Jennifer Lynn and Amanda Whitehead

Jennifer and Amanda completed Coastal AHEC rotations last year. Jennifer is working as a pharmacist in Tabor City, and Amanda has just begun a community pharmacy practice residency.

Who was your favorite or most memorable preceptor and why?

Jennifer: I don't know that I can choose just one preceptor as my favorite. I will say, however, that those preceptors that challenged me the most are the ones that I will always remember. I'm not just talking about an academic challenge by giving me the most work to do or the most difficult project to accomplish, but those preceptors who challenged me professionally to be the best that I can be and learn all that I can learn. I will always remember those preceptors who took time out of their busy schedule to truly teach me and answer my questions. Unfortunately, not all of your preceptors will have the time to make such an impact, but the few that make time for their students are by far the most effective.

Amanda: Dr. Mary Beth Bobek. She is the critical care preceptor in Coastal AHEC. Although I did not enjoy critical care that much, I learned so much from her during that rotation. She spent every afternoon with me going over every one of my patients. She took a lot of her time to help me learn. She was very approachable and made me feel comfortable asking questions. She was really great and I really enjoyed my month with her.

What are you doing now?

Jennifer: Currently I am working for Dameron Drug Store in Tabor City, North Carolina. This is an independently owned pharmacy that has been in business since 1946 and continues to thrive from the support of the community.

Amanda: I am currently doing a Community Pharmacy Practice Residency with UNC and Kerr Drug in Chapel Hill at University Mall in Chapel Hill.

What did you like best about your rotations? Least?

Jennifer: The most awesome thing about rotations is that you finally get to practically apply the knowledge that you have gained in the classroom for the past 3 years. The “hands on” experience taught me so much more than I could have ever learned in the classroom. It’s a lot different than what you might imagine, yet at the same time it's a lot more rewarding. The one thing that I disliked the most about rotations was being given “busy work,” even when I knew that it would help me in the long run. Other than that, the early mornings and long hours didn’t make life fun either, but I have recently realized that this was preparation for what was to come in the “real world.”

 Amanda: I really enjoyed the rotations that let me practice pharmaceutical care and have hands-on experience. I think it is great when a preceptor will let you, as a student, perform tests, counseling, etc., instead of sitting and watching them do it. You really learn a lot when you get to do things yourself. I also liked the rotations where the preceptor took the time to teach you and was available for questions. What I liked least was that some rotations do not have enough stuff for students to do, therefore, there is a lot of down time involved. I would like to spend my time learning if I am going to be there. Also, I did not enjoy the rotations in which my preceptors were never available and I was always on my own or with other people that did not care to precept me.

What was the most important thing you learned while completing your rotations?

Jennifer: The most important thing that I learned while completing my rotations, and what I am continuing to learn in my career, is that there is so much more to learn.

Amanda: Professionalism and respect will get you far!

If you could give one piece of advice to PharmD students entering their rotations this year, what would it be?

Jennifer: My one piece of advice to those entering their rotations would be to take advantage of every learning opportunity that you are given. I challenge you all to take each assignment as a way to be better prepared for your future as a pharmacist and not just as another assignment. I would also like to recommend to everyone to get to know your preceptors and really talk with them about what path you would like to take in your career. You never know what type of connections you may be able to make or whose advice may get you your dream job. If not for the advice and recommendations of one of my preceptors in the Coastal AHEC, I may not have the job that I have now.

Amanda: ASK QUESTIONS! Make the most of your time and you will learn so much. Do not be afraid to ask questions, everyone will learn from it. Really try during your rotations. A lot will be expected out of you but preceptors know you are a student and that you do not know everything. Still, speak up and try. If you do not know it, look it up and know it the next time. This is the way you learn. Don't shy away from rotations because you feel like you do not know anything or may look dumb, believe me, you know a lot more than you think and you will learn a lot more by trying.