[October 22, 2019] RVU hosted a Preceptor Reception on Thursday, October 17 which honored the preceptors who volunteer their time to teach the next generation of physicians. Preceptors are an integral part of medical education, imparting knowledge and clinical skills necessary for students to become excellent physicians. During a student’s third and fourth years in medical school, they complete rotations in which they practice with patients under the supervision of preceptors.
Several preceptors were honored during the ceremony, which took place at the Embassy Suites Hotel Conference Center in Loveland, Colorado: Amanda Harding, MD, of ZZAP Pediatrics; Steve Haskew, MD, of Hope Light Clinic; Ronald Malm, DO, and Evan Norby, DO, of University of Wyoming Family Medicine Residency Program at Cheyenne; and Asa Ware, MD, of Northern Colorado Family Medicine.
Dr. Harding was praised by students for including them in pediatric patient care, taking the time to answer questions, and adding greatly to the value of their education. One student said of their family medicine rotation with Dr. Haskew, “I appreciated the responsibility he gave me as a medical student and his passion for teaching and helping.”
“Dr. Ware knows the challenges medical students face,” said Sandra Elder, Coordinator for Northern Colorado Family Medicine. “He teaches them to care for their patients in addition to the important clinical skills they will need to become excellent physicians. Anyone that works with him, learns from him, and I greatly respect him for that.”
Dr. Malm and Dr. Norby were individually praised for their teaching and medical skills at their family medicine residency program. “Dr. Malm responds to students’ questions in an approachable demeanor. He is an excellent teacher and enjoys his time with the students,” one person commented. One coordinator said of Dr. Norby: “[He is] constantly working to identify opportunities for improvement in the residency program, in the education of the medical students, and in personal development. He respects the students’ contributions.”
On average, preceptors mentor one student a month in a designated specialty, enhancing each student’s communication skills in a clinical setting and guiding their professional and personal growth. By welcoming students to their practices, preceptors allow students to take textbook knowledge and skills practiced in simulations and apply them to patients in real life.
