1) Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up working in a family retail business. I graduated from Roseman University in 2010. Since graduating, I have had opportunities to work for several companies as the pharmacy manager including Target Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy, Sky View Pharmacy (independent), and I am currently the manager for the Sam’s Club Pharmacy in Riverdale. I am married to my wonderful wife Sandy, and we have a girl and two boys ages 13, 10, and 6. When I’m not working, I enjoy watching movies and spending time with my family. Recently, I have gotten into 3D printing as my latest hobby adventure.
2) What motivated you to become a preceptor? I felt like while I was in school, I had great preceptors and mentors teach and help me along the way. My career and outlook on the profession was shaped by their example which led to a desire to provide the same opportunities to future students.
3) What is the process of becoming a preceptor? Precepting usually involves an application to the University and making sure you are meeting all of your employer’s requirements to take students in addition to the state requirements. You want to make sure that you create an environment that fosters a great learning experience for the students you precept.
4) Do you take students from Roseman and the U of U? What year of students? I predominantly accept Roseman students but have happily taken U of U students when the opportunity presents itself. I enjoy having IPPE students and APPE students of all years as often as the schools can place them with me.
5) What is the most rewarding aspect of being a preceptor? I enjoy the teaching and mentoring aspect the most. It is very rewarding to have discussions with students and to see the concepts “click” as you work with them. Having students is a great way to stay up to date on the practice of pharmacy as well. I often feel that I learn as much from the students as I hope they learn from me.
6) What do you wish pharmacy students knew before coming on rotation? Treat every rotation like a job interview. Rotations are a great opportunity to create and develop relationships that can help you network and find employment after graduation. It is more important, in my opinion, to demonstrate a strong work ethic and social skills, than it is to show how much you have learned clinically.
7) Is there anything else you would like pharmacy students and prospective preceptors to know? Everyone has to start somewhere. Some students have been pharmacy technicians for years and other students first set foot in a pharmacy on day one of rotation. You will always get out of your rotations what you put into them. There are things to learn from every preceptor and rotation site that you visit. Ask questions and seek out opportunities to stretch yourself so you can get the most out of the time you have as a student.
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