited about learning. It is very exciting when students
really want to learn.
Why did you decide to pursue this career?
Several things have led to my pursuit in becoming a professor
of science. First of all, I am fascinated with science, especially
the human nervous system, but really all facets of science. At
my high school reunion I was remembered as the guy who wanted to
understand the brain. Second is my true enjoyment of teaching.
There is no greater reward than to help students understand difficult
but exciting concepts in science. Finally, I feel that basic science
research and teaching students is a way that I can help many, many
people around the world.
Was there a teacher or mentor who helped shape your career?
Several people have helped shape my career. The first was Dr.
Eugene Mash who taught organic chemistry and made me realize that
learning could be fun, even if it was organic chemistry. Dr. Frank
Porreca, who took me in as an undergraduate has been, and still
is, a fantastic mentor and role model in becoming a professor. In
addition, I have worked with Drs. Henry Yamamura, Philip Malan,
Victor Hruby and Josephine Lai for more than 18 years, and they
have guided me in research aspects of my career. I have also had
some of the best mentors in teaching. I have spent many hours observing
and learning from one of the best, Dr. Jack Nolte. Other great
teaching mentors include Drs. Steve Wright, Naomi Rance, Nate McMullen,
Ed French and Jeremy Payne. I have found that the best way to become
a great teacher is to observe other great teachers.
What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since
you were a student?
The biggest change I have seen is the change in our knowledge
about the neuronal plasticity and re-growth. When I was in school
we were told that the adult nervous system was very static and
did not change except for the loss of neurons. Today we know that
the adult central nervous system has the ability to change, re-grow
parts and even make new neurons.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional
work?
At the end of the day, it is all about people. As much as I like
research, I love people. That is probably the reason why I went
into teaching. I enjoy the interaction with all the different types
of students, post doctoral fellows, residents and faculty. I try
to learn and enjoy from every personal interaction I have.
What are some of your outside interests?
I have a general contractor's license and love building homes
for fun. My father built houses, so it is something that I learned
from him. I also enjoy sports, including golf, softball, snowboarding,
bike riding and working out.
If you could change one thing about the world of medicine, what
would it be?
I would ensure that good medical care is possible for everyone.
It is a shame that not all people receive adequate health care
in the 21st century.
Finally, what one (or two) piece(s) of advice would you give
to today's students?
My first piece of advice to students would be, "Do it because
you enjoy it, not because you have to do it." Going
for the "grade" is no way to learn. I discovered
that learning is facilitated and easier to retain when you ask
many questions and discuss with others. The second piece of advice
would be to take some time off and travel between your first and
second years of medical or graduate school. Traveling is
a great way to learn and experience life, as well as a way of rewarding
hard work.
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