EPE Preceptors of the Year

The Early Practice Experience (EPE) rotations occur in the first two years of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. These experiences provide an immersive application of knowledge and skills, and allow students to build confidence early on in their studies.

EPE Preceptor of the Year awards are student-nominated and recognize outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in teaching the next generation of pharmacists. This year, five community pharmacists and two hospital pharmacists were recognized.

EPE-1

Amandeep Dhaliwal, EPE-1 Preceptor of the Year (2023)

Amandeep Dhaliwal
Shoppers Drug Mart #906

"As a recent University of Toronto graduate my goal as a preceptor is to ensure students have the opportunity to get as much exposure to real life practise as possible. This sets them up for success in their career path as they can really understand what it means to work in a retail pharmacy setting. I often ask my students "what do you want to get out of this rotation?" so that way we cater the experience to their goals. I find this very rewarding as my students have the opportunity to spread their wings and learn about the expanding scope of pharmacists in Ontario.

I am very humbled to have been a recipient of this award and it further motivates me to continue being a part of education programs offered by University of Toronto. I thank my wonderful pharmacy team as they supported me in fostering an effective learning environment. I look forward to continue playing a role in student learning as I find teaching and motivating students very rewarding."

John Zervas, EPE-1 Preceptor of the Year (2023)

John Zervas
Shoppers Drug Mart #936

"I am honoured and excited to be receiving the EPE Preceptor of the Year award. I would like to thank all of the great students I have had the privilege to work alongside over the years. Being a preceptor has been an honour and has brought an overwhelming sense of accomplishment to my pharmacy career. As a student, I was blessed to have many great preceptors who shaped my education and future career. I promised that it would be my duty to give back to future students in the same manner that my preceptors had for me."

Matthew Dytoc, EPE-1 Preceptor of the Year (2023)

Matthew Dytoc
Costco Pharmacy #1261

"Being a former EPE-1 student myself, I draw from my own experiences and those of past students to create an environment that is inviting and focuses on student learning objectives. I aim to empower students and give them confidence in understanding their potential to positively benefit patient care. 

I am thankful to have an outstanding pharmacy team that also shares my vision for student development and mentoring. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a role in the development of future pillars of our profession and see their growth in knowledge and confidence. Receiving this recognition is incredibly humbling and it is encouraging to know we have positively impacted these young professionals."

EPE Preceptors of the Year: Rabeet Malik, Annabelle Maliakkal, Matthew Dytoc, and Jenny Soroka-Roumianstev
EPE Preceptors of the Year receiving their awards at the 2023 Undergraduate Awards Ceremony on September 28, 2023 at the University of Toronto's Faculty Club. From left to right: Rabeet Malik, Annabelle Maliakkal, Matthew Dytoc, and Jenny Soroka-Roumianstev.

EPE-2

Annabelle Maliakkal, EPE-2 Preceptor of the Year (2023)

Annabelle Maliakkal
Southlake Regional Hospital

"Our students today shape tomorrow’s healthcare future, and that’s why it’s such a privilege to precept. As a preceptor, it’s not only my job to teach clinical skills but to show students their potential as pharmacists and healthcare leaders. The best reward is when students see that the sky is the limit for how they shape their practice. Thank you to all my past students, my workplace and the faculty - it’s an honour to be recognized with this award."

Rabeet Malik, EPE-2 Preceptor of the Year (2023)

Rabeet Malik
Mackenzie Health - Richmond Hill

"Being a preceptor this year has been a very rewarding experience. As a recent graduate myself, I came in with an understanding of the student experience and how best to make the placement valuable. The preceptors I had during my time as a student at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy had a huge impact on the pharmacist I became, and are what inspired me to take on my own student. I do have to thank them for providing me an excellent example of what a preceptor should be. This award is a huge honour, and I am very happy to have had a positive impact on my student."

Jenny Soroka-Roumianstev, EPE-2 Preceptor of the Year (2023)

Jenny Soroka-Roumianstev
Shoppers Drug Mart #899

"I really enjoy being an EPE preceptor as I learn as much from my students as they learn from me. Every student brings a unique perspective on patient care and becomes an important part of our pharmacy team for the duration of the rotation. This award recognizes the knowledge and skills that University of Toronto Faculty of Pharmacy gave me to succeed in my profession. I'm happy to pass the clinical and practical knowledge to my students!"

 

Meghan Van Der Staay, EPE-2 Preceptor of the Year (2023)

Meghan Van Der Staay
Campus Trail Pharmacy

"Being a recent pharmacy graduate and having such great experiences with preceptors throughout my schooling, it was very important to me upon graduating to give back by mentoring the students who will soon be our colleagues. I truly enjoy being a pharmacist, so being able to impart my passion on others is very rewarding. It is so gratifying to watch a student develop clinically over the course of their rotation. I noticed such a difference from week 1 to week 4, from their knowledge base to their confidence. I am so honoured to receive this award. I am very proud of our whole pharmacy team who helped to create such a great experience and learning environment. I take the role as preceptor very seriously, as I know the positive impact we can have. What an amazing opportunity it is to get to be a small part of a student's journey towards becoming a pharmacist."

Honourable Mentions


EPE-1

Alex Hone

Shoppers Drug Mart #993

Andrew Redden

Shoppers Drug Mart #139

Calvin Chan

Walmart Pharmacy #3000

Clement Chung

Shoppers Drug Mart #1275

Irene Wang

Metro Pharmacy #592

Jaclyn Ritson

Shoppers Drug Mart #1337

Jason Chenard

Metro Pharmacy #539

Jordan Nickerson

Sobeys Rivergrove

Kevin Leung

Loblaw-Real Canadian Superstore Pharmacy #1077

Warren Van Langenberg

Shoppers Drug Mart #1308

Shelina Bardai

UHN-TGH Immunodeficiency Clinic Outpatient Pharmacy

Uday Pratap Singh

Shoppers Drug Mart #501

Viney Bansal

Shoppers Drug Mart #834

EPE-2

Andy Ma

Humber River Hospital

Calvin Poon

Niagara Falls Hospital - Niagara Health System

Claudia Janiszewski

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Danielle Porter

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center

Himani Patel

Niagara Falls Hospital - Niagara Health System

Linda Ou

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center

Melissa Tam

Helios Compounding Pharmacy

Michael Collins

Grand River Hospital

Narthaanan Srimurugathasan

North York General Hospital

Vincent Vuong

Trillium Health Partners - Credit Valley Hospital

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