Dr. Amy Kruger Howard is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Kruger Howard’s work centers on pediatric pharmacotherapy, health literacy, and interprofessional education, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through innovative care models and evidence-based practice.
Her research investigates medication taste and palatability, transgender health, and communication practices in interprofessional healthcare teams. She has developed tools such as the Ew Meds List, a comprehensive list of poor-tasting liquid medications used to enhance pediatric medication adherence, and has led several grant-funded projects on health literacy and equitable care delivery.
Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Hospital Pharmacy. She is frequently invited to speak at national and international conferences, including those hosted by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA), and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).
Research Interests
- Pediatric pharmacotherapy and medication palatability
- Health literacy and plain-language communication
- Interprofessional education and team-based care
- Transgender and gender-diverse health
- Clinical teaching and curriculum development
Education and Training
- MHSc, Health Science (Global Health Systems), University of Maryland Graduate School
- PharmD, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
- BA, Studio Art (Sculptural Installation), University of California, Irvine (Summa Cum Laude)
Professional Experience
- Assistant Professor, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (2025–Present)
- Clinical Assistant Professor / Pharmacist, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (2021–2025)
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (2018–2021)
- Clinical Pharmacist, University of Maryland Medical Center (2018–2020)
Select Publications
- Kruger Howard A, Morgan JA. Creation of the Ew Meds List—a comprehensive list of bad-tasting liquid medicines. JAPhA Pract Innov. 2025.
- Espinal Pena D, Morgan JA, Kruger Howard A. Pediatric prescribers’ knowledge of the Ew Meds List and taste masking. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2024.
- Cooke CE, Ehret M, Kruger Howard A, Love RC. Risk evaluation and mitigation strategy programs: how they can be improved. Curr Psychiatr. 2023.
- Kruger Howard A, Biggs JM, et al. Validation of neonatal and pediatric antimicrobial stewardship treatment algorithms. Int J Pharm Practice. 2021.Full list available upon request.
Academic and Teaching Roles
Dr. Kruger Howard teaches across the PharmD curriculum, with a focus on pediatric care, asthma management, gender-affirming care, and communication in interprofessional settings. She serves as a course facilitator, guest lecturer, and preceptor for pharmacy students and residents, and she leads interprofessional education initiatives focused on health equity.
Grants and Projects
- Setting a Path Forward – Crafting Global Alignment on Health Literacy in Pharmacy Practice (FIP, 2023–2025)
- Press9 to Hear Options in Other Languages* – Interpretation Best Practices (UMB Health Equity Seed Grant, 2022–2023)
- Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say – Health Literacy in Team-Based Care (UMB IPE Grant, 2021–2022)
Awards and Honors
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Fellow (2025)
- Excellence in Innovation Award, Upsher-Smith Laboratories & MPhA Foundation (2024)
- APhA Foundation Ton Hoek Scholarship (2019)
- UMSOP Leadership Award (2017)
Leadership and Service
- Vice President, Maryland Pharmacists Association Foundation (2024–2025)
- Member at Large, Health and Medicines Information Section, FIP (2024–2028)
- Research Committee Member, Pediatric Pharmacy Association (2022–Present)
- Reviewer for JAPhA, JPPT, and other journals