Three outstanding Georgia pharmacists were recognized as the College of Pharmacy’s 2022 Preceptors of the Year at the recent Commencement Ceremony held in May. The trio includes:
- Daniel Anderson ‘18, Antimicrobial Stewardship/Internal Medicine Pharmacist, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta
- Geneen Gibson, Antimicrobial Management Program Coordinator, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, Savannah
- Amy Raufman Knauss ‘99, Clinical Coordinator and PGY-1 Residency Program Director, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville
Nominations for this award were made by members of the Class of 2022, who completed their advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE) during the 2021-2022 experiential year. Remarked Dr. Lindsey Welch, Director of CoP’s APPE program, “Preceptors serve as teachers, leaders, mentors, and critical role models in real-life settings for our students in their final year of training. This group of three are outstanding examples of the quality of preceptors working throughout the state. We are grateful to all of them for the difference they make in the lives of our students.”
These preceptors were asked to reflect on their recognition as well as their work with UGA PharmDawg students.
Dr. Daniel Anderson
How do you feel about being selected as Preceptor the Year?
Being selected as a preceptor of the year is a tremendous honor. As a recent graduate, I remember the thought and criteria that were applied in nominating preceptors for this award. Thinking back on the amazing preceptors who I nominated for this award, I’m honored that a student thinks highly enough to consider me in their company.
Why do you enjoy being a preceptor?
Seeing the lightbulb come on for students provides so much joy for me as a preceptor. As students complete clinical rotations, it is so rewarding to see them find their passions and realize their potential as practitioners.
What skills and values do you teach our pharmacy students who are under your guidance?
I teach students to continue asking “why?” Why, based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, do we use this medication? Why might a particular side effect occur? Why do the guidelines recommend this medication instead of another? When students start to ask why? they master information and set the stage to be lifelong learners. When they leave my rotation, I hope students have gained confidence. I have found that students generally know more than they think they do, and I hope that they have a realization of their existing knowledge base and potential after rotation with me.
Do you have a favorite memory or experience with one of our PharmDawg students?
Each student who has completed a rotation with me has provided me with great memories. It seems like they all have a defining moment on their rotation that sticks out. One that stands out to me was a student telling me they were changing their goals to pursue a career as an infectious diseases pharmacist. This was one of the best compliments a student could offer on a rotation.
Other reflections?
Precepting students is one of the highlights of my job. I’m thankful for the preceptors and mentors who set examples for me and helped shape the learning experience I offer to students. I hope my rotation challenges students and allows them to grow professionally and personally. Most importantly, I’m thankful to the students who make precepting such a joy!
Dr. Geneen Gibson
How do you feel about being selected as Preceptor the Year?
I am honored and humbled by this special recognition.
Why do you enjoy being a preceptor?
I love seeing the progress students make on rotation. Infectious diseases can be overwhelming, especially since it also requires knowledge in microbiology. It is very rewarding to see students become more confident in their knowledge of infectious diseases and antimicrobial management and how it relates directly to improved quality of care for our patients. I find it very rewarding when students realize that they will be the professional who other healthcare providers and medical staff go to for continuing education in multiple disciplines, not only in therapeutics, but also other areas, such as microbiology rapid diagnostic technology.
What skills and values do you teach our pharmacy students who are under your guidance?
I want my students to realize that the field of pharmacy is always changing. When students graduate and become pharmacists, their education will continue. They will have the skills to know where to find information as advances in medicine and therapeutics continue to progress. I also want my students to realize that whatever job position they take, they should always be on the look-out for opportunities to advance pharmaceutical care and promote the field of pharmacy. Regardless of the area, whether residency, retail, hospital, ambulatory care, research, or industry, the UGA student will have the skill set to become the leader in advancing pharmaceutical care of patients and educating other healthcare professionals.
Do you have a favorite memory or experience with one of our PharmDawg students?
I enjoy working with students and helping them see themselves as “detectives” as we gather clues on each patient. Each clue guides us to see why an infectious disease is occurring, what is the source of infection, what pathogen(s) is likely the culprit, and what antimicrobial agent will be the best for treatment. It is fun to work together as we put on our “detective” hat to solve the infectious disease puzzle.
Other reflections?
Precepting students makes me a better pharmacist. I have to be sure I am up-to-date on current topics in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and even areas of emerging new technologies, such as bacteriophage therapy. My students are great at challenging me with thought provoking questions related to complexities found with the infectious disease patient.
Dr. Amy Raufman Knauss
How do you feel about being selected as Preceptor the Year?
It is truly an honor to be selected for this award. As an alum of UGA College of Pharmacy (Class of 1999), I enjoy the opportunity to support the school and give back by mentoring the students in their fourth year.
Why do you enjoy being a preceptor?
I enjoy precepting students in the APPE year by introducing them to hospital practice. Helping the students explore this career path and the specialty options is enjoyable. It is rewarding to see my past students pursue residency training.
What skills and values do you teach our pharmacy students who are under your guidance?
My goals are for students to grow in their knowledge base and confidence and to ensure the students’ experiences on rotation are meaningful to the pharmacy department and patient care. I assign students pertinent projects, such as medication usage evaluations and drug monographs, to meet these goals. My hope is that the students will gain valuable insight into hospital practice and be prepared for postgraduate residency training if they choose that path.
