Preceptors are vital to the success of our goal at the Harrison College of Pharamcy to train and educate Practice Ready Pharmacists. With more than 500 preceptors spread across the region, HCOP benefits from a diverse representation of experiences, practice sites, backgrounds, and perspectives among our preceptors. Click below to learn more about these valuable members of our Experential Education team.
To learn more about becoming a preceptor, visit our Becoming a Preceptor page.
Why did you choose to become a preceptor?
When I was a student, I knew community pharmacy would be my future. I had great preceptors at the two rotations centered around community pharmacy when I was a P4. When I began working at East Alabama Apothecary, I realized that our stores offered something unique at each location. I knew students would enjoy seeing the different types of retail pharmacy and having a change of pace each week. Students have the chance to be exposed to medications that they may never see again. Some specialty medications are nearly $30,000. Our Meds2Beds Program takes students all over the hospital. Observations in the Infusion Center, visits to patient homes and other various experiences are also possible. It can be a fun five weeks for students that come with an open mind and an eagerness to learn.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of precepting student pharmacists?
The most rewarding aspect that I really enjoy is the one-on-one conversations about medication therapy management, how to navigate insurance and how to verify a prescription with DUR rejections. I like showing students how independent pharmacies differ from big box pharmacies. This rotation is not like any other retail rotation.
The Apothecary’s rotation also includes a “Map to the Apothecaries” experience. Employees including directors, pharmacists, interns and technicians have offered to share their knowledge about specific duties that relate to their job description. Our HCOP students are given the map and told that it is their responsibility to complete it. Apothecary employees are expecting the student to approach them and ask questions. This gives the student some autonomy over their rotation. I really enjoy seeing students go out of their comfort zone to dig in, ask questions and complete this “Map to the Apothecaries”.
What is one key to success for rotations that you would like to share with current student pharmacists?
The primary key to a successful rotation is to “be teachable.” You may have several years of experience in retail pharmacy however, I can assure you that you will see new aspects of the retail world that you haven’t seen before. Keep an open mind.
What was your favorite course in pharmacy school? Why was it your favorite?
Integrated Pharmacology from the previous curriculum was my favorite pharmacy school course. Our class was divided into teams and assigned a facilitator. Each team opened a case and had round table discussions of the disease state(s) and medications. The case was a real world scenario of a patient experience. We were able to put everything learned over the previous two years together and apply it to the case. Seeing the big picture and working through each case as a team was rewarding.
What is a fun fact about you or your practice site?
A fun fact about me is at I enjoy working out and just completed the War Eagle Run Fest Half Marathon. I was a personal trainer prior to going back to school for pharmacy. Also, I went to pharmacy school when I was in my 30’s and had two little ones.
A fun fact about East Alabama Apothecary is that we are a very close group. We work very well together and have fun outside of work also. It's more like an extended family than a work place.