Dr. Patel is consistently described as an exceptional clinical educator who demonstrates a strong commitment to teaching by providing meaningful, actionable feedback while exposing learners to a diverse range of clinical disease states. His teaching style is both rigorous and supportive, creating an environment that challenges students while ensuring they feel guided in their development. A defining strength of Dr. Patel's approach is his emphasis on critical thinking and independence. He encourages learners to form their own clinical assessments and justify their decisions, fostering confidence and autonomy in patient care. Through thought-provoking questions and complex clinical discussions, he pushes students to deepen their understanding and apply foundational knowledge in real-world scenarios. His mentorship leaves a lasting impact on students’ clinical growth and professional development. By challenging them to simplify and clearly communicate therapeutic concepts, he helps bridge the gap between knowledge and practice and prepares them for effective collaboration with healthcare providers.

Dr. Florence Tan exemplifies outstanding preceptorship by consistently bridging the gap between didactic learning and real-world clinical practice, empowering student pharmacists to apply their knowledge with confidence in patient care. Through personalized mentorship, thoughtful feedback, and intentional teaching, she fosters a supportive yet challenging learning environment that promotes growth in clinical reasoning, independence, and professional identity. Learners feel valued as integral members of the healthcare team, trusted with meaningful responsibilities, and encouraged to think critically while knowing guidance is always accessible. Her ability to tailor learning experiences to individual goals and interests, combined with her strong modeling of interprofessional collaboration and clinical excellence, leaves a lasting impact on learners’ development. Above all, her dedication to patient care, passion for teaching, and commitment to mentorship inspire trainees to strive for excellence and make her truly deserving of recognition as the Greater Sacramento Area Preceptor of the Year.

Students describe Dr. Nancy Nguyen as an exceptional preceptor who creates a welcoming, supportive, and student-centered learning environment. She is praised for fostering self-directed learning while remaining highly approachable and receptive to feedback, continually seeking ways to improve the APPE experience. Learners value her consistent check-ins and genuine investment in their growth, both academically and personally. Her feedback is frequently highlighted as a key strength—thoughtfully balanced between constructive guidance and encouragement—helping students build confidence while steadily improving their skills. Nancy is also recognized for providing practical, real-world advice on time management and prioritization, equipping students to navigate the demands of pharmacy practice effectively. Beyond clinical teaching, students appreciate her sincere interest in their long-term goals. She offers meaningful mentorship on career planning, including residency preparation, further demonstrating her commitment to their success. Overall, Dr. Nguyen is regarded as a compassionate and dedicated mentor whose guidance leaves a lasting impact on her students’ professional development.

Students consistently describe Dr. Raymond Ho as an outstanding preceptor who combines deep clinical expertise with genuine kindness and dedication to mentorship. They highlight his ability to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and challenged to grow. His teaching is praised as clear, thoughtful, and tailored to individual learning needs, helping students build both confidence and competence. Beyond clinical instruction, students emphasize his approachability, patience, and willingness to invest time in their development, both professionally and personally. Many note that his passion for teaching and his ability to connect on a human level leave a lasting impression, inspiring them to strive for excellence in their own careers. Collectively, these comments reflect a preceptor who not only educates but also motivates and serves as a true role model.

Dr. Scott Takahashi is described by students as a supportive and approachable preceptor who creates a welcoming and engaging learning environment. He sets clear expectations and actively engages students in patient care, building confidence and professional growth. His feedback is timely and actionable, strengthening clinical reasoning and communication skills. He emphasizes the “why” behind clinical decisions, guiding students to integrate foundational science with evidence-based care, and creates meaningful opportunities beyond the core rotation to broaden clinical perspective. Dr. Takahashi models compassionate, patient-centered care and a strong commitment to both patients and learners. Trusted by patients and respected by colleagues, he exemplifies excellence in pharmacy practice. For his ability to integrate clinical expertise with impactful teaching and advance both student learning and patient care, we are honored to recognize Dr. Takahashi as the 2026 Southern California APPE Preceptor of the Year.