The NDSU School of Pharmacy announced awards to pharmacists who help educate students as they pursue their future careers.
Julia Muzzy Williamson was named Faculty Preceptor of the Year and Teacher of the Year. She is an assistant professor of practice in the NDSU School of Pharmacy, a neonatal intensive care clinical specialist at Sanford Health and a pharmacy residency preceptor.
Kevin Burns, Pharmacoeconomist supervisor in the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Health Care System, was named Adjunct Preceptor of the Year.
“Dr. Burns facilitated my learning by challenging me to think about solutions on my own and then come together as a team to create our action plan,” said one NDSU pharmacy student in their nomination.
“He then had us present our projects to the regional committees in charge of making the changes. It was an amazing experience to present our information to the final decision makers that would ultimately have an impact on an enormous patient population,” said the student.
“I think Dr. Burns really excels in thinking outside the box, providing unique opportunities for students to learn,” said another student.
“I highly recommend precepting,” Burns said. “Keeps me fresh, energized, focused, and one of life’s greatest callings should be to mentor others. I truly gain as much from my interactions with students than I impart to them. I try to mentor NDSU pharmacy students as if they are providing for my care or my family’s care because, someday soon, they will.”
“I am thankful for all the quality pharmacy preceptors who put in extra hours to be sure students receive an excellent education,” Burns said.
Burns received his PharmD degree from the University of Minnesota. His professional career includes roles as clinical program manager of outpatient pharmacy and clinical pharmacist in the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.
Pharmacy students on clinical rotations nominate and choose the award recipients for Preceptor of the Year.
As Faculty Preceptor of the Year and Teacher of the Year, Muzzy Williamson’s expertise includes pediatric pharmacotherapy, neonatal intensive care, parenteral nutrition, neonatal and pediatric gastrointestinal disorders and women’s health.
“She allows us to explore our knowledge and speak about our plans,” said a student. “She then poses thought-provoking questions during topic discussions and patient rounds.”
The student also noted that Muzzy Williamson’s listening skills and flexibility provided a great learning experience.
“The expertise provided by preceptors prepares future pharmacists to become practice ready and team ready when they graduate,” said Charles D. Peterson, dean of the School of Pharmacy and College of Health Professions at NDSU. “Preceptors’ knowledge and their willingness to share it with students helps prepare them for future success.”
For more information on how to become a pharmacy preceptor, visit the NDSU School of Pharmacy experiential education website.
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