Dr. Wendy St. Peter stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of pharmaceutical nephrology, bringing decades of experience and profound expertise to the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. Her journey, marked by significant contributions to medication therapy management and drug safety for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), showcases a career dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field. This profile explores the impactful career of Dr. Wendy St. Peter, highlighting her educational background, clinical practice, research endeavors, and professional affiliations.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Dr. St. Peter’s academic journey culminated in a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Texas and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She further solidified her expertise through a fellowship in adult medicine at the same institution. This rigorous training laid the groundwork for her subsequent roles in clinical practice and academia. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. St. Peter honed her clinical skills at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. For several years, she provided direct medication therapy management for patients undergoing dialysis and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), gaining invaluable practical experience in this specialized area.
Leadership in Pharmacy Education and Research
In 1997, Dr. St. Peter moved into academic leadership, serving as Associate Dean and Director of the Division of Professional Education at the College of Pharmacy until 2000. This role showcased her commitment to shaping the next generation of pharmacists. Her dedication to research became even more prominent in 2000 when she joined the Chronic Disease Research Group and the United States Renal Data System (USRDS), where she remained an investigator until 2014. These affiliations provided platforms for her to conduct extensive pharmacoepidemiology and health economics and outcomes research, utilizing large datasets to study medication use and safety in CKD patients.
Dr. St. Peter’s research has significantly contributed to the understanding of medication management in CKD. Her work, often leveraging Medicare, commercial datasets, and electronic health records, focuses on enhancing drug safety and optimizing medication regimens for this vulnerable patient population. Her expertise is widely recognized, leading to her participation in numerous national technical expert panels focused on medication safety and quality measurement.
National Recognition and Professional Engagement
Dr. St. Peter’s influence extends beyond academia and research through her active engagement with national professional organizations. She holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Kidney Health Initiative (KHI), a vital public-private partnership involving the Food and Drug Administration, the American Society of Nephrology, and various industry stakeholders. Her commitment to the field is further underscored by fellowships in prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Nephrology (FASN), the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (FCCP), and the National Kidney Foundation. These accolades reflect her significant contributions and leadership in nephrology and clinical pharmacy.
Her current research interests are broad and impactful, encompassing critical aspects of CKD management, including the prevention and treatment of CKD-related symptoms, anemia, mineral and bone disease, and the complex interplay between heart failure, CKD, and acute kidney injury.
Innovative Teaching and Clinical Interests
Dr. St. Peter is also recognized for her innovative approach to education. Since 2014, she has implemented team-based learning (TBL) in her Kidney Fluid and Electrolytes course, impacting a large cohort of students across multiple campuses. Her leadership in a TBL Users group further demonstrates her dedication to advancing teaching methodologies within the College of Pharmacy and beyond.
Dr. St. Peter’s clinical interests remain deeply rooted in nephrology. Her past clinical practice at Hennepin County Medical Center, where she provided expert consultation on medication management for CKD and dialysis patients, informs her research and educational endeavors, ensuring a practical and patient-centered approach to her work.
Awards and Recognition of Excellence
Dr. St. Peter’s career is punctuated by numerous awards and recognitions, highlighting her exceptional contributions to her field. These include being elected a Fellow of the National Kidney Foundation in 2011 and the American Society of Nephrology in 2007. She was inducted as a Distinguished Practitioner in the National Academies of Practice in 2008 and is a Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy since 1996. Her teaching excellence has also been acknowledged with Teacher of the Semester and Year Awards, and nominations for prestigious education awards from the University of Minnesota and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
In conclusion, Dr. Wendy St. Peter’s career exemplifies dedication to advancing pharmaceutical nephrology through impactful research, innovative education, and significant contributions to professional organizations. Her expertise and commitment continue to shape the field and improve the lives of patients with chronic kidney disease.
