The University of Washington School of Pharmacy community remembers Vincent de Paul “Paul” Burkhart, a respected pharmacy leader, educator and mentor, who passed away July 15, 2026, at the age of 89.
Burkhart joined the University of Washington in 1982 as director of pharmacy services at UW and Harborview hospitals. Throughout his career, he helped shape the professional lives of generations of pharmacy students and residents, leaving a lasting impression through his leadership, generosity and commitment to mentorship.
Retired UW School of Pharmacy Professor Doug Black, who first met Burkhart as a young PharmD student and resident in 1982, remembers a mentor whose influence extended well beyond the classroom.
“Paul taught me the value of patience, the importance of listening, and, perhaps most importantly, the meaning of humility,” Black recalled. “He exemplified professionalism in every sense of the word.”
Lingtak-Neander Chan, Associate Dean for Pharmacy Professional Education, similarly remembers Burkhart’s commitment to helping young pharmacists grow. “As residency program director, he always spent time with the residents and fostered their professional development,” Chan recalled. “He encouraged trainees to explore through curiosity and inquiry while always ensured that we did not forget the real issues.”
For Black, that mentorship became a defining part of his career. Burkhart gave him his first job in pharmacy practice and later helped guide his transition into academia. “His support for me, as well as for his many other students and residents, was unwavering,” Black said. “More than four decades later, Paul remains one of the classiest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.”
Following his retirement in 1999, Burkhart pursued his passion for painting, exhibiting his work throughout Arizona and remaining active in his community.