Amy Werremeyer
NDSU fourth-year pharmacy students on clinical rotations nominate and choose the award recipients for Preceptor of the Year.
Werremeyer’s expertise includes patient education and medication experiences with psychotropic medications, PhotoVoice and psychopharmacology. She serves as associate professor of practice in the NDSU School of Pharmacy, as well as clinical specialist in psychiatry at Sanford Health. She received her bachelor’s of science and doctor of pharmacy degrees from NDSU.
In the Preceptor of the Year nomination of Dr. Werremeyer, one student noted her teaching commitment.
“The amount I learned on this rotation, both relating to patient care and dealing with stress and loss was unreal,” said the student. “I was able to learn just how impactful these diseases are on patients, family members, and the health care workers helping difficult patients.”
The rotation experience with Werremeyer impacted students. “Psychiatry is definitely my strongest concept area because of this rotation,” said one student.
Students also shared experiences in clinical rotations with Dr. Daniel McPherson who serves as critical care pharmacist/nutrition at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck. McPherson received his doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and completed a two-year residency at the Albert B. Chandler Hospital at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
McPherson embraces teaching future pharmacists. “He includes the student in every single aspect of his work,” said one student.
“He forwards on any physician question he receives to you and has you follow up with the physician yourself. This gives you practice addressing these questions in a timely manner and interacting with other health care professionals,” said another pharmacy student.
McPherson, who has served as a preceptor for much of his 30-year career, said it’s a two-way street. “The students learn and I learn at the same time,” he said, citing ongoing, rapid changes that occur in the pharmacy profession.
He also wholeheartedly recommends being a preceptor to other pharmacists. “It’s important to have good communication skills and understand where they are and try to get them though,” said McPherson. “The key is seeking and providing information for improved patient care.”
“Our partnerships with pharmacists from around the region are invaluable to prepare the next generation of pharmacists,” said Charles D. Peterson, dean of the College of Health Professions at NDSU. “Preceptors are valued partners to deliver real life pharmacy practice experiences for students to become practice ready and team ready pharmacists.”
For more information on how to become a pharmacy preceptor, visit www.ndsu.edu/pharmacy and click on Experiential Education.