Two faculty members from the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) stood out as preceptors for the Doctor of Pharmacy class of 2023 and were recognized on graduation day. Alumnae Dr. Emily Ghassemi and Dr. Manali Patel received the 2023 Preceptor of the Year Award.
Dr. Tina Thornhill, vice chair for Experiential & Professional Education, said, “The Faculty Preceptors of the Year are chosen based on two criteria: first, the numerical score derived from the preceptor evaluations submitted by each student pharmacist following their rotation, and second, written feedback submitted by students on their evaluations.”
Emily Ghassemi (’15 PharmD/MSCR), clinical assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice, is a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist (BCACP) and certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). Ghassemi practices as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP) in a family medicine clinic. In this role, she manages chronic medications under a collaborative practice agreement and provides outpatient/ambulatory care pharmacotherapy services and education for patients with chronic disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, and coagulation disorders. In addition to teaching within several CPHS programs, Ghassemi precepts ambulatory care APPE rotations along with PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy and family medicine resident rotations. Her research interests include population health management and the impact of pharmacy services on clinical outcomes and quality metrics.
Students praised Ghassemi for her kindness and being an excellent role model. She encouraged students to learn and was applauded for being well-organized and informing students of her expectations on day one. Many students commented on how they valued Ghassemi’s trust and always knew they could come to her with questions. She was recognized for pushing students outside of their comfort zone in a healthy and respectful manner – while helping to improve their confidence. Ghassemi makes students think and meets them with encouragement every day!
“Precepting and experiencing a student making the connection of knowledge learned in the classroom or skills lab and then applying to patient care in a clinical setting is one of my favorite parts of being an educator. It means so much to me to receive this award,” Ghassemi remarked.
Dr. Manali Patel (’16 PharmD/MBA), clinical assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice, is the program director for the Internal Medicine PGY2 residency at Duke Regional Hospital. Patel maintains a practice site at Duke Regional Hospital in internal medicine and surgery and precepts Internal Medicine I & II APPE rotations along with multiple residency rotations. Patel completed a pharmacy practice PGY1 residency with Harnett Health and Campbell University, followed by a PGY2 residency in Internal Medicine at Duke Regional Hospital.
Patel was recognized for being an excellent teacher and preceptor. Students complimented how she helped them develop a more “pharmacist” mindset. It was appreciated how Patel took the time to teach and explain concepts – even if she had to repeat them. Students valued the open and consistent feedback she provided throughout the rotation. Patel strengthened clinical knowledge and assisted students in gaining confidence in making clinical decisions and recommendations.
“I was very surprised to receive the award! It is very fulfilling to be recognized by the students for doing something I love – precepting! Precepting has always been one of my favorite parts of my job and to receive such a big acknowledgment is a huge honor. I am grateful to have had an impactful role in the students’ learning during their careers as student pharmacists,” Patel shared.