Across Canada, hundreds of pharmacists serve as co-op supervisors and preceptors who are essential to our program. By supporting our experiential learning program, mentors help students experience real-world situations that impact and inspire their career paths.
Each year the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy recognizes exceptional mentors, nominated by the students, through the Outstanding Co-op Supervisor and the Outstanding Preceptor of the Year Award. Join us in congratulating the 2023 recipients, Jeffrey Chou and Chris Hartman!
Outstanding Co-op Supervisor Award Winner: Jeffrey Chou
Jeffrey Chou has been a co-op supervisor in 2019 and 2023. He currently works at Rexall Head Office in Mississauga, Ontario. Chou provides one-on-one meetings with students to check on their progress and workload, immersing himself in student growth and success.
“Despite his very busy schedule, Jeffrey never failed to make himself available for questions at any time and never cancelled our weekly meetings,” says a pharmacy student. “His emphasis on work-life balance enhanced the quality of my work.”
Chou gives students the room the grow through diverse projects and collaborations with different departments to further their knowledge and career development. These opportunities give students a deeper understanding of the importance of interprofessional collaboration.
“My colleagues and I at Rexall worked with our student in a corporate pharmacy environment that developed tools to support our front-line pharmacy teams while they deliver exceptional pharmacy services to our patients. Our goal was to have our student participate in various projects to experience how the pharmacy services team and other support teams at the Rexall Support Center operated. I am happy that we were able to provide a memorable and meaningful experience for our student and I am grateful to be the recipient of this award,” says Chou.
Chou has been nominated for multiple leader awards at Rexall. His commitment to the profession and mentoring students shines through the student’s growth post co-op work term.
Outstanding Preceptor of the Year Award Winner: Chris Hartman
Chris Hartman (Rx2011) has been a preceptor since 2017 and co-op supervisor since 2019, supporting Waterloo Pharmacy students from different points in their pharmacy journey. He is part of the Waterloo Pharmacy vanguard class and currently works at Ingersoll Pharmasave in Ingersoll, Ontario.
“Chris has been an exceptional mentor and educator to me during my rotations,” says a pharmacy student. “He provides an exemplary learning environment that embodies true commitment to teaching and the profession.”
Hartman’s commitment to teaching is far reaching. Students emphasize his willingness to meet with students regularly to broaden their understanding of the profession from clinical aspects to the business side.
“Chris’ impact on my growth as a future pharmacist cannot be overstated. His consistent and thoughtful feedback has helped me refine my skills, build confidence and navigate complex clinical scenarios,” adds the student.
Hartman creates a learning environment tailored to his students to help them grow into practice ready pharmacists.
“Waterloo pharmacy students energize our whole staff and inject a passion and an enthusiasm into our workplace. Personally, their varied experiences and endless curiosity forces me to constantly re-evaluate my own practices and beliefs about pharmacy, making me a better pharmacist and keeping me engaged with the profession,” says Hartman.
Congratulations Jeffrey and Chris!