KINGSTON, R.I. – May 6, 2009 – The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy recently named Narragansett resident and URI alumna Linda Carver the Introductory Pharmacy Preceptor of the Year.

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, which is given to a preceptor of introductory level pharmacy students and a preceptor of advanced level pharmacy students. Carver was honored for her work with introductory level students.

Carver works as a pharmacist at Rite Aid in Narragansett and also serves as president of the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association. The student who nominated Carver served an internship at Rite Aid under Carver’s supervision and had prior experience working under Carver for academic credit.

“I was surprised to win the award. I have been doing this for a long time and it’s just one of the things that I do,” said Carver.

Carver said her experience as a preceptor is important to her because she understands how critical clinical experiences are to the development of a student. “I was fortunate to have some fantastic preceptors when I was in school and I try to ensure that my students have good experiences as well,” said Carver. “I feel that it is important to have members of the community actively involved with our students to help teach them and serve as an example for them.”

Carver says that she benefits from working with students and enjoys doing so. “Having the students with me also helps to keep me on my toes. They are a terrific resource for me.”

Pictured above

MODELING THE WAY: Brett Feret, clinical associate professor at URI’s College of Pharmacy, joins Linda Carver, left, a pharmacist at Rite Aid in Narragansett and URI alumna, as she displays the plaque she was awarded for being named the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Preceptor of the Year. URI Department of Communications and Marketing photo by Nora Lewis