On Tuesday, April 15, the UI College of Pharmacy hosted its first-ever Preceptor Showcase in the College of Pharmacy Building Atrium, with a virtual option available. Preceptors highlighted their rotation experiences and connected with student pharmacists to demonstrate the unique learning opportunities they offer.

The event was a collaborative effort led by Karri Reising, director of preceptor and site development in the Professional Experience Program, and Tammy Fraser, director of student success in the Office of Professional Education. While the college traditionally holds an annual event in the fall for P4 students to meet employers, there was an opportunity for enhancement by helping students start building their networking skills earlier in their education. 

 “In a conversation with colleagues at other pharmacy schools, I learned that some of them do a preceptor fair,” Fraser said. Reising added the idea of a showcase was also on minds in the professional experience office. “The concept of a showcase had been swirling around our office for a while. It was a win-win that we were able to partner on this event.” according to Reising. 

The planning team noted it can be challenging for students to get a sense of a site based on a written description alone. Meeting preceptors at a live event can help them gain a clearer understanding of what to expect at different sites and allow for interactive questions and low-pressure interviewing.

“I think this gives students the chance to see preceptors as teachers and mentors,” Fraser said. “This is a good opportunity for sites to attract additional interest, particularly those in rural areas where securing housing and transportation can be tough.” 

The Preceptor Showcase also aims to help guide students in their career paths by offering insights into various professional practices and fostering mentorship opportunities.

“Preceptors often find it rewarding to share their expertise and experiences,” said Reising. “This platform allows them to contribute to the professional growth of students, which can be a fulfilling aspect of their own careers.”

"Preceptors often find it rewarding to share their expertise and experiences." 
- Karri Reising

That sentiment rings true for preceptor David Huhtelin, '13 PharmD, emergency medicine clinical pharmacist and emergency medicine pharmacy residency program director at UW Health Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois. At the Preceptor Showcase, he chatted virtually with numerous students about his site and then offered time to answer questions.

“I really enjoyed the ability to reach the students from afar,” Huhtelin said. “Not every site is close to Iowa City for a quick day trip. The students deserve the opportunity to check out and discuss different sites with preceptors.” He believes the showcase will encourage more students to consider the emergency medicine rotation at UW Health and appreciated the chance to convey his enthusiasm and passion directly to the students.

“The virtual aspect was a late addition to the showcase, but one we will be keeping in the future as it was popular with remote sites and those unable to attend in person.” shared Reising. “We want those preceptors and sites to have early exposure to our students and it also supports our approach of promoting rural healthcare.” 

Stephanie Ekufu, a Doctor of Pharmacy student who attended the Preceptor Showcase, used the opportunity to connect with preceptors, ask questions about their sites, and learn what a typical day looks like for APPE students there. What stood out to her the most was the number of ambulatory and community site rotations represented at the showcase.

“For someone like me who doesn't have a lot of experience in those settings, I didn't put much thought into how I would rank my community clinical and ambulatory care rotations compared to my hospital/critical care rotations,” Ekufu explained. “But as I was talking to some of the ambulatory care pharmacists, the more I thought their site was really interesting.”

She also appreciated that some sites brought their P4 APPE students to the showcase.

“Not only did I get to speak to preceptors, but I also had great conversations with their P4s,” Ekufu said. “I highly recommend that they continue to do that, as hearing student experiences with specific sites matters so much to other students.”

The inaugural Preceptor Showcase sparked valuable conversations and connections between students and preceptors. By offering insight into rotation experiences, the event empowered student pharmacists to make more informed decisions about their future training. As the college looks ahead, the showcase has laid a strong foundation for future opportunities to connect, learn, and inspire.