Preceptors mentor and educate student pharmacists through hands-on experiences in a real-world setting. Whether in community pharmacies, hospitals, emergency departments, or corporate pharmacy management, this training offers valuable insight into the daily responsibilities of health care professionals. 

Each year, the UI College of Pharmacy Preceptor Excellence Awards recognize outstanding contributions by preceptors in the following categories:

• Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE)
• Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE)
• Faculty

Selection is based on professionalism, commitment to student education, and teaching performance, as evaluated through student feedback. Congratulations to 2024-2025 recipients Tony Huynh, James Lyon, and James Ray. They will be recognized at a celebratory event this fall. 
 

APPE Preceptor Excellence Award
Tony Huynh, '13 PharmD
UI Health Care - Hepatology and Virology Clinics 

Tony Huynh earned his PharmD from the UI College of Pharmacy in 2013 and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at his alma mater. Huynh went on to complete his PGY1 and PGY2 residency training in ambulatory care pharmacy at UI Health Care, where he currently practices as a clinical pharmacy specialist. As an instructor, Huynh lectures on viral hepatitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. He finds joy in working closely with learners in his role as an educator and a preceptor to foster knowledge, self-confidence, and strong critical thinking skills in hopes of spreading his passion for teaching and patient care to future pharmacists.

Student comments included: 
Dr. Huynh demonstrated exceptional dedication to my growth as a learner throughout the rotation. He consistently provided constructive feedback on my patient interactions, work-ups, and phone calls, ensuring I understood areas for improvement. His genuine care for my development was evident through his efforts to fill knowledge gaps and his initiative in scheduling weekly discussions. 
 

IPPE Preceptor Excellence Award 
James Lyon, PharmD
Hy-Vee #1285 Pharmacy - Iowa City #2

James Lyon is a 2012 PharmD graduate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy. A community pharmacist at Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Lyon is dedicated to teaching pharmacy students through hands-on real-world training. He precepts both APPE and IPPE pharmacy rotations. As a preceptor, Lyon emphasizes the value of team mentality and building close relationships with patients. He encourages his students to think outside the box, have a positive attitude, and be willing to learn.

Student comments included:
Dr. Lyon was a well-organized preceptor and wanted my rotation time to benefit me. He figured out what I was already familiar with in the pharmacy setting and came up with areas where I could use help. He values curious minds and challenges students with small but manageable projects throughout the rotation. Dr. Lyon respects students' time and communicates well.

 

Faculty Preceptor Excellence Award: 
James Ray, Associate Professor Emeritus
UI Health Care - Inpatient Supportive and Palliative Care Consult Service

James Ray is an associate professor emeritus in the Division of Applied Clinical Sciences in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science and a clinical associate professor in the UI Carver College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine. Until his retirement in June, Ray held the UI College of Pharmacy James A. Otterbeck OnePoint Patient Care Professorship in Hospice and Palliative Care since 2015. During that time, he created a university-approved palliative care certificate for PharmD students and developed an ASHP-accredited PGY2 palliative care and pain management pharmacy residency. He also helped form the SOLACE Palliative Care Collaborative and previously served as the UI Health Care clinical pharmacy specialist for the Inpatient Adult Supportive & Palliative Care Service and a faculty member of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship. 

Student comments included:
Being on service with the Supportive and Palliative Care Team was challenging at times due to the patient population we cared for. Dr. Ray took the time out of his day to check in and make sure I was doing okay mentally/emotionally. He provided many resources, including specific literature regarding medications most commonly seen in patients at the end of life. I think Dr. Ray is a great role model. If I have the opportunity to be a preceptor, I hope I can be like him.