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 (APPE), Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE), and Faculty. We are excited to announce the recipients for 2018-2019:

APPE Preceptor Excellence Award:
Pamela Wiltfang, NuCara Health Solutions/NuCara Clinical Services

Pamela Wiltfang graduated from the University of Iowa in 2012 with Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master in Public Health (MPH) degrees. She is currently the director of clinical services and innovative practice for NuCara Management Group, LLC, headquartered in Conrad, Iowa and oversees all clinical pharmacy services for NuCara locations in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and Texas. In Wiltfang’s current position, she is responsible for developing, implementing and ensuring the success and sustainability of all the clinical programs that NuCara is involved in. Examples include transitions of care, the New Pharmacy Practice Model, ACO coordination, care coordination physician-pharmacist programs, and disease state specific education programs. Her husband, Jason, is an attorney that grew up in the Bahamas. They have two boys, Bradley (three years) and Jackson (ten months).

Students commented:

“Dr. Wiltfang is a very knowledgeable and caring preceptor! She enjoys having students and is very responsive to them in giving feedback and answering questions. She has set a wonderful example for students on how to be a great pharmacist!”

“Dr. Wiltfang is extremely involved in the community setting and is always ready to take on a new task or project. What she does is unbelievable and I hope someday that I can make the impact she is making clinically and in the community.”

IPPE Preceptor Excellence Award:
William Drilling, Drilling Morningside Pharmacy

William "Bill" Drilling graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 1985. After graduation, he joined the family business with his brother and father and became employed at Drilling Morningside Pharmacy. In 1986, Bill and his brother Don became co-owners of the business. As a pharmacist, Bill Drilling has been very proactive in encouraging employees to enter the pharmacy career. In 2000, Drilling became an adjunct professor at the UI College of Pharmacy. Although most of his students are from Iowa, he has also mentored students from Creighton University, Drake University, and South Dakota State University.

Drilling has been a member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, the Siouxland Pharmacists Association, the National Community Pharmacists Association, Morningside Commercial Club, and the University of Iowa Alumni Association. As a well-known member of the community, he served as a 2013 Parade Grand Marshall in the Morningside Days Parade. In addition, Drilling accepted the Jackson Recovery Community Partner for Recovery Award with his employee team in 2018.

Students offered the following comments regarding Bill Drilling:

“He is both a fantastic pharmacist and preceptor. He always had confidence in my abilities and skill set which enhanced my learning throughout the rotation.”

“Mr. Drilling really went out of his way to make sure I felt comfortable and welcomed. He spent many early mornings telling me more about his practice and how it has evolved over the years in a very easy-to-digest manner. He always showed a kind face to customers and served as a constant reminder that medicine is about humanity.”

Faculty Preceptor Excellence Award:
Jim Hoehns, Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center

Jim Hoehns, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP is an associate clinical professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He is a clinical pharmacist and research director at the Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center (NEIFPC) in Waterloo. NEIFPC is the medical home for the Northeast Iowa Family Medicine Physician Residency Program. Hoehns has been in this shared position since 1995. He maintains an ambulatory clinical practice and also spends time rounding with the resident physician inpatient team at a local hospital. He is a preceptor and teacher for pharmacy students and medical residents.

Hoehns has been an investigator on over 120 clinical trials at NEIFPC. He is the founding director of the NEIFPC/Waverly Health Center PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program and served as its program director for 21 years. He obtained a BSPh in 1992 and PharmD in 1994 from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Following graduation, Hoehns completed a residency in Family Medicine at the University of Iowa. He maintains board certification as a Pharmacotherapy Specialist.

Students commented about Hoehns:

“Dr. Hoehns goes above and beyond for the student. He is always encouraging his students to continue their involvement in pharmacy-related events and to read and keep learning about the pharmacy profession. He has a passion for teaching others and constantly would ask for feedback on how to improve the students’ experience.”

“Dr. Hoehns is very passionate about pharmacy, teaching, and family. He appears to have such a great balance in his life and is an amazing role model. He is my depiction of someone who truly enjoys his career and wants to pass on his knowledge to future pharmacists. He makes the rotation site very hands-on and truly helps students become more involved in interprofessional relationships with both attending physicians and medical residents. He continually asks clinical questions that involve areas of gray in pharmacy, and promotes ongoing education.”