As teachers, experts, specialists, and mentors, UI College of Pharmacy preceptors provide learning experiences outside the standard classroom allowing student pharmacists a glimpse into the daily life of a health care provider. They assist students in the application of their knowledge and skills in direct patient care and other practice settings.

Each year the college recognizes exceptional preceptors with the Preceptors of the Year award in three categories--Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience, Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience, and Faculty.

Brett Heintz, PharmD, BCPS-ID, is the 2018 recipient of the award in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience category. He is currently a pharmacist in Infectious Disease at the Iowa City VA Medical Center and an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the college.

As a preceptor, Heintz works with students during a rotation at the VA Medical Center’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. Students have the opportunity to participate in both inpatient and outpatient care during this rotation.

Students who nominated Heintz describe him as “one of the best” and as an excellent recipient of the award for “…his commitment to strengthening student’s knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills.” One student commented that “He has a strong passion for teaching, and his desire to help his students develop into strong pharmacists is clear.”

The 2018 award for Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience was given to several pharmacists at the Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Coralville--Tom Haas, '79 BSPh, Nicholas Howell, '06 PharmD, Amanda Smith, '05 PharmD and Jessica Jackson, '12 PharmD.

Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Coralville (1080) is a fast-paced, high-volume community pharmacy. Students work with preceptors to directly provide patient care and develop the necessary tools to work as community pharmacists following graduation.

Students commented that the recipients of this award were extremely helpful, friendly and supportive to students and patients. One student commented, “The staff here is like a family and they really care about everybody at a very personal level. I have never seen a pharmacy work like how these individuals work together…everyone is connected.”

Emily Beckett, '07 PharmD, BCPS, received the award in the faculty category. She currently serves as the clinical pharmacist for the Broadlawns Medicine Residency Program in Des Moines, Iowa and is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the College of Pharmacy.

During the Broadlawns rotation, students work with Beckett as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside residents and attending physicians, as well as nurses, health coaches and other medical personnel. The spectrum of care includes over 4,000 patients of all ages and health statuses, with special emphasis on serving underserved populations.

Beckett is an excellent preceptor to work with, says many of her student nominators. “She’s fun, patient, enjoyable, knowledgeable, open to new ideas, approachable, and helpful. She really lets you be in control of opportunities to shape the rotation,” said one student.

The college is extremely grateful for its preceptors' time and commitment in educating and shaping the careers of future pharmacists. If you would like to become a preceptor, please contact us!