Experiential education comprises one-third of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, with hands-on opportunities starting the very first semester. Placements, mentorships, and rotations would not be possible without preceptors – an outstanding group of pharmacists who give their time and effort to ensure our students receive the best education possible. The annual Preceptor Awards, held this fall, gave Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences a chance to say, ‘thank you’ and highlight their hard work, passion, and commitment to shaping the future of pharmacy.
“Preceptors provide real-world training that helps students build confidence and develop essential skills,” said Kimberly Stultz, PharmD, and Assistant Dean of Experiential Programs at CU Pharmacy. “Preceptors also help students discover what career paths are best for their strengths and interests, and many are also alumni who give back to the college through precepting.”
Wesley Nuffer, PharmD, Assistant Director of Experiential Programs, could not agree more.
“We have an amazing group of preceptors across the world who help to support our students,” Dr. Nuffer said. “In addition to our core group of health systems, community, and ambulatory care pharmacists who serve as preceptors, we have hundreds of individuals who practice in niche practice sites, including licensed pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and physician assistants, PhD scientists, and representatives in the pharmaceutical industry. We are proud of the network of qualified clinical practitioners who help us educate our students.”
The Annual Awards took place in front of a sea of fish at the Downtown Denver Aquarium, a magical backdrop in which to say thank you to this group of dedicated professionals.
“Our mantra in experiential education is that ‘You don't teach someone to become a pharmacist solely in the classroom,’” Nuffer said. “While we recognize the excellence our didactic education provides, the role of preceptors to help model and apply the knowledge and skills students acquire is absolutely essential.”
Nuffer had the honor of the first recognitions, highlighting the Elite Preceptor Award Winners. “We always have many more nominations than the awards we can give,” he said, “a testament to the excellent work our preceptors do every day.”
Elite Preceptors
Ken Adams, RPh; Aaron Barcelo, PharmD; Rashed Chowdhury, PharmD; Jennifer Fontenot, PharmD; Kellie George, RPh; Rhiannon Harfert, PharmD; Tim Kelly, PharmD; Lisa Kennedy, RPh; Christa Laurence, PharmD; Akosua Mensa, PharmD; Jennifer Plank, PharmD; Charles Pratt, PharmD; Alice Soremekun, PharmD; Valdy Tjong, PharmD; Rachel Traylor, PharmD.
Next, Dr. Stulz took the podium to honor individuals for their work in specific areas of pharmacy:
- Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Award: Daralyn Morgenson, PharmD; WellPower
- Community Pharmacy Award: Reannon Kaup, PharmD; King Soopers / City Market
- Health System Pharmacy Award: Andrea Boyce, PharmD; Intermountain Health
- Colorado Commitment Pharmacy Award: Brian Feagans, MS, RPh; Megan Keller, PharmD; CommonSpirit
- Office of Experiential Programs Partnership Award: David Nash, PharmD; Children’s Hospital of Colorado
- Faculty Preceptor Award: Connie Valdez, PharmD; CU Family Health Clinic at Sheridan
- Global Preceptor Award: George Patrinos, PhD; University of Patras Department of Pharmacy
- Outstanding Preceptor of the Year: Melissa Rodgers, PharmD; Safeway / Albertsons
“Preceptors enjoy sharing their knowledge, experiences, and love for the profession,” Stultz said. “They find it rewarding to see students grow, learn, and become confident in their skills.”
“Being an excellent preceptor requires much more than being an excellent clinical pharmacist. It is not enough to know how to excel in your job; you must be able to logically break down your thoughts and decision processes for the student to help develop their skills,” Nuffer added. “Mentoring students takes time and effort, but it can be extremely gratifying. Our preceptors in Colorado are all volunteers, and the school is eternally grateful for the time and effort investment they put into the next generation of pharmacists.”
The CU Pharmacy experiential program was one of the first to integrate hands on education into its curriculum. Once hailed as a blueprint for programs like it, today the program has expanded to include international rotations and global partnerships, all made possible by preceptors.
