A NOD TO PRECEPTORS

Pharmacy education requires a blending of didactics: classroom instruction, applied practice laboratory training, and experiential education. With respect to the latter, the active engagement of preceptors is tantamount in determining programmatic quality.

It is essential for pharmacy students to directly witness the application of their therapeutic knowledge in the treatment and management of disease, as well as gain a working knowledge of technology that aids in the medication-use safety process and drug administration and delivery.

At present, our program records indicate 882 active preceptors of which 472 hold adjunct faculty appointments. These practitioners are spread across 19 states and 5 countries.

Paying tribute to those who precept students is most fitting. I cannot adequately convey in words how appreciative we are for all that they do for our students. Serving as a preceptor is one of the most selfless acts of a healthcare professional. By doing so, these individuals, who ‘layer’ student education onto their very demanding days as a healthcare provider, are explicitly undertaking the responsibility for helping to shape the profession’s progeny. That is a weighty responsibility! The tutelage of future practitioners is critical to development of the fundamental tools needed to provide patient care.

I know well the vast majority of our preceptors. They are a highly dedicated lot who consistently exhibit the highest professional ideals. When it comes to exhibiting “professionalism,” they most definitely ‘walk-the-talk.’

Although mentoring adds to the many challenges faced by preceptors, there are also associated benefits. Interestingly, in talking to preceptors, they consistently share how much more they gain overseeing students versus feeling a sense of burden.

Serving under the watchful eye of experienced practitioners is fundamentally important to student success and has tremendous bearing in helping to shape the attitudes and beliefs of aspiring pharmacists. While translating theoretical learning into real-world clinical practice is the overarching responsibility of a preceptor as noted previously, it is equally important to stress how much impact soft-skill development (e.g., communication skills, interpersonal engagement with patients and other providers, punctuality, professional appearance) and inculcating the highest professional ideals can have in shaping students’ future aspirations and how they eventually comport themselves professionally.

Moreover, preceptors likewise can have great impact on students’ level of future external engagement well beyond daily responsibilities for patient care, such as service through civic groups as well as state, regional, and national professional associations. Witnessing preceptor volunteerism is powerful. In short, preceptor influence and impact on overall student growth and development cannot be overstated.

I admire tremendously the dedication of preceptors and what their efforts mean to our profession. I know I speak for the entire College family in noting how grateful we are for their dedicated service. Their countless contributions add immensely to the wonderful success of our program. Through this special ‘nod to preceptors,’ I wish to express heartfelt thanks for ALL that they do. ■