Heidi Wicks

Jillian Croke (B. Sc. [pharmacy], 2009) is the epitome of an enthusiastic educator who also happens to be a lifelong learner.

A preceptor in the School of Pharmacy’s Structured Practice Experience (SPE) program – where students apply their university-gained knowledge and training in a pharmacy, to practice interacting with patients – Ms. Croke believes that compassion and kindness is a key characteristic for any successful pharmacist.

She is adamant, genuine and fiercely proud when she says that she learns as much from her students as they learn from her.

“I was fortunate enough to have had great preceptors during my time in pharmacy school, and when I graduated, I recognized how important the role of a preceptor is in shaping the future of a pharmacy student,” she says.

Determined to give back by providing new students with the best possible experience during their internship, she decided to become a preceptor in 2011.

She wanted to show students the many ways that pharmacists enhance people’s lives.

“I’ve had sort of a symbiotic relationship with all of my students – I hope that they learn from me, but they usually keep me up-to-date on new and current information. I probably ask them as many questions as they ask me!” she chuckles.

When a student realizes that they have had a positive impact on a patient’s life, the true meaning of being a preceptor becomes clear, according to Ms. Croke.

“They have that smile on their face to which all pharmacists can relate,” she smiles, replicating that exact expression.

It’s obvious that she inspires her students and colleagues as much as they motivate her, which is most likely why she received the 2012 Preceptor of the Year Award and the Shopper’s Drug Mart 2012 Pharmacist of the Year Award.

“I’m sure that every student I’ve had the advantage of working with has gone above and beyond for the benefit of a patient at some point,” she says.