Hallman Director David Edwards presented Richard Kelch with his award
Each year Waterloo Pharmacy presents an award for Outstanding Preceptor of the Year. The award recognizes a preceptor who has shown exceptional dedication in their mentorship of Waterloo Pharmacy students on their fourth year clinical rotations work terms.
This year’s award was presented to Richard Kelch as part of the School’s 10th anniversary Regional Tour visit in Windsor.
Richard has supported Waterloo Pharmacy as both a co-op supervisor and preceptor, and he regularly has students join his team for rotation placements. He works at Northgate Pharmacy in Sarnia where he has, in the words of an award-nominator “created an exemplary environment conducive to learning for any student.” The nomination letter praised Richard’s ability to provide learning opportunities and to make his students feel comfortable asking questions and getting involved in the profession:
“Richard encourages students to attend continuing education events with him, teaches you various techniques on how to explain difficult disease states in a patient-friendly manner, and provides ample knowledge in different aspects of pharmacy management. He has also created an environment where his veteran staff willingly provide assistance and advice and personally teach you extremely helpful clinical pearls such as compounding techniques, tips for billing and providing excellent customer service.”
Waterloo Pharmacy relies on the dedication and support of preceptors like Richard to help ensure our graduates are practice-ready.
“Thank you and congratulations to Richard,” says Ken Manson, the School’s Experiential Coordinator for Patient Care Rotations. “Richard’s leadership and dedication to mentorship are an inspiration to our students: at his pharmacy, students witness not only how to be an exemplary pharmacist, but also how to give back to the profession through fostering a positive learning environment.”