Preceptor Spotlight
Beth Hawkins, PharmD, BCPS
Beth Hawkins, PharmD, BCPS
Please describe your path to becoming a preceptor for the College of Pharmacy.
My journey to becoming a preceptor began with a deep appreciation for mentorship and education, which I developed early in my pharmacy career. I had the opportunity to learn from outstanding preceptors who shaped my professional development. Their guidance inspired me to one day give back to the profession in the same way. Recognizing the impact a strong preceptor can have on a student’s growth, I pursued opportunities to collaborate with the College of Pharmacy.
How many years have you served as a preceptor for UNMC?
I have been a preceptor for 5 years.
Please describe your practice site, including the location. What special things do the students get to learn from you?
I serve as the primary preceptor for Drug Information and Institutional IPPE students at Nebraska Medicine, as well as for PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents. My clinical practice is primarily based in the medical-surgical units, allowing me to offer a unique rotation experience that combines the comprehensive, patient-centered approach of internal medicine with the fast-paced, procedural focus of surgical care. This dual perspective provides learners with a well-rounded understanding of inpatient pharmacy practice in a large academic medical center.
What is the most rewarding part of being a preceptor for the College of Pharmacy?
The most rewarding part of being a preceptor is seeing students and residents grow in confidence and clinical competence. It's fulfilling to help them connect classroom knowledge to real patient care and to support their development into thoughtful, skilled pharmacists. I especially enjoy helping students discover the impact and variety of hospital pharmacy, often opening their eyes to opportunities beyond the retail setting.
If you could give one message to our current students, what would you say?
Say yes to every learning opportunity—even the ones that scare you a little. Ask the“weird” questions, volunteer for the hard stuff, and don’t be afraid to take the long way to figure something out. You’re not expected to know everything, but you are expected to stay curious, stay engaged, and keep growing. And who knows—you might just fall in love with a part of pharmacy you never saw coming.
