From Inspired Pharmacy Student to Successful Preceptor

In honor of June being Preceptor Appreciation Month, we recently spoke with Dr. Lindsey Lewis Nolan about her experience as a preceptor at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. Nolan, who has held a 2-year-long position as a preceptor at UKCOP, currently works as a Transitions of Care Clinical Pharmacist Specialist at Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky. Nolan specializes in optimizing patient care by focusing on medication reconciliation, medication therapy management, resolution of medication access barriers and patient education.

1. What made you want to precept students?

NOLAN: One of the best ways we can give back to the pharmacy profession is by investing in our pharmacy students. After I was established in my new role as a Transitions of Care pharmacist, I felt confident that I would offer an ambulatory care rotation that would provide students with opportunities to provide direct patient care, make evidence-based recommendations and interact directly with the healthcare team.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a preceptor?

NOLAN: While there are so many things I enjoy about being a preceptor, the most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to witness students’ growth in their critical thinking skills and self-confidence in their clinical recommendations.

3. What would you say to others who are considering precepting, but reluctant to take the next step?

NOLAN: Sign up to be a preceptor! Whatever hesitations you may have, UKCOP has an abundant number of resources available for you. As the pharmacy profession continues to progress, it is important that our students have ample opportunity for learning and growth.

4. What is your overall impression of UKCOP students?

NOLAN: UKCOP students have been a pleasure to have on rotation. They are hardworking and are eager to progress their clinical knowledge base. They act as pharmacy extenders to ensure more patients have access to quality medication counseling and disease state education. UKCOP students make precepting a very rewarding experience.

5. Lastly, as a preceptor, you often give advice to and inspire our students. Who inspires you throughout your pharmacy career?

NOLAN: I am continually inspired by preceptors I had during my residency training. They mentored me and were invested in my future success as a clinical pharmacist specialist. I now have the pleasure of working in the same health-system with these pharmacists and still admire the great work they do for the profession inside and outside of their job role.

In honor of the hard work and dedication of its preceptors, the UK College of Pharmacy is recognizing preceptors throughout the month of June. A virtual appreciation event is scheduled for June 24, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. EDT. For more information about the event or information on becoming a College of Pharmacy preceptor, email copexperiential@uky.edu.