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.”
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