SOP Preceptors Meet for Continuing Professional Development and Networking

60 Pharmacists Attend Annual Academy of Preceptors Development Seminar

By Hoai An Truong
April 18, 2008

As the 120 student pharmacists in the PharmD Class of 2009 gear up for their rotations starting next month, the Experiential Learning Program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy provided the annual Academy of Preceptors Development Seminar for more than 60 pharmacists on April 10th at the Baltimore campus. These practitioners are appointed as clinical faculty at the School of Pharmacy and practice in a variety of rotation sites throughout Maryland. Live training supplements the basic training modules provided to all preceptors in a CD-ROM format.

The program included a new preceptor welcome and dinner, followed by two hours of continuing education for pharmacists. Lisa Charneski, PharmD, BCPS, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Science and Cynthia Boyle, PharmD, FAPhA, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Science and Director of the Experiential Learning Program, presented a session on “Applying Learning and Leadership Styles to Precepting.” Another program on “Promoting Engagement in Experiential Learning Rotations: Guidance from Preceptors of the Year,” featured James Bresette, PharmD, USPHS Captain, Deputy Director of the Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian Health Service, and John Ness, PharmD, BCPS, Director of Pharmacy Services, Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, and was moderated by Hoai An Truong, PharmD, MPH, Assistant Director of the Experiential Program. Drs. Bresette and Ness were nominated by students and honored as the 2007 Preceptors of the Year for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) and Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE).

At the conclusion of the evening seminar, many preceptors stayed behind to network and share experiences. Preceptors are clearly motivated to teach students for the upcoming rotation cycle. “Thanks to the School of Pharmacy for providing the program,” said Preceptor Lance Rhodes, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy at Garrett County Memorial Hospital. “Quality information was presented in an environment that supplied a great opportunity to network with other preceptors. I look forward to the next one.”

The Experiential Learning Program makes up 30 percent of the PharmD curriculum and includes many different IPPE and APPE required and elective opportunities for student pharmacists to apply what they have learned during the didactic courses and to prepare them to become exemplary practitioners.