Eight pharmacists have been recognized as the 2025 Early Practice Experience (EPE) Preceptors of the Year. This student-nominated award recognizes preceptors’ outstanding skills in teaching and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists.
For some students, the early experiential course may be their first time working in a pharmacy, and a preceptor’s support and guidance during the course is invaluable in learning to provide clinical care. Preceptors can help set students up for successful and impactful careers in pharmacy.
“In the early years of our program, preceptors are especially essential in shaping foundational skills, professional identity, and clinical competence,” says Marcia McLean, assistant professor (teaching stream) and academic lead experiential education of professional programs at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. “We are proud to recognize the EPE-1 and EPE-2 Preceptors of the Year for their commitment to creating excellent learning environments that support and empower our future pharmacists, and we thank them for their dedication, mentorship, and passion for the profession.”
EPE-1
Elaina Cheng
Shoppers Drug Mart #1499
“I truly enjoy sharing my practice experiences with the next generation of students – guiding them as they develop their own approach to patient care and helping them find meaning in seeing how their expertise as medication experts can make a lasting difference in patients’ health and lives.
When I received this award last year, I truly believed it was a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. I was so touched and surprised, especially since I didn’t even know I’d been nominated. Being recognized again this year is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I’m truly grateful; it’s an honour I’ll never take for granted.”
John Cheng
Metro Pharmacy #527
“As a preceptor, I find enjoyment in seeing growth in my students and being able to shape these bright young minds who are so eager to learn. In particular, I love to see the evolution of their patient interactions – starting from a nervous first medication counsel, developing into genuine connection with their patients by rotation’s end. Being a preceptor also means being a mentor, hearing their aspirations, and guiding and inspiring them on their professional journey.
It is incredibly rewarding to know that I made a positive impact on their professional journey, knowing that they will look back fondly of the experience, and to perhaps inspire them to be preceptors themselves someday.”
Alex Hone
Shoppers Drug Mart #993
“I feel a sense of accomplishment when I see my students evolve and grow to become successful practitioners. In addition, it is my way of giving back to the pharmacy community as I was once a student as well who was mentored by great preceptors.
Being recognized by students with this award means my hard work and dedication to the pharmacy students has paid off. Even if my work only made a significant impact to one student, it means the world to me!”
Irene Wang
Food Basics Pharmacy #592
“We’re all shaped by the mentors who came before us. Their wisdom, born of experience, becomes the compass that guides us. Nothing we do is entirely original; we’re each the sum of those who have taught, challenged, and believed in us. Being recognized by students feels like coming full circle. The best part of precepting is watching students grow – seeing the moment they stop doubting and start charting their own paths. It’s like a light turns on, and suddenly they see it too. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no two students are the same. Find what makes each one click and lean into their strengths. The goal isn’t to make them a copy of you, but to help them become the best version of themselves.”
EPE-2
Ravneet Bal
William Osler Health System
“I enjoy the opportunity to guide students in their learning throughout their rotations and to be part of their growth. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them apply what they’ve learned to improve patient care. Receiving this award is a true honour, and I’m very thankful for the recognition of my efforts in supporting the learning of future pharmacists.”
Samuel Chan
Shoppers Drug Mart #1287
“Guiding students and seeing them improve during rotations is definitely an enjoyable aspect of being a preceptor. But once you've created a connection with the student, being a part of the student's journey throughout their years of study to become an independent practitioner is what I find truly rewarding. Knowing that students find the time we spend together fulfilling and meaningful motivates me to continue striving towards excellence as a preceptor.”
Keyur Shah
Shoppers Drug Mart #4639
“Being a preceptor allows me to combine my passion for patient care with mentorship. In community pharmacy, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact — and sharing that with students is incredibly fulfilling. I love watching them grow from cautious learners into confident, compassionate pharmacists who connect deeply with their patients. Their curiosity and fresh ideas keep me learning too, and together we build a space where growth flows both ways.
This recognition means so much because it comes from the students who represent the future of our profession. I’ve always tried to give my best without expecting anything in return, so to have that effort noticed was a genuine and pleasant surprise, and it reflects the incredible support of my team at Shoppers Drug Mart 4639. It reminds me that when we give selflessly and lift others up, we strengthen not just individuals — but the future of pharmacy itself.”
Zakiyya Ingar
Michael Garron Hospital
“I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with students to help them translate what they have learned in school into real patient examples. At the same time, I also enjoy learning from the students through the questions they ask. It is rewarding to see their growth from the start to end of their placement as they are able to practice more independently and become confident in their own capabilities. Throughout my student career, my placements were an incredible learning opportunity for me, and it is rewarding to be able to give back to the profession!
It is an honour to be recognized with this award! I am thankful for my Pharmacy Department for their support in creating a student-friendly environment for the students to excel and learn from each other.”
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