Dr. Neely Hudson, Dr. Sara Anne Meyer, and Dr. Alix Schnibben have been named Preceptors of the Year for the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the UGA College of Pharmacy.
“These pharmacy practitioners emulate the critical role preceptors play in the clinical learning environment,” said Dr. Lindsey Welch, Director of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences at the College, who oversees the approximate 1,100 preceptors affiliated with the College. “These three are masters at demonstrating the four key skills of a preceptor, which is to instruct, model, coach, and facilitate our pharmacy students in the development of professional knowledge, attitudes, and practice skills.”
She added, “As preceptors, these professionals guide our students in applying what they learned in the classroom to actual patient care. The experiential curriculum is an integral, critical, and valuable part of our students’ training. We applaud this trio, whose dedication and commitment allows them to be worthy of this award.”
The honorees were recognized and participated in the processional at the PharmD Commencement Exercise on May 4.
The following highlights the UGA College of Pharmacy’s Preceptors of the Year.
Neely Hudson, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP, is an Emergency Medicine Pharmacist at Wellstar MCG Health in Augusta, GA. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech University and later his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy. Dr. Hudson completed a combined PGY1/PGY2 Pharmacotherapy Residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy in collaboration with University Medical Center. During residency, he received his teaching certificate while precepting students and residents. He joined WellStar MCG in June 2022 to practice in emergency medicine. Dr. Hudson’s practice and scholarship interests include resuscitation, viscoelastic tracing, interdisciplinary education, quality improvement, and practice innovation.
Remarked one of his former students, “Dr. Hudson was one of the most impactful preceptors I worked with. He always found the opportunity to create a learning moment and encouraged me to play to my strengths in pharmacy so that I could carve out my niche. He truly cared about my education and future.”
Commented Dr. Hudson, “I’m so honored to be Preceptor of the Year. I’ve truly appreciated all of the students I’ve worked with, and I am proud of their accomplishments this year.”
Sara Anne Meyer, PharmD, BCPS, is a Cardiology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System in Savannah, GA. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from South University School of Pharmacy and her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Georgia Southern University. She completed a clinical PGY1 residency at St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System and a PGY2 residency in Academic Administration at South University School of Pharmacy, with additional clinical practice and training at St. Joseph’s/Candler. In her current role, she primarily covers the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. An adjunct clinical assistant professor at the UGA College of Pharmacy, Dr. Meyer is a member of American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and the American College of Cardiology.
Commented a student and mentee, “Dr. Meyer is an extremely valuable asset, not only to her students, but to the profession of pharmacy in general. She makes a deliberate effort to actively involve her students, pulling them in on a variety of patient care situations, ensuring they are exposed to the widest range of experiences as possible. She delivers exceptional patient care, while also providing the utmost support and education to her students. I am extremely grateful to have had her as my mentor.”
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to be selected as Preceptor of the Year,” said Dr. Meyer. “Being a part of the students’ experiences and observing them grow in knowledge and confidence on rotation is incredibly rewarding. As preceptors, we often have a variety of responsibilities, and having enthusiastically prepared and hardworking students on rotation is an added bonus to our day. Regardless of where the students want to work after graduation, I strive to make the experience as applicable as possible so that they have the tools to guide them in their future practice. I’m appreciative of the opportunity to be a preceptor for UGA and to be a part of the education and training of our future pharmacists.”
Alix Schnibben, PharmD, BCACP, CTTS, is the Director of Clinical Quality and Ambulatory Pharmacy Services at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group in Gainesville, GA. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the South Carolina College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina in 2011 and completed her PGY1 Community Pharmacy Practice Residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012. After her residency, she assumed multiple ambulatory care-based roles with Walgreens, Fort Stewart, and St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, where she established a PGY-2 residency in Ambulatory Care and served as program director. In 2019, she transitioned to Northeast Georgia Physician Group to establish ambulatory pharmacy services and later was promoted to her current role, in which she focuses on population health, medication access, medication and immunization safety and education, and direct patient services provided by pharmacists. Dr. Schnibben is board-certified in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy and a Tobacco Treatment Specialist.
One of her nominating students said, “She helped to integrate me more as a pharmacist than as a student, taking my opinions into consideration and teaching me how a pharmacist thinks and and works. I was able to lead patient visits, make treatment decisions, and counsel patients in multiple areas. She taught me a plethora of topics I had not even been able to dive into during school and helped expand my knowledge to improve my skills as a future practitioner. I cannot say enough good things about her as a preceptor, as a professional, and as an overall incredible role model.”
“Being named Preceptor of the Year is not just an honor, but a testament to the dedication and passion preceptors bring to mentoring future pharmacists,” said Dr. Schnibben. “It’s a privilege to guide these students on their journey, knowing that our efforts contribute to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
For more information about the UGA College of Pharmacy Preceptor program, contact Dr. Lindsey Welch.