KINGSTON, R.I. – May 5, 2009 – Clinical Assistant Professor Erica Estus was named the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Advanced Pharmacy Practice Preceptor of the Year for her work with doctor of pharmacy students in advanced level experiential programs.
The Preceptor of the Year award is given annually to honor outstanding preceptors, who serve as mentors to pharmacy students while overseeing their clinical experiences. Students nominate candidates for the award.
Estus teaches pharmacy students performing internships as part of their sixth and final year at the College of Pharmacy. She works with students at three practice sites specializing in the area of geriatrics; the St. Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich, Omnicare Pharmacy in Coventry, and South Bay Manor in Wakefield.
The pharmacy professor works with students to ensure that they are exposed to the many different aspects of pharmacy and models of care at these sites. The Wakefield resident said she meets with students regularly and is actively involved with students at the sites. Throgh these experiences, the students gain a better understanding of how to treat older adults within a variety of settings in preparing to become pharmacists.
“Dr. Estus deserves to be recognized because of her sincere efforts to take learning to the next level. She puts so much effort into giving students a personal and hands-on experience,” said a student who nominated Estus for the award.
“I have learned so much through the students,” said Estus. “I am comfortable in the professional setting yet the students are just getting used to it. Interacting with them helps me understand what they need to learn and makes me a better teacher.”
Estus, students from the College of Pharmacy, and residents of South Bay Manor recently worked together to plan a “Senior Prom” that was held at South Bay Manor. Many students from the College of Pharmacy attended and interacted with older adults in an enjoyable afternoon of dancing and music. “It was a great event. It was amazing to see the positive interaction between the different generations,” said Estus. “There was a mixture of abilities, but both young and old had a great time.”
Estus received her bachelor’s degree in 1996 and her doctor of pharmacy degree in 2000, both from URI. Aside from being an assistant professor at URI, she is an adjunct faculty member of the Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center and a member of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Estus founded a chapter of the society at URI to encourage students to become more engaged in outreach activities with older adults, and she currently serves as the group’s faculty advisor.
Media Contact: Dave Lavallee, 401-874-5862