Jessica Lin, PharmD ’13, BCPS, APh, an oncology pharmacist at Los Angeles General Medical Center, is a recipient of the 2023 Preceptor of the Year Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). She also serves as the USC Mann representative on the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors, and on the USC Mann Alumni Engagement Board. Here, she explains why she volunteers as a preceptor to mentor USC Mann School students and introduce them to “real world” experiences.
Why did you choose to become a preceptor?
I had amazing preceptors and mentors when I was a student, and they definitely had an impact on how I practice as a pharmacist to this day. What a privilege to be able to potentially fill a formative role for future students!
How do preceptors play a vital role in preparing students for future jobs in the healthcare industry?
Like all careers in healthcare, pharmacy is an apprenticeship profession. You can sit in a classroom or listen to as many recorded lectures are available, but nothing will replace learning by doing with the guidance of an experience pharmacist to correct your missteps. Especially with the advent of AI and other new tech in healthcare, there are definite advantages to being coached on interpersonal and soft skills that cannot be replaced by a computer.
What do you enjoy most about being a preceptor?
It’s very refreshing to reconnect with the joy and wonder of students who are at the beginning of their careers. Day-to-day routines get a little boring sometimes, and it’s nice to remember the inspiration that comes with making a difference in a patient’s life.
What advice do you have for current PharmD students?
Be open to all experiences! Your first job doesn’t have to be your last job, and you’ll never know if you truly enjoy working in a particular area until you are elbow deep in both the mundane and exciting parts.
Why should other pharmacists consider being a preceptor for the school?
Precepting covers many different areas, from distribution basics to advanced clinical practice, patient counseling skills to general career mentorship. If your ears perked up and thought students could be better trained in any of those, consider helping the next generation of pharmacists learn from your experience. Sharing your time is a great way to give back to the school and pay it forward.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Just like I tell my students on rotations, precepting will reward back to you as much as you put in.
Learn more about PharmD professional experience programs at USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Pharmacists: Interested in becoming a preceptor? Email pharmpep@usc.edu.