Supporting Preceptors Shaping New Generations of Pharmacists


Dear Colleagues, 

As colleges and schools of pharmacy prepare for the fall academic year and residency programs welcome their incoming classes, I want to share what ASHP is doing for one critical group of educators: our preceptors.

Preceptors oversee the experiential education of student pharmacists and the postgraduate training of residents. With the ever-growing complexity of patient care needs and pharmacists’ essential role on interprofessional care teams, their work has never been more critical. Today, preceptors guide and shape the next generation of pharmacists, preparing them for collaborative, patient-centered care.

To teach these clinical and team-based skills effectively, preceptors need ongoing access to expert resources and a strong support system.

One of ASHP’s signature events for these educators is the National Preceptors Conference, which returned in person this June for the first time in two years. Feedback from the event was outstanding. More than 90% of the participants we surveyed reported satisfaction with the variety of preceptor-focused educational sessions, which included the popular Preceptor Gems.

But our support doesn’t end with a single event.

ASHP offers a wealth of resources for student and resident preceptors, including professional development tools, publications, and ongoing support. Our Pharmacy Educators Resource Center provides tips for generational learning and interprofessional practice. Preceptors can also find residency-specific resources and access training modules through the Pharmacy Competency Assessment Center to support continual learning and best practices in education and skills.

We also recognize that learners look to their preceptors not only for knowledge, but for practical advice and career guidance. That’s why we created the Mentorship Resource Center, offering tools to help build structured and lasting mentoring relationships.

Understanding that preceptors juggle demanding careers as clinicians and educators, we developed Educator Essentials, ASHP’s podcast series that offers strategies and best practices to use on the go.

We also invite preceptors to share their experiences and get feedback from their peers. Through ASHP’s Section of Pharmacy Educators, members can join advisory groups that address learning experiences, curriculum development, and partnerships between health systems and academia.

As we look ahead, we hope you will join us at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition in December. This year’s meeting will feature a range of preceptor-focused education, including sessions on experiential education, generational teaching, feedback strategies, and more.

Preceptors are shaping the next generation of pharmacists, and we deeply appreciate their tremendous work. Please know that we are here to support them and all pharmacy professionals at every step. Whether through events, resources, mentorship tools, or peer networks, we remain a trusted source of information and a committed partner in your journey.

Thank you for all you do for your patients and our profession.

Sincerely,

Paul

 

Posted on August 7, 2025