Dr. Amanda McQuillan, an adjunct professor at the WVU School of Nursing, has been named one of Pittsburgh Magazine and Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project’s 2026 40 Under 40 honorees. The recognition celebrates Pittsburghers who are making a meaningful impact through their professional work, leadership, and service to the community.
As a clinical pharmacist, McQuillan has spent the past 12 years working for the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, serving veterans through direct patient care, mental health care, clinical leadership, quality improvement, education, and implementation work.
“During my career, I have contributed to initiatives involving mental health care, overdose education and naloxone distribution, medication deprescribing, and, most recently, pharmacogenomics,” she said. “I am grateful for opportunities to innovate, think creatively, and help shorten the gap between evidence and its incorporation into clinical care for the veterans we serve.”
McQuillan has been teaching psychopharmacology in the for the WVU School of Nursing’s Post-Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track for the past three years.
“Although my professional background is in clinical pharmacy, I have always valued the opportunity to teach, mentor, and support nurses and other health care professionals,” McQuillan said. “I am passionate about helping nurses translate clinical evidence into practical, patient-centered care particularly in areas such as mental health.”
She said she wanted to become a nursing teacher because of the powerful ripple effect of education.
“By helping nurses build knowledge, confidence, and clinical decision-making skills, I can support the exceptional care they provide to patients and families every day. I also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and help prepare future nurses to lead with compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.”
McQuillan said the recognition is especially meaningful to her because Pittsburgh is truly home for her.
“I love the City of Bridges, the black-and-gold pride, and the people who make this such a wonderful place to build a career, raise a family, and give back. Pittsburgh is full of kind, hardworking, inspirational people who show up for one another,” she said. “It is also a reflection of the many people who have supported me along the way—especially my husband, Adam, and our four children, as well as my parents, sisters, mentors, colleagues, friends, and family.
“I often think of Mister Rogers’ reminder that there are three ways to ultimate success: ‘The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.’ That message captures what I value most in both my professional and personal life.”
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MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu