Matthew Lane honored with national preceptor award
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 11, 2024) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) is proud to announce that Matthew Lane, PharmD, a clinical associate professor and chief of pharmacy at the Lexington VA Health Care System, has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2024 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Distinguished Preceptor Recognition Award. This honor celebrates Lane’s exceptional dedication to experiential education and his outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacy.
Lane’s journey in pharmacy began with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas, followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UKCOP. He subsequently completed pharmacy practice and critical care residencies at UK HealthCare. His career includes notable positions at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and the Lexington VA Health Care System, where he has served in various capacities for over 26 years.
Throughout his career, Lane has precepted over 400 students during their Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations, as well as 58 pharmacy residents at the VA system. His commitment to advancing clinical knowledge and growth among trainees is evident in his ongoing role as an active clinical preceptor for both PGY1 and PGY2 ambulatory programs.
“Dr. Lane is an exemplary model of precepting and mentorship for future pharmacists and young professionals,” said Holly Divine, PharmD., professor and director of External Studies at UKCOP. “His contributions to experiential learning at the University of Kentucky span over three decades, and his impact on our students and the profession is immeasurable.”
Lane’s leadership has been instrumental in successfully implementing the IPPE-Longitudinal program, which involved creating 300 individual rotation spots for students each semester. His dedication was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he ensured that student pharmacists could continue their education despite unprecedented disruptions.
“Dr. Lane was one of the sole reasons we survived the turbulent season and successfully brought resolution to the two class years most impacted by the pandemic,” added Divine.
T.J. Emmons, PharmD., associate chief of Pharmacy Service, Clinical & Educational Programs, and residency program director at the Lexington VA, highlighted Lane’s profound influence on the clinical pharmacy program. “Dr. Lane’s vision led to the expansion of specialty programs and the addition of practitioners in various areas, directly impacting the number of pharmacy students to whom we provide experiential training. His passion for experiential education and patient care is unmatched.”
Lane’s dedication extends to making immunizations available to the community, a significant aspect of his career. He serves as the Lexington VA's immunization subject matter expert, overseeing the logistical processes to ensure immunizations are readily available for patients in Lexington and across Kentucky. For the past 17 years, he has orchestrated the annual drive-thru flu vaccine clinic held each October. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lane led the facility’s rapid response to vaccine distribution, ensuring thousands of veterans and employees were vaccinated swiftly and efficiently.
“It is dedicated preceptors like Dr. Lane that make my role leading our program’s experiential education department a tremendous joy,” noted Divine. “His influence makes even experienced preceptors and faculty like me aspire to be Dr. Matthew Lane when we grow up.”
In 2023, Lane was honored with UKCOP’s first-ever Hall of Distinguished Preceptors Lifetime Achievement Award. His continued dedication to student pharmacists and his ability to inspire and mentor future generations make him a deserving recipient of the AACP Distinguished Preceptor Recognition Award.
UKCOP is privileged to work with over 800 active voluntary faculty preceptors, who make the mission of the experiential program possible. The UKCOP community extends heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor and celebrates Lane’s unwavering commitment to excellence in experiential education and professional practice.