Birnie, Gatlin Named to RBJ’s Health Care Power List

St. John Fisher University is well represented in the Rochester Business Journal’s 2025 Health Care Power list, a compilation of individuals who have played a significant role in helping to improve the health of the Rochester community.

Among those featured are Dr. Christine Birnie, dean of the Wegmans School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Tricia Gatlin, dean of the Wegmans School of Nursing.  

Dr. Christine Birnie

Birnie received her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and continued her studies at the same institution, completing a doctoral degree in the area of pharmaceutics. She has worked in a range of pharmacy settings including community and hospital pharmacy and is a registered pharmacist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida.

Upon completing her doctorate, she joined the pharmaceutical industry before transitioning to the faculty of Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. There, she helped to develop the compounding laboratories and pharmaceutical science curriculum in the newly founded school. She began her tenure at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy in 2006, first as a founding faculty member, later as chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and in 2017 was appointed dean.

An avid proponent for service and volunteerism both locally and abroad, Birnie has participated in more than 22 student-based medical mission trips around the world and leads a medical mission trip to India annually. In the local community, she serves on several boards, including St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach, and India Connection. Birnie is actively involved in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), having served in numerous delegate and planning committees. She is a 2012 graduate of the AACP Academic Leadership Fellowship program and is a member of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences, American Pharmacists Association, and the Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI).

Birnie has been the recipient of several awards, including Teacher of the Year (2006), CPFI’s Warren Weaver Service Award (2008), St. John Fisher University’s Diversity Innovation Bricoleur Award (2010), was a recipient of a Fulbright Scholar Award to India (2013), and was named a Rochester Champion of Pharmacy by the Pharmacy Society of Rochester and Rochester Society of Health System Pharmacists (2018). She was also recognized by the Rochester Business Journal in 2023 as a Women of Excellence Award recipient.

In her Power 100 profile, Birnie shared what keeps her inspired in such a rapidly evolving field:

“As dean of a school of pharmacy, I have the opportunity to shape the next generation of pharmacists. Throughout their educational journey, I witness students transform into confident, compassionate professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Their passion, curiosity, and resilience in a constantly evolving field remind me why this work is so important. Supporting their growth and seeing the difference they make in patients’ lives keeps me inspired and committed to advancing pharmacy education and the profession as a whole.”

Dr. Tricia Gatlin

Gatlin joined Fisher and the Wegmans School of Nursing as dean in 2020. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to nursing education and research. Gatlin often presents at national and international conferences on nursing topics, and her research findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Much of that work has focused on self-care and vulnerable populations. At Fisher, Gatlin has secured grants from the Mother Cabrini Foundation and Health Resources and Services Administration totaling more than $2 million to support efforts to improve nursing education through technology and to diversify the workforce pipeline.

Gatlin’s knowledge as an educator and dedication to the nursing profession, practical experience as a registered nurse, and international leadership in adopting augmented and virtual reality into nursing education add tremendous value to her influence on the delivery of high-quality health care.

Gatlin previously served as an associate professor and associate dean at the School of Nursing at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and held various academic positions at esteemed institutions such as the University of Portland's School of Nursing, Clark College in Washington, and Clackamas Community College in Oregon. Here in Rochester, she sits on numerous boards and committees and is a member of the New York State Council of Deans, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, New York Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, New York Organization for Nursing Leadership, and NurseTrust. 

Gatlin holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from the University of Arizona, a M.S. in Nursing Leadership from University of Portland, a B.S. from the University of Memphis, and an AA in Nursing from Dyersburg State Community College.

In her profile, she shared her thoughts on the essential skills needed to deliver health care:

“I believe the next generation of health care leaders must embody clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and strategic vision. They must be adaptable and tech-savvy, as innovation continues to reshape care delivery. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential to inspire interdisciplinary teams and advocate for patients and staff. A deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is critical, along with the ability to lead with empathy and resilience. Finally, future leaders must be lifelong learners — open to change and prepared to guide others through the complexities of a rapidly evolving health care landscape with clarity, compassion, and a forward-thinking mindset.”

Fisher alumni featured in the RBJ Health Care Power List include John Astles ’09 and Michael F. Stapleton, Jr. ’98, who is also a member of the University’s Board of Trustees.

To see the full RBJ Health Care Power 100 list, visit https://rbj.net/2025/08/22/rbj-presents-the-2025-health-care-power-list/.