Drs. Krug and Tokumaru chosen as Preceptors of the Year

Preceptors serve as role models and mentors for DKICP students, helping to transform the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom into real-life experiences that shape who they will be as future pharmacists. Last week the college honored two pharmacy professionals with the 2024 Preceptor of the Year awards.

In presenting the awards, Jarred Prudencio, associate professor and director of experiential education, noted, “Our preceptors spend numerous hours in their practice sites providing our students with hands-on learning, accounting for roughly one-third of the PharmD curriculum. Each year, DKICP students are able to submit nominations for a preceptor who went above and beyond their regular duties to provide them with excellent rotation experiences.”

Based on those student nominations, this year’s recipients are:

Preceptor of the Year – Dr. Emily Krug

Dr. Krug is the Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator at the Kona Community Hospital, where she has precepted both hospital operations and acute medicine APPE rotations. Students that nominated her attest to her strong passion for providing quality healthcare and mentoring students on their journey to becoming pharmacists.

Faculty Preceptor of the Year – Dr. Sheri Tokumaru

Dr. Tokumaru practices in the neuroscience intensive care unit at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. She received many nominations this year from students who she precepted on APPE acute medicine rotations, with students highlighting her ability to push them to high standards and lead a challenging rotation, while still maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. One of the nominators also called her a “True Rockstar.”