Julie M. Zito, PhD: Remembering a Pharmacy Policy Pioneer & Public Health Leader

Remembering Dr. Julie M. Zito: A Pioneer in Pediatric Pharmacoepidemiology

The public health community mourns the loss of Dr. Julie M. Zito, a dedicated researcher, advocate, and professor emerita at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Dr. Zito passed away on December 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in pediatric pharmacoepidemiology and a commitment to ensuring equitable access to medication. Her influence extended beyond academia, impacting policy and challenging industry practices to prioritize patient well-being, particularly for children.

Dr. Zito was a longtime member and former chair of the Medical Care Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA), and a tireless advocate for pharmacy policy. Colleagues remember her not only for her professional rigor but also for her personal warmth and progressive values. She was known for actively engaging with and supporting causes she believed in, even extending to online interactions, as noted by a friend who recalled her consistent engagement with progressive posts on Facebook. Her dedication to fostering the next generation of researchers was also evident in her commitment, alongside Kathy Virgo, to maintaining the high quality of student award sessions and publications.

A Leader Within the Public Health Landscape

Throughout her decades-long involvement with the APHA, Dr. Zito consistently demonstrated leadership and a willingness to engage in critical discussions. She represented the Medical Care Section on the Intersectional Council, the Governing Council, and within an APHA task force focused on governance. Those who worked with her emphasized her thorough preparation and insightful contributions, even when disagreements arose. As one leader stated, “We frequently disagreed about issues, which made her counsel all the more valuable…she made me a better public health professional.” This ability to foster constructive dialogue was instrumental in shaping APHA policy, most notably in the 2022 update to its policy on drug pricing, where she spearheaded the completion of “Ensuring Equitable Access to Affordable Prescription Medications.”

Groundbreaking Research on Psychotropic Medications in Children

Dr. Zito’s most impactful work centered on the apply of psychotropic medications, particularly in children. Her landmark 2000 study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, brought national attention to the increasing trends in prescribing these medications to preschool-aged children. This research, described by colleague Susan dosReis as “a pioneering piece,” utilized secondary administrative claims data – a methodology that was innovative for its time and has since become a cornerstone of “real-world” data analysis in pharmacoepidemiology. The study prompted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to launch the Preschool ADHD Treatment Study, a multi-site trial designed to further investigate the use of these medications in young children.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Zito authored more than 100 publications examining the use of psychotropic medications in community-treated populations, continuing to publish research as recently as 2025. She was a vocal critic of pharmaceutical industry practices, consistently challenging PhRMA in congressional hearings regarding the overuse of medication. Her collaborative spirit extended to working with clinicians, epidemiologists, and librarians, always acknowledging their contributions to her research. Her work has had a lasting impact, with practical applications seen today in programs like the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s monitoring of quality of care in pediatric antipsychotic use.

Beyond Research: A Commitment to Social Justice

Dr. Zito’s commitment to public health extended beyond the realm of pharmaceutical research. She was a passionate advocate for social justice, actively working to address systemic issues such as racism, poverty, and profiteering within the healthcare system and beyond. Even after her retirement from the University of Maryland in 2018, following a 25-year tenure where she mentored over 50 graduate students and taught principles of pharmacoepidemiology to more than 1,000 PharmD students, she remained deeply engaged in advocacy. She volunteered with prisoners and spoke out against the destruction in Gaza, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to humanitarian causes. Notably, she continued this work despite facing her own serious health challenges, a testament to her unwavering commitment to fighting for a more just world.

Dr. Zito held a joint appointment at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, further broadening her impact on patient care and research. Sarah L.J. Michel, Dean of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, described her as a “fearless scholar and advocate whose work changed how the nation thinks about the safe and effective use of medications in children.” Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of researchers and advocates.

A Lasting Legacy

The editors-in-chief of Medical Care have also published a remembrance recognizing Dr. Zito’s significant contributions to the journal and the field of medical care. Dr. Zito’s passing represents a significant loss for the public health community, but her work will continue to inform and inspire efforts to improve medication safety and promote health equity for years to approach.

As we reflect on Dr. Zito’s remarkable career, it’s clear that her impact extended far beyond the confines of academia. She was a true champion for vulnerable populations and a relentless advocate for evidence-based policy. The ongoing monitoring of pediatric antipsychotic use in Maryland, a direct result of her research, serves as a tangible example of her lasting influence.

The field of pharmacoepidemiology, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched, will deeply miss Dr. Julie M. Zito. We encourage readers to share their own memories and reflections on her life and work in the comments below.