Pharmacy alumnus Jeff Larson (RPh 1992) has received the AMCP Experiential Education Preceptor Award for 2021.
Larson serves as Clinical Director of Health Plans for CVS Caremark in Bloomington, Minnesota. AMCP, formerly known as the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, is the nation’s professional organization for Managed Care Pharmacy. Larson received his award during a virtual presentation on April 15.
According to AMCP, the award “recognizes an AMCP member making a significant contribution to managed care pharmacy by being a preceptor to student pharmacists for Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences and/or Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences focused in managed care pharmacy.”
“This year’s winner is always looking for opportunities to advance and build the future of the pharmacy profession,” said Marissa Schlaifer, President of the AMCP Board, who presented the virtual award.
“His dedication is clear when you examine the residency experiences he builds for students. No two rotations are the same. He recognizes that the marketplace is dynamic, and each student’s needs are different. Not to be deterred by a global pandemic, this awardee continued precepting students, even though offices were closed. He worked hard to ensure student experiences were enriching,” said Schlaifer.
Larson’s career includes 26 years in the pharmacy benefit manager industry. He’s been a member of AMCP since 1996, serving in leadership positions that include Program Planning and Development Committee chair, Schools of Pharmacy Relations Committee chair, and Diplomat director.
The NDSU alum serves as AMCP co-diplomat for North Dakota State University as he mentors future managed care pharmacists. According to AMCP, Larson also “serves as lead APPE preceptor for a rotation in Managed Care for multiple schools of pharmacy and coordinates the Clinical Management rotation for two CVS Health Residency programs.”
In addition, Larson serves as secretary of the National Advisory Board for the NDSU School of Pharmacy. The ACMP award includes a $500 contribution to the School of Pharmacy of Larson’s choice.
“I’m very honored to have been selected for this award and proud to designate NDSU as the recipient of the contribution,” said Larson.
“Alumni such as Jeff Larson provide valuable expertise to the NDSU School of Pharmacy, sharing their experience with us to help consistently graduate highly-skilled students that are prepared for their future careers,” said Charles D. Peterson, dean of the NDSU School of Pharmacy and College of Health Professions. “We congratulate Jeff on this prestigious national honor.”
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by AMCP for this award. I realize it’s not an individual accomplishment,” said Larson. “I would like to thank my family, my leadership, and all the individuals within my organization that have made this possible,” he said.
In his award acceptance, Larson also said he appreciated his late father whose character helped mold Larson’s values, decisions and actions in his life and his professional career.
The full awards ceremony is found at https://www.amcp.org/membership/value-of-membership/amcp-awards-recognition/amcp-award-winners