Dr. Kiela Samuels Wins First AACP Master Preceptor Recognition Award
For the first time ever, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) has established a Master Preceptor Recognition program to recognize outstanding preceptors. In its inaugural year of the program, we are proud to share that College of Pharmacy preceptor Kiela Samuels, PharmD’87, has been selected as one of the program’s first awardees.
Dr. Samuels was appointed to the College of Pharmacy’s adjunct clinical faculty as a preceptor in January 1990. Prior to September 2011, Dr. Samuels offered an Advanced Community Practice APPE experience, while also a partner and practitioner in a community pharmacy. In her new role as Director of the Pharmacy Technology Program at Washtenaw Community College, she began to offer a teaching rotation for our students in 2011.
“My time with Dr. Samuels has already shaped my career path, and she has become a remarkable mentor in the short time I have known her. Her impact on my life has even allowed me to develop a new career goal: to make an impression on the professional and personal lives of future pharmacists, as she has with mine,” supports Christina Yang, PharmD’14.
Because of Dr. Samuels’ excellent work as a preceptor, she also received our Preceptor of the Year Award in 2009.
AACP recognizes up to 8 preceptors per year, one from each of its regions across the country. The purpose of this program is to nationally recognize preceptors for their sustained commitment to excellence in experiential education and professional practice. Evaluations are based upon their demonstration of and contributions to experiential education, pharmacy practice, community service, and awards/recognitions.
Dr. Kiela Samuels with Washtenaw Community College students in the Pharmacy Technology Program. Photo by Michigan Photography.
“The skills and knowledge that I have gained over the past 30 years, starting with my education at U-M College of Pharmacy, allow me to serve as mentor for that next generation of pharmacists that will shape healthcare in America in this time of change and reform. Teaching is a work of heart; and that sums it up. I love seeing my students becoming successful!” states Dr. Samuels.
Dr. Samuels’ professional practice extends to the University of Michigan Health Systems, where she serves as the immunotherapy laboratory pharmacist for Internal Medicine-Allergy Division. Students often refer to their APPE experience as a two-for-one experience. Her responsibilities include: compounding immunotherapy, process improvement, quality improvement research, immunotherapy and pharmacology lectures to Fellows and Attending Physicians.
"We are the only Allergy practice in the state of Michigan to have a PharmD involved in the daily care of our patients. Kiela is an integral part of our Division involved in clinical care of our patients, education, and research," states Dr. Marc McMorris, Medical Director of Domino's Farms Allergy Specilty Clinic & Food Allergy Clinic.
“I attribute some of my rapid success to Dr. Samuels’ training and inspiration. Dr. Samuels is a great role model that is very passionate about her duties as a pharmacist and a most deserving beneficiary of this award,” states Omonye Osayande, PharmD’11.
Dr. Samuels will be recognized at our 11th annual Preceptor Education and Recognition Symposium on May 8, 2014 at Palmer Commons.
“Dr. Kiela Samuels has contributed significantly to the education of our students and the profession of pharmacy. She has distinguished herself as an educator, clinical pharmacist and entrepreneur; she is well-respected and highly regarded by her students, peers, pharmacy personnel, and the community at large,” ends Dean Frank Ascione.
Congratulations to Dr. Samuels on this fantastic accomplishment, and many thanks for her commitment to the College of Pharmacy and our students!
Read the full AACP press release.
Learn more about the AACP Master Preceptor Recognition Program.
