After earning his BS in pharmacy (1995) and PharmD (1999) from Temple University, Dr. Ruchalski completed a pharmacy practice residency at Temple University Hospital and then joined the school as clinical faculty. He continues to be an active member and leader in the TUSP alumni association.

In 2007 and in 2023, Dr. Ruchalski received the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Teacher of the Year Award, reflecting his longstanding commitment to student education and mentorship. Throughout his career, he has mentored and precepted hundreds of students through community service initiatives serving North Philadelphia, including harm reduction efforts with Prevention Point Philadelphia that contributed to documented reductions in HIV and Hepatitis C transmission. He received Temple’s Outstanding Faculty Service Award in 2014 for this work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led vaccination efforts and was recognized as a Temple “Faculty Hero” for advancing North Philadelphia community immunization initiatives.

Dr. Ruchalski has expanded student learning globally as a faculty leader of a Vietnam pharmacy/medical mission since 2012, where his team has treated more than 35,000 patients, assisted with more than 5,000 prosthetic limb fittings, and raised more than $100,000 for medications and supplies. His team was honored by the Prime Minister of Vietnam in 2018.

Dr. Ruchalski credits his success to his teachers, mentors, and friends including fellow TUSP Heros Frank Berenato, Dean Peter Doukas and Dr. Sal Turco.