August 27, 2024

Dr. Hanna Phan to assume the role this fall, considering it a “full circle moment” 

 

Author: Markie Heideman, Content Marketing Manager

Media Contact: Lindsay Groth, Director of Marketing and Communications, [email protected]

[Ann Arbor, Michigan] – The College of Pharmacy is proud to announce that Dr. Hanna Phan will assume the role of Director of Experiential Education in September. Experiential Education was previously led by Assistant Dean Paul Walker, who recently announced his plans to retire this fall. 

 

Experiential Education at the College

Offering a wide variety of pharmacy practice experiences through Michigan Medicine and other pharmacy practice settings, the College’s Experiential Education program helps our PharmD students develop the professional skills needed to practice effectively. 

 

PharmD students in their first, second and third year participate in Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs), introducing them to home-visit care, and practice in community pharmacy and ambulatory care. Fourth-year PharmD students participate in Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), full-time five rotations in hospitals, health systems, community pharmacies, and other organizations introducing them to a variety of pharmacy care experiences

 

Right now, the College is affiliated with more than 600 preceptors (pharmacy experts mentoring students throughout their rotations) at more than 250 practice sites in Michigan and across the world. 

 

New Leadership

Dr. Phan, PharmD ‘03, is a Clinical Associate Professor at College of Pharmacy and, since August 2020, has served as a Clinical Pharmacist Specialist in pediatric pulmonology ambulatory care at Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital – a role that will transition to be more focused on research/quality improvement over the next year. Dr. Phan is a national expert in cystic fibrosis pharmacotherapy and has been a leader and pioneer in the growth of this pharmacy care model on the national front, having developed clinical pharmacy services at two major centers in the U.S. and mentored others who are clinical pharmacists providing care for children and adults with CF at various centers nationally. 

 

Before re-joining the U-M College of Pharmacy, Phan served in numerous roles at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, including academic administration as Assistant Department Head and founding residency program director for Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY2) Pediatric Pharmacy Residency Program at Banner University Medical Center-Tucson. She is excited to apply her experience to the role.

 

“I was thrilled to hear that Dr. Phan is my successor. I am confident with her experience and collaborative mindset, she will bring new ideas and continue to build upon our Experiential Ed program, making it a great experience for our students,” says Assistant Dean Paul Walker.

 

“My motivation has always been to help others and to serve my community, which is what drives me in all that I do,” Dr. Phan explained. “I am fortunate to have had many positive role models and mentors who practice Servant Leadership and have given back to their communities in so many ways, so I guess you can say it's embedded in my ‘pharmacy family DNA.’ I aim to be a  visionary and forward thinker who is passionate about collaborating with others.”

 

Dr. Phan believes the foundation laid by Assistant Dean Walker has set College of Pharmacy students up for success, and she is excited to build on that success by tapping into her network to recruit more preceptors and bring new ideas to experiential education.

 

“I consider this full circle for me,” Phan remarked. “Dr. Walker was a professor of mine, then, he was my supervisor (and amazing supporter) at Mott when I started out as a Pediatric Staff Pharmacist, and now, with this next step in my career, I am honored to continue and build upon his efforts in the Office of Experiential Education.”  .” 

 

In learning she would be Dr. Walker’s successor, Dr. Phan said she felt a bittersweetness with the upcoming changes. “I will miss Dr. Walker and am so thankful for his role in my career development from student to present day, as he has helped so many professionals over the course of his career. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I’m excited to learn from a great leader and give back to the College through a new avenue.”

 

Dr. Phan has been working throughout the summer with Dr. Walker in transitioning to this new role and officially begins as Director of the Office of Experiential Education on September 1. 

 

Assistant Dean Walker also oversees Community Engagement at the College. Dr. Amy Thompson has assumed the role of Director of Community Engagement. You can read more about that transition here.