2025 Preceptor Appreciation Day

September 25, 2025 | 8:40-9:40 a.m.

There are numerous requirements that students must complete during introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPE) and advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE). This presentation will review student field encounter requirements. Preceptors will be oriented to the purpose of each field encounter, applicability to various rotation types, and field encounter requirements by campus (Boston and Worcester/Manchester). The preceptor will understand how they can confirm and provide feedback on the encounters.

The second half of Experiential Updates will engage participants with learning activities that encourage reflection on their experiences as a preceptor and the impact precepting has had on their practice.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Describe and differentiate the field encounters completed during both IPPE and APPEs.
• Discuss how preceptors can provide feedback to students on field encounters using CORE ELMs.
• Identify the professional and personal benefits of precepting.

Presenters

Kara Bonaceto, PharmD, BCPS, RPh, is the Director of the Office of Experiential Education for MCPHS Worcester/Manchester. Kara received her PharmD from the University of Rhode Island. She has been Board Certified in Pharmacotherapy since 2007. Kara joined MCPHS as an Experiential Faculty Coordinator in 2010. Prior to joining MCPHS, Kara was a hospital pharmacist and precepted students on an Internal Medicine rotation. Kara is a member of the American Association of College of Pharmacy (AACP) and Massachusetts Pharmacists Association (MPhA).

Andrew Szumita, BS, PharmD, RPh, is the Director of the Office of Experiential Education for the MCPHS Boston campus. Andrew received his PharmD from the University of Rhode Island. Andrew joined MCPHS as an Experiential Faculty Coordinator in 2012. Prior to joining MCPHS, Andrew worked primarily in long-term care specializing in sterile compounding and management, and precepted students on IPPE and APPE Institutional rotations. Andrew is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).

Brianne Morin, PharmD, RPh, serves as a Faculty Coordinator for the Office of Experiential Education at MCPHS Worcester/Manchester. Brianne is an alumnus of MCPHS, graduating in 2011. Prior to joining MCPHS, Brianne worked in both the retail and specialty pharmacy settings. Brianne joined MCPHS in 2016 as an adjunct for the Pharmacy Practice Lab and has been an Experiential Faculty Coordinator since 2017. Brianne is a member of American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-016-L99-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Additional Topic Areas
Contact Hours: 1.0

September 25, 2025 | 9:50-10:50 a.m.

This session will provide an overview of the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and will guide preceptors on how to utilize the EPA assessment scale to evaluate student performance objectively and consistently. There will be an emphasis on integrating the evaluation tools into daily practice and fostering student growth. Additionally, the program will highlight institutional and national resources available to support preceptors in adopting EPAs. Preceptors will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to incorporate EPAs into their teaching, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and advancing student readiness for professional practice.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Define what Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are and how they differentiate from competencies on their purpose and application in pharmacy education.
• Describe the purpose of the new evaluation tools and how to assess students using the EPA entrustment scale.
• Identify common barriers to implementing EPA’s during clinical rotations and propose practical strategies to overcome these challenges.
• Utilize available program resources to support the implementation of educational initiatives and learner development.

Presenters

Gretchen Jehle, BS, PharmD is a Faculty Coordinator of Experiential Education and an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) School of Pharmacy – Worcester/Manchester. In her role, she focuses on supporting adjunct preceptors, ensuring the quality of experiential sites, fostering student development, and integrating Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) into the experiential curriculum. Dr. Jehle is an active member of several committees including the School’s Assessment Committee, Curricular Map Assessment Committee, Interprofessional Education Committee, and the EPAs in Experiential Education Assessment Integration Team.

Abir Kanaan, PharmD, RPh, is a Professor of Pharmacy Practice at MCPHS - School of Pharmacy Worcester/Manchester (SOP-W/M). She joined the University in 2005 after completing a post-graduate pharmacy practice residency at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Kanaan also holds an adjunct faculty position in the Department of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She served as the Vice Chair for the Pharmacy Practice Department at SOP–W/M for one year and was appointed the Assistant Dean of Curriculum and New Programs in July 2017. In 2023, she was appointed as the Associate Dean for Professional Education.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-013-L99-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Additional Topic Areas
Contact Hours: 1.0

September 25, 2025 | 11:05 a.m.-12:05 p.m.

As artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI (GenAI), becomes increasingly integrated into pharmacy practice, preceptors must be equipped to recognize its relevance in experiential education. This session provides a foundational overview of AI and GenAI technologies, explores their current and emerging applications in healthcare and pharmacy, and discusses their implications for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). Preceptors will gain the knowledge needed to engage students in meaningful discussions about AI, support their exploration of digital tools in practice, and address professional and ethical considerations during rotations.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Identify foundational concepts and terminology related to artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI).
• Describe common applications of AI and GenAI in pharmacy practice and education.
• Explain how AI technologies may impact APPE student experiences and what preceptors should consider in supervision.

Presenters

Timothy Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy professor and clinical pharmacist with a decade of experience at the intersection of health technology and patient care. He has evaluated over 2,000 digital health tools, including mobile medical apps, digital therapeutics, and remote monitoring technologies. A recognized expert in digital health, he advises national and international organizations such as the Digital Therapeutics Alliance and the Digital Medicine Society.

Dr. Aungst also supports digital health education, leading efforts within APhA and AACP to develop training programs and professional standards that prepare pharmacists for the evolving digital health landscape.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-014-L04-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Pharmacy Administration
Contact Hours: 1.0

September 25, 2025 | 1:20-2:20 p.m.

This session explores the concept of belonging and its importance in supporting student engagement and success during experiential learning. Participants will explore how a strong sense of belonging can enhance learners’ motivation, confidence, and overall performance. The presentation will identify key behaviors, practices, and environmental factors that contribute to—or detract from—a student's sense of inclusion. Participants will reflect on how their own mentoring and teaching styles may shape students’ experiences.

By the end of the session, participants will be better prepared to identify and address factors that influence belonging and will gain practical strategies to foster more inclusive, supportive learning environments across diverse practice settings.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Define belonging and explain how it impacts PharmD student engagement and success during experiential learning.
• Recognize behaviors, practices, and environmental factors that signal inclusion—or exclusion—to students during their experiential rotations.
• Discuss strategies that can foster a welcoming and psychologically safe environment that promotes student belonging.
• Identify at least one actionable change that can be implemented in their teaching or mentoring practice as a preceptor to cultivate a culture of belonging.

Presenters

Carrie Graham, DHSc, MEd is a Faculty Associate in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program and Director of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement at MCPHS University Worcester/Manchester. She holds degrees in Sociology, History, Health Education, and Health Sciences. Dr. Graham began her academic career in 2006 as an AmeriCorps *VISTA at Worcester State University. She has over 15 years of teaching experience in sociology, health planning, environmental health, and related areas. She also served as a consultant for the nonprofit CommunityBuild, working with organizations and public officials on health promotion initiatives. Her work emphasizes experiential, community-based learning with diverse and underserved populations.

Phung On, PharmD, RPh, is a Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) and the Community Engagement Coordinator for the School of Pharmacy – Boston. She also maintains a clinical practice at Codman Square Health Center in Boston, MA, where she serves as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, working collaboratively with the primary care team to manage patients with chronic diseases. Dr. On's professional background spans diverse pharmacy settings, including community pharmacy, long-term care, and hospital practice. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from MCPHS and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and AccessCare, a network of Community Care of North Carolina, focusing on ambulatory care, managed care, and transitions of care.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-015-L99-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Additional Topic Areas
Contact Hours: 1.0

September 25, 2025 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

This CE presentation will cover recent Massachusetts pharmacy law topics applicable to the retail and institutional pharmacist preceptor. Attendees will learn about resources for staying current with evolving regulations, understand how law distinguishes the responsibilities of pharmacists, interns, and technicians, and explore how legal requirements impact everyday dispensing practices. The session will also offer guidance on how preceptors can incorporate law topics into their work with interns.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Identify where a pharmacy preceptor can find current and proposed laws and regulations relating to pharmacy law.
• Compare the general practice standards of pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Describe the requirements for dispensing and refilling prescriptions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• List at least five pharmacy laws related regulations or policies that pharmacy preceptors can review with their interns.

Presenter

Frederick Frankhauser, JD, MBA, RPh, is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Business and Administrative Sciences at MCPHS. Fred earned his JD from Western New England University, MBA from Fitchburg State University and his BS in Pharmacy from MCPHS. He works directly with leaders in the Life Sciences Industry on workforce development, Regulatory Affairs, and Health Policy matters. Fred has taught courses in Pharmacy Law, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Research Coordination, Health Care Delivery and Health Policy. He co-authored the 10th Edition of the Abood Pharmacy Practice and the Law with Kimberly Burns.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-017-L03-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Law Related to Pharmacy Practice
Contact Hours: 1.0

• Timothy Aungst, PharmD, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, MCPHS
• Kara Bonaceto, PharmD, BCPS, RPh, Director, Office of Experiential Education, MCPHS-Worcester/Manchester
• Fred Frankhauser, JD, MBA, RPh, Professor of Pharmaceutical Business & Administrative Sciences, MCPHS
• Carrie Graham, DHSc, MEd, Faculty Associate in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program and Director of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement at MCPHS-Worcester/Manchester.
• Gretchen Jehle, BS, PharmD Faculty Coordinator, Office of Experiential Education and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice MCPHS-Boston
• Abir Kanaan, PharmD, RPh, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, MCPHS - Worcester/Manchester
• Brianne Morin, PharmD, RPh, Faculty Coordinator, Office of Experiential Education, MCPHS Worcester/Manchester.
• Phung On, PharmD, RPh, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Community Engagement Coordinator for the School of Pharmacy – Boston
• Andrew Szumita, BS, PharmD, RPh, Director, Office of Experiential Education, MCPHS Boston

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Participants of the 2025 Preceptor Appreciation Day will receive 5 contact hours (0.5 CEU), including one hour of pharmacy law.

In order to receive credit, the participant must be present the entirety of each presentation and complete post-tests, and evaluation forms for each session on mcphsce.org. Upon completion, participant credit will be reported to CPE Monitor. Transcripts may be printed from CPE Monitor.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences adheres to the ACPE Standards for Integrity and Independence in Continuing Education. It is the policy of MCPHS that the speakers and planning committee members disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months. Relevant conflicts of interest are mitigated. Speakers will disclose any off-label/unapproved use of drugs or devices during their presentation.

Disclosures

Timothy Aungst holds a relevant financial relationship with the ineligible company Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, where he is a Section Advisor and Consultant. The content developed does not endorse the product lines or solutions produced or offered by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. The relevant financial relationship has been mitigated.

Kara Bonaceto has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Brianne Morin has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Fred Frankhauser has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Carrie Graham has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Gretchen Jehle has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Abir Kanaan has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Phung On has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Andrew Szumita has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Continuing Education staff members have no financial relationships with ineligible companies related to the content of this presentation to disclose.

No funding from industry provided for this event. No exhibitors will be present.

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