UMSOP Preceptors Honored by AACP for Excellence in Experiential Education

Three outstanding preceptors are recognized nationally for their dedication to mentoring student pharmacists and advancing experiential learning across diverse practice settings.

By Pam Carder
January 22, 2026

(Pictured left to right: Negar (Nikki) Hamidi, Vicki Bulkin, and Allison Chilipko) 

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) is proud to announce that Negar (Nikki) Hamidi, PharmD; Vicki Bulkin, PharmD; and Allison Chilipko, PharmD, have been named American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Preceptors of the Year, a national honor that recognizes exemplary contributions to pharmacy education and student mentorship.

Preceptors play a critical role in shaping the professional development of student pharmacists, providing hands-on, real-world training during introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences. Experiential learning accounts for more than 30 percent of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum at UMSOP, and preceptors serve as essential partners in helping students apply classroom knowledge to patient care and health system practice.

The AACP Preceptor of the Year program recognizes preceptors nominated by their institutions for sustained commitment to teaching, mentorship, and professional leadership. In addition to national recognition, each honoree receives a two-year complimentary AACP individual affiliate membership, which offers access to professional development resources, programming, and tools that support preceptors as vital members of the educational and patient care team.

“Preceptors are foundational to the success of experiential learning,” said Mojdeh Heavner, PharmD, BCCCP, FCCM, FCCP, professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research and assistant dean for experiential learning. “They model professionalism, inspire confidence, and challenge students to grow as clinicians and leaders. The dedication shown by our preceptors – especially those recognized nationally – has a lasting impact on our students’ lives and the profession of pharmacy.”

Advancing Research, Innovation, and Mentorship

Negar (Nikki) Hamidi, PharmD ‘23, a clinical scientist at AstraZeneca, brings a unique blend of drug discovery, clinical research, and industry experience to her role as a preceptor. With a background in medicinal and organic chemistry and extensive experience in preclinical drug development, Hamidi pursued her PharmD at UMSOP to better understand the clinical impact of novel therapies. Since graduating in 2023, she has remained deeply committed to mentoring students and exposing them to the wide range of opportunities available within the field of pharmacy.

“I want students to see that pharmacy is a dynamic and collaborative profession with pathways that extend far beyond traditional roles,” said Hamidi. “Precepting allows me to share my own journey and help trainees recognize how their interests and skills can translate into meaningful contributions to patient care and clinical research.”

Championing Community Pharmacy Education

Vicki Bulkin, PharmD ‘18, pharmacy manager at Safeway Pharmacy and residency program director for the Safeway/University of Maryland PGY1 Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Program, has served as an Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience preceptor for seven years. A 2018 UMSOP alumna, Bulkin is passionate about highlighting the impact and opportunities within community pharmacy practice.

“Community pharmacy offers so many avenues for professional growth, patient care, and leadership,” said Bulkin. “My goal as a preceptor is to tailor each experience to the learner’s interests while showing them the positive, innovative work happening every day in this setting.”

Bulkin credits her own faculty mentors at UMSOP for inspiring her dedication to teaching and her commitment to supporting learners at all stages of training.

Investing in the Next Generation of Pharmacists

Allison Chilipko, PharmD ‘09, a clinical pharmacist and long-standing preceptor at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, has been precepting students since 2011. With extensive postgraduate training and experience across internal medicine and health system practice, Chilipko views precepting as both a professional responsibility and a privilege.

“Working with learners is an investment in the future of our profession,” said Chilipko, a 2019 UMSOP graduate. “It is incredibly rewarding to watch students grow in confidence, navigate challenges, and discover the many career paths available to them. Being part of their journey reinforces the importance of lifelong learning and continuous improvement for both learners and preceptors.”

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