Six pharmacists have been recognized as the 2025–26 Experiential Learning 1 (EL1) Preceptors of the Year.
EL1 is the first of two early experiential courses in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Over 160 hours in a community pharmacy, first-year students take part in day-to-day patient care and apply what they have learned in the classroom and simulated practice settings.
The awards recognize preceptors whose dedication to teaching, mentorship and support helps students build their skills and confidence in practice.
Congratulations to all six recipients!
Christopher Chan,
PharmD, RPh
Pharmacy Manager/Pharmacist,
Shoppers Drug Mart #660
“It is a profound honour to be recognized as an EL1 Preceptor of the Year. Having had exceptional preceptors during my own pharmacy education, I remember firsthand how pivotal that initial experience was. My goal is to create a supportive environment where first year students feel comfortable asking questions as they bridge classroom knowledge with direct patient care. What is most rewarding being a mentor is inspiring students to see how much of a difference they can make in patient lives early on in their education, and seeing their confidence grow as they discover the essential role community pharmacists have in health care.”
George Hanna,
PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist/Owner,
Shoppers Drug Mart #5952
“I am truly honoured to be receiving this award, and it is deeply fulfilling to be help grow and train the next generation of pharmacists from the world-renowned Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy.
Community pharmacy is rapidly evolving, with pharmacists playing a bigger role as primary care providers than ever before. Exposing first year students to full scope activities not only helps them develop important skills and bedside manners, it also gives them confidence to assert their clinical skillset and empowers them to provide great value to our patients.”
Lisa Stein-Levine,
BScPhm, RPh
Pharmacy Manager,
Panacea Pharmacy
“I am honoured to have been nominated and receive the award for EL1 preceptor of the year. Over my many years of practice I have mentored students from all areas of pharmacy. I learn from them as much as they learn from me, and with the rapidly changing landscape of community practice I feel the most important part of mentoring students is to give them the insight into how to incorporate their knowledge from school into today’s practice setting, ensuring the highest quality of patient-centred care.”
John Cheng,
PharmD, RPh
Pharmacy Manager,
Metro Pharmacy #527
“It is truly an honour to be recognized again as Preceptor of the Year. Mentoring has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside my students. What I value most is getting to know my students, understanding their goals, and supporting them as they grow in confidence and develop their own professional identities. It brings be great joy to hear from students after their placements about the role I have played in their professional journey, and to eventually call them my colleagues. Each student reminds me of why I love pharmacy and teaching.”
Faiza Ahmad,
BScPhm
Managing Pharmacist,
Loblaw–Fortinos Pharmacy #4254
“Receiving this award is an incredible honour. Being a preceptor is a meaningful reminder of how I can pass on the knowledge bestowed on me by own mentors. It is also a way to continually shape the future of pharmacy firsthand. Working in a retail pharmacy setting, it is so exciting to see students apply classroom teachings to the real world, and see the human side of the profession, not just the clinical side. Having graduated a while ago, I forget that the world is your oyster when you're in school; that the opportunities are endless, and you have everything you need to make the profession your own. Teaching students reminds me of this daily. Receiving this award is a testament that maybe the students have gotten as much out of this as I have.”
Jamie Av,
BScPhm, PharmD, RPh, Clinical Pharmacist
Designated Pharmacy Manager,
Shoppers Drug Mart #1410
“Mentoring students has always been an incredibly rewarding process. It not only allows me to share my clinical knowledge and pearls but also the practical skills, confidence, and compassion needed to care for patients. Most of all, I value seeing students develop, become more confident in their abilities, and recognize the impact they can make with their practice. This award motivates me to continue creating positive and supportive learning environments for future students. Receiving this award is a meaningful recognition of something I deeply value: supporting and helping the next generation of pharmacists grow.”
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