Alison Thompson, Acting Associate Dean, Academic, with APPE Preceptors Rohit Lal, Gail Hopkins, Melissa Lo, Tarek Habash, Amanda Gin, and Julie Yeh, with Marcia McLean, Assistant Professor – Teaching Stream and Academic Lead Experiential Education, Professional Programs
Preceptor of the Year Awards recognize excellence in teaching and mentorship
Seven pharmacists from diverse pharmacy practices have been selected by students as the 2024–2025 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Preceptors of the Year.
The advanced experiential courses are an essential part of preparing pharmacy students for their independent pharmacy practices. Preceptors provide critical practical learning experiences, and their perspectives can shape how students approach the pharmacy profession.
“Preceptors are vital to our program, mentoring students as they integrate their knowledge and skills in real-world environments,” says Marcia McLean, Assistant Professor – Teaching Stream and Academic Lead Experiential Education, Professional Programs. “We thank this year’s Preceptor of the Year award winners for their exceptional enthusiasm and commitment to creating excellent learning environments for future pharmacists.”
The APPE Preceptor of the Year Awards recognize preceptors who go above and beyond in delivering outstanding teaching and mentorship to students during their final year advanced experiential courses.
Congratulations to all of the recipients!
Olavo Fernandes
Director of Pharmacy – Clinical & Operations, University Health Network
“A student-nominated award is a uniquely special honour and privilege. Learning on rotation is authentically bi-directional: we both learn together from each other. I am genuinely inspired by the infinite potential of pharmacy students to partner with patients and interprofessional team members including pharmacists to advance practice and improve patient outcomes. To be a small part of empowering this in a future generation of practitioners by being a preceptor is one of the most important things we can do to improve care on a population health level. That one student will care for thousands and then teach new future learners.”
Amanda Gin
Clinical Pharmacist, Women’s College Hospital
“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a preceptor is guiding students to see what it truly means to practice at the full scope of a pharmacist. I love watching their confidence grow as they apply their clinical knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes. Through their rotations, they gain a deeper appreciation of the integral role pharmacists play within interdisciplinary teams.
Being recognized by my students, especially after more than 15 years of precepting, is profoundly meaningful. It affirms the passion, commitment, and energy I’ve poured into teaching over the years. It also speaks to how much I’ve grown as a preceptor, shaped by the diverse learners I’ve had the privilege to mentor.”
Tarek Habash
Rexall Pharmacy #2100
“What I value most about precepting is the chance to walk alongside students at a key point in their development. To see their growth, their progress, and those moments when things start to click. It’s a privilege to witness that kind of progress firsthand. I’ve learned that good teaching is less about having the right answers and more about being present. Our role isn’t just to instruct, it’s to support, guide, and sometimes just listen. Students remember how you made them feel even more than what you taught them.
Being recognized by students with this award is incredibly meaningful. It tells me that the time and care I’ve invested in their learning made a real difference and that’s more valuable than any title. I’m grateful to be part of their journey as they move from uncertainty to confidence. That’s where the real impact is, and I’m proud to play a role in it.”
Gail Hopkins
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
“After years of mentoring students, what I enjoy most is witnessing their translation of theoretical knowledge into real-world application and seeing their clinical skills evolve throughout the rotation. Each student brings a unique background that challenges me to tailor the rotation to their strengths and ultimately grow as a practitioner. … While precepting requires significant time investment and patience, inevitably both student and preceptor will enhance their skills during the time together.
Being recognised by students is incredibly meaningful. Knowing that students valued their time learning with me is both humbling and reinforces my belief that investing in the next generation of pharmacists strengthens our entire profession.”
Rohit Lal
Shoppers Drug Mart #1447
“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a preceptor is the opportunity to mentor and support future pharmacy professionals as they transition from theory to practice. I enjoy creating a collaborative learning environment where students feel confident to ask questions, engage with patients, and grow their clinical and communication skills. Seeing their progress and knowing I’ve contributed meaningfully to their development is incredibly fulfilling.
I’m deeply thankful to the students and colleagues whose support made this recognition possible. It’s been a privilege to help shape the journey of future pharmacists. As the profession continues to evolve, mentoring and learning alongside such bright, driven individuals has been both inspiring and fulfilling. Knowing that my guidance has made a difference in their learning journey motivates me to continue striving for excellence as a preceptor.”
Melissa Lo
Clinical Pharmacist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
“Of my 13 years precepting, I've been very fortunate to call many of my previous APPE students now my esteemed colleagues in oncology, some of them working next to me and many of them working hard to move oncology pharmacy forward and some becoming leaders in their respective fields.
I encourage other preceptors to treat your APPE students as your colleagues early on to help them recognize their role soon after graduation. This will help transition from a student to a practicing pharmacist. I also strongly encourage preceptors to impart the need for students to start adopting a self-directive learning mindset.”
Julie Yeh
Innomar Specialty Pharmacy
“I really enjoy the students’ ambitious, positive energy – it brings me back to my own student days. Their passion to explore what pharmacy has to offer, and how they can contribute in return, is truly inspiring. Since specialty pharmacy isn’t widely known, I love introducing students to the field. The one-on-one mentorship and seeing their professional growth is incredibly rewarding.
I'm truly humbled to receive this recognition. I hope I've made a lasting, positive impression, because the students have certainly made one on me. It’s a reminder that there’s no single path to being a great pharmacist, and that our unique skills and experiences can make a real impact on future generations of pharmacists.”
Honourable Mentions
|
Nominee |
Site |
|---|---|
|
Amanda Blazevic |
CHEO |
|
Amit Bhanot |
Pharmasave Broadway Pharmacy |
|
Amna el Khayat |
Trillium Health Partners - Credit Valley Hospital |
|
Andre Juricka |
Seamless Care Pharmacy |
|
Andrea Swanson |
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy |
|
Andrew Wyllie |
Sinai Health - Mount Sinai Hospital |
|
Angela Wu-Tenn |
Scarborough Health Network - Centenary |
|
Anisa Shivji |
CareRx |
|
Bonnie Chung |
NYGH |
|
Brenda Kisic |
UHN - Toronto General Hospital |
|
Brian Talan |
UHN - Princess Margaret Cancer Centre |
|
Calvin Chan |
Walmart Pharmacy #3000 |
|
Cassandra McLelland |
William Osler Health System - Peel Memorial Centre |
|
Certina Ho |
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy |
|
Christine Trieu |
NYGH |
|
Clint Huber |
Concordia Hospital Winnipeg |
|
Cynthia Lam |
North York General Hospital |
|
David Luk |
Rexall Pharmacy #0869 - Richview Plaza |
|
Denise Keller |
University Hospital- LHSC |
|
Donna Yari Pour |
Shoppers#910 |
|
Erene Kaldas |
Shoppers Drug Mart #926 |
|
Erez Gazit |
Sunnybrook Health Sciences |
|
Ernie Avilla |
Discovery Pharmacy |
|
Fulbert Fu |
Trillium Health Partners - Mississauga Hospital |
|
Gurpreet Sidhu |
Longfields Pharmacy |
|
Harvit Gill |
Sanofi Pasteur Medical |
|
Hatf Sohail |
Trillium Health Partners - Mississauga Hospital |
|
Hui Ding |
Providence Healthcare |
|
Janice Ma |
Canadian Forces Health Services Group Headquarters |
|
Jenna Sauve |
UHN - Toronto General Hospital |
|
Jennifer Drynan |
Hospital for Sick Children |
|
Jing Mu |
Toronto East Pharmasave, Michael Garron Hospital |
|
Joe Dagenais |
Queensway Carleton Hospital |
|
Joyce Tsang |
Scarborough Health Network - Centenary Hospital |
|
Kathy Burrell |
Longfields Pharmacy |
|
Katie Palmer |
Trillium Health Partners -Credit Valley Hospital |
|
Kyro Maseh |
Lawlor Pharmacy |
|
Leah Egan |
Michael Garron Hospital |
|
Lee Dupuis |
Hospital for Sick Children |
|
Lucia Wong |
Trillium Health Partners - Credit Valley Hospital |
|
Marisa Battistella |
UHN - Toronto General Hospital |
|
Maruka Lee |
UHN - Princess Margaret Cancer Centre |
|
Matthew Conti |
Excel Pharmacy |
|
Melissa Tam |
Helios Compounding Pharmacy |
|
Milson Chan |
Queen East Medical Pharmacy |
|
Molly Yang |
Whole Health Pharmacy Partners |
|
Monica Kwok |
Loblaws Pharmacy #1019 |
|
Nadia Filippetto |
Shoppers drug mart Bayview village |
|
Natalie Ternamian |
North York General Hospital |
|
Nick Malian |
Shoppers Drug Mart Central Office |
|
Peter Gao |
Haleon |
|
Peter Tolios |
Shoppers Drug Mart Head Office |
|
Peter Zhang |
ODAIA Intelligence |
|
Rasha Sarhan |
Brockville General Hospital |
|
Rebecca (Becky) Wright |
Women's College Hospital |
|
Richard Lee |
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre- Outpatient Pharmacy |
|
Rita Hanna |
Credit Valley Family Health Team |
|
Rochelle Europa |
Providence Healthcare |
|
Sadig Salim Hamid |
Shoppers Drug Mart #814 |
|
Saurabh Patel |
Scarborough Health Network - Centenary |
|
Shaun Lee |
Scarborough Health Network - Birchmount Hospital |
|
Sowjanya Vishnubhotla |
Shoppers Drug Mart #1377 |
|
Stella Alvandi |
Rexall Pharmacy #257 |
|
Tishaan Singh |
UHN - Princess Margaret Cancer Centre |
|
Tracy Gallina |
HealthPRO |
|
Vanessa Raco |
UHN - Toronto General Hospital |
|
Vikas Lal |
Shoppers Drug Mart #834 |
|
Vincent Lam |
The Hospital for Sick Children |
|
Vincent Vuong |
Trillium Health Partners - Mississauga Hospital |
|
Winnie Seto |
The Hospital for Sick Children |
More News
Image
Toronto pharmacist helps build global momentum against antimicrobial resistance
Mark McIntyre collaborates with colleagues in Barbados to help develop local antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
Read More
Image
Faces of PharmSci: Tarek Hussein
MSc student Tarek Hussein, an International Pharmacy Graduate and PharmD for Pharmacists alumnus working with Associate Professor Lisa McCarthy, is researching how community pharmacists can integrate deprescribing and social prescribing to reduce medication-related harm, address unmet social needs, and improve patient care.
Read More
Image
Faces of PharmSci: Alessia Pileggi
MSc student Alessia Pileggi is advancing targeted cancer therapy research in the Reilly lab, combining microbiology expertise with radiopharmaceutical innovation to help overcome treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Read More