2015 Preceptor of the Year Award-Winner: Alan Tanabe
The College of Pharmacy is pleased to announce that Mr. Alan Tanabe has been selected as the recipient of the 2015 Preceptor of the Year Award. Preceptor of the Year is an honor presented to one exceptional College of Pharmacy volunteer faculty educator. Recipients are not only excellent role models for PharmD students, but have shown commitment to promoting the core values of the College of Pharmacy.
Mr. Tanabe, a community pharmacist at Meijer Pharmacy in Ypsilanti, has served as a University of Michigan College of Pharmacy preceptor since 2000. Commenting on their rotation with Mr. Tanabe, numerous students mentioned his teaching style and how it helped them to gain invaluable skills that they can take into their future careers. “My preceptor took time to explain important concepts to me, and clarified things that were confusing or difficult to understand," says one former student. "He did not just tell me the answer, but guided me in getting the answer, which definitely helped me develop my problem solving skills.” The preceptor program continues to be an enriching experience for both students and instructors. On his involvement with the College and students, Mr. Tanabe notes, “I truly enjoy serving as a preceptor and take pride in the professional development that I witness in the students that I interact with.”
Mr. Tanabe earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Ferris State University in 1991. Anticipating the need to provide more direct patient care in the community setting, he is currently enrolled in a Non-Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy program through the University of Colorado, Denver. Mr. Tanabe excels at mentoring his students, all while providing care to his patients, pursuing his degree, and raising a young family.
Mr. Tanabe was nominated by a fellow preceptor, Alan Metz. Speaking on Mr. Tanabe’s work with the program, Mr. Metz says, “He goes above and beyond teaching his students. He is very charismatic and his love for the profession shows.”
Mr. Tanabe will be recognized at the 12th annual Preceptor Education and Recognition Symposium on May 7, 2015 at Palmer Commons.
Read more about the Preceptor of the Year Award.
Student Nominations
"Mr. Tanabe was a great preceptor who makes an effort to make sure that his students learn. He also did a great job of talking to me about MTM and he allowed me to work on a few MTM cases which were very beneficial to me"
"He took the time to focus on my learning one-on-one despite the pharmacy being continually busy. He was respectful and professional."
"Alan Tanabe was easily one of the best preceptors I've had."
"Alan is a great preceptor and pharmacist who is willing to share his clinical knowledge and skills with students like myself. I was able to learn a lot about different disease states and drugs and which recommendations are valid for patients with different illnesses. In addition, I found his interactions with patients and other healthcare providers to be confident, respectful, and professional. I believe that was something that I could also learn from Alan as a future pharmacist."
