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Lessons from the Night Shift -
a Student and Preceptor Perspective
Lessons from the Night Shift -
a Student and Preceptor Perspective
Brianna Dixon, Class of 2025
CVS Pharmacy, West Hartford, Connecticut
In late October of 2024, I was afforded the opportunity to begin my fifth of six advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) at CVS Pharmacy. This rotation was unique in that its schedule differed from most rotations offered. Students were expected to be in attendance from Monday to Sunday from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. However, since the student would be present for 72 hours within the first week, the schedule provided the following (or second) week free from rotation responsibilities. The schedule would then repeat. I, for one, jumped at this opportunity because of the flexible schedule, but now, looking back after completing the rotation, I see the value in that it provided so much more.
It is now the middle of February 2025, and I have completed all six APPE rotations, and I can say with great certainty that the experience I have had with CVS Pharmacy and preceptor, Matt Listro, is one of my favorites to date. Not only did the rotation itself provide a diverse patient population great for learning and practicing what I was taught in my didactic years in a real-world setting, but Matt went above and beyond in so many ways. For one, even before the rotation began, Matt had communicated his objectives and had asked for a list of mine as well. From day (or night) one, he ensured to incorporate not only his objectives, but he also took into account the goals I had provided into our daily workflow. Not to mention, at the end of each shift, Matt always asked if there was anything else he could have done better or included into our schedule for the night. It did not matter the amount of questions I had asked, or the time it would consume to answer them, he always etched out time to help provide for a fantastic learning experience.
I also would like to add a statement in regards to Matt’s character as a precepting pharmacist: retail pharmacies, especially larger chain stores like CVS Pharmacy, are in high demand due to the large number of patients that they serve. Because of this, pharmacists who are employed at these locations are required to be efficient yet timely in their work. At times, the shift can become quite stressful for a pharmacist due to long pick-up lines, or the number of patients awaiting clinical guidance and call backs, or the numerous prescriptions awaiting to be filled in the queue (to only name a few instances). Even at the times in which the store was the most populated, and even when Matt's guidance was requested from multiple patients and staff, he always upheld a positive attitude and delivered patient care to the highest regard. Although I could go on about my experience with CVS Pharmacy and preceptor Matt Listro, the reasons stated above are only some of the examples I could provide as to what made this rotation experience so valuable and enjoyable.
I would highly recommend this APPE to any pharmacy student regardless of the avenue which they wish to pursue in pharmacy, but especially to those who have a passion for retail pharmacy and direct patient care. Matt Listro is an exemplary example of a retail pharmacist and preceptor. I can only hope to model in his footsteps as a preceptor, as he has inspired me to do so in my future career as a licensed pharmacist.
From right to left: Dominic DeFilipi, PharmD, BA, Operations Coordinator for Experiential Affairs at Western New England University; Christine Olum, WNE COPHS Class of 2027 IPPE student, and Matt Listro, PharmD, pharmacy preceptor.
(And yes, this is the record for latest site visit ever at 10:30 PM)
Matt Listro, PharmD
CVS Pharmacy, West Hartford, Connecticut
Becoming a preceptor in the field of pharmacy has been a rewarding journey, one that has allowed me to contribute to the growth of future pharmacists while continuing my own professional development. For the past year, I have had the opportunity to mentor students in the retail pharmacy setting, providing guidance, support, and practical experience that helps bridge the gap between their academic learning and real-world application.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a preceptor is witnessing the growth of my students. Watching them develop confidence in their clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills is incredibly rewarding. I strive to add value to their learning experience, ensuring they leave each rotation with both technical expertise and the ability to provide compassionate patient care.
Of course, precepting comes with its challenges. I work overnight shifts, a schedule many students are not accustomed to, which can be demanding. With this unique experience, I usually offer students the option to take on my schedule which is 7 12-hour days in a row followed by a week off, or a more traditional schedule of five 8-hour shifts each week. This gives students the opportunity to work a realistic overnight schedule in the community setting as many overnight pharmacists’ schedules are set up this way.
One particularly memorable experience was mentoring a student who currently works under my first ever preceptor when I was in pharmacy school. Seeing her development and being able to build on the foundation she had already established was a full-circle moment for me.
During my rotation, I emphasize the importance of kindness and teamwork, reminding students that pharmacy is not just about medication but about people. You have to be able to work well with others in the pharmacy and also have a sense of empathy at all times in order to best help our patients. I also encourage students to seize every opportunity during rotations, as each experience can open unexpected doors.
Western New England University has been amazing to work with and their students are always well-prepared for my rotation. Being a preceptor has reinforced my own commitment to ethical and patient-centered care. I believe that by leading by example, we shape the future of pharmacy —
one student at a time.
A Journey into Clinical Research at Baystate
A Journey into Clinical Research at Baystate
Above, WNE pharmacy students Adam Gronendyke ('26) and Jacob Griggs ('25) in the center, preceptor Viorika Nelson, DNP, FNP-C (second from the right),
and the Baystate Health Clinical Trial Unit team at the Clinical Trials Office in Springfield, MA
Jacob Griggs, Class of 2025
Baystate Health Clinical Trials Unit, Springfield, Massachusetts
During my APPE tenure at Baystate’s Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), I had the fortunate opportunity to step into the life a researcher and experience the beautiful intersection of practice and academia. The weeks leading up to my rotation, Dr. Viorika Nelson prepared me with CITI modules so that we could hit the ground running during my first week (it is also free for WNEU students through the university if anyone is interested). This prepared me for the jargon and workflow that is innate in the clinical trial world. I was given a desk and computer to work at and work materials to help me succeed.
Throughout my first week at the office, I was enveloped in prescreening and inclusion and exclusion criteria. I had the opportunity to assess candidate eligibility for the trials that I was activated under and draft patient synopsis outlining specified criteria set by the sponsor. I felt as though I was becoming a vital part in conducting the trial. This experience proved its utility even further as the APPE continued.
As the weeks grew on, I felt a great sense of autonomy as I gained confidence and participated in subject interactions and visits. I also became more and more involved with heart and vascular research, with numerous opportunities to observe operations in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. This was where I will never forget visually witnessing the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin on angiography within the right coronary artery (a pre- and post-surgery requirement for subject eligibility in one of the studies). Observing the cath lab working, I gained quite a lot of functional knowledge regarding reading angiography and how to optimize it, certain diagnostic tests that can be conducted, and overall, the way the cath lab functions even during emergency situations.
Also, during my time there, Baystate took on a number of drug trials pertaining to CKD and heart surgery. I had the honor of shadowing the research assistant assigned to the study through their on the drug’s pharmacology and rationale for timed blood draws. It was fascinating to see just how a drug trial begins and how painstaking the data collection and analysis can be.
To add even more to the experience, I was able to participate and observe all aspects of the research conducted at Baystate. This included the pathology and ICU research teams as well as the Investigational Drug Service Pharmacists for both Oncology and Non-Oncology. This aspect of practice really piqued my interest as I learned how pharmacists specifically navigate protocols and maintain proper storage and upkeep of clinical trial supplies.
Overall, my experience was I delightful one. The research coordinators and assistants put their best foot forward and treated me with courtesy and respect as a learner. My preceptor, now the CTU Director, did a wonderful job of showing me the ropes and encouraging me to take control of my learning, and making me feel like I belong. Together, they ignited a passion in me that I never really knew I had, that research might just be the place for me.
Global Healthcare in Ghana 2025
Global Healthcare in Ghana 2025
Melissa Mattison, PharmD, Assistant Dean for Experiential Affairs, WNE COPHS
Aburi, Ghana
On January 4th, 2025, four students embarked on an international, interprofessional APPE to Ghana, West Africa joining students from occupational therapy and physician assistant (PA) studies as well as team leaders from medicine, PA, pharmacy, and laboratory sciences. This 3-week immersive experience allowed students to work side by side Ghanaian public health nurses and PAs to provide care, education, and medical supplies. While there, students engaged in local cultural explorations touring Elmina Castle, a pineapple farm, and Fairafric cocoa farm and chocolatier. On the clinical side, students spent time examining public health in Ghana and comparing the national health system to our health care, which is eye opening at times, as similarities and differences are noted.
We had the opportunity to host three community events; these were essentially health fairs where we screened for hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and STIs, while midwives screened for cervical cancer. The community events served hundreds of patients in rural and remote villages and were certainly highlights of the experience. Touring clinics, hospitals, and community pharmacies also proved interesting as students learned which medications are utilized and how dispensing works in each setting. Many rural clinics have just a few medications to choose from on a day to day basis, working with exceedingly limited resources.
Reflections throughout the APPE are required, and one student had some initial thoughts:
“As the countdown to Ghana got smaller and smaller, more of my friends and family were curious about my rotation in Ghana. Where is Ghana? What is Ghana like? Where was I going to stay? What was I going to do there? Where was I going to work? What was I going to eat? If I am being completely honest, the only thing I knew about Ghana was where to find it on a map. I did not have any preconceived views on the country before traveling here, as I was determined to dive into this rotation with an open mind. One thing I was a little nervous about for the trip was the food that they would have. My goal was to be adventurous and at least try new things when the opportunity arose. Although some dishes have been too spicy for my palate, overall the food has far exceeded my expectations. This was my first time trying jollof rice, chicken basquaise, papaya, and even goat which was surprisingly delicious.”
Another student reflected on the labor and delivery process:
“Getting to walk through the centers and hearing them say the women had to walk home within six hours of giving birth was very eye opening. In the United States, they give epidurals during delivery and before/during pregnancy offer a wide variety of prenatal medications, whereas in Ghana they get a bucket with supplies during pregnancy and only use Tylenol® as a medication during delivery. Overall, it was an amazing experience to get to work with the healthcare providers down there and help make care more accessible at times for a big number of people amongst the different villages during our community outreach events. This is an experience I will never forget and I hope to return over the years and see what changes are made in their healthcare systems since this last visit.”
Above, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, Vermont. Photo by Colten Dumond, Class of 2025
A Longitudinal APPE in the Green Mountains
A Longitudinal APPE in the Green Mountains
Colten Dumond, Class of 2025
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Bennington, Vermont
Over the past year, I have had many opportunities to learn as a P4 student; half of these experiences were at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. I was able to complete my institutional, ambulatory care, and oncology elective rotations at SVMC. Starting with the first day I was nervous about what the hospital that I would be spending 18 weeks total of my APPE experiences at would entail. I was immediately relieved by the overwhelming positive welcome I received. SVMC is a group of really amazing people working in the pharmacy that make the experience of working there all worth it.
For the institutional rotation, I got an overarching view of the wide spectrum of responsibilities that pharmacists manage in Bennington, working directly in the inpatient pharmacy and mixing orders for the hospital. Placed in the ED, I interviewed patients for their medication lists, providing medication information as necessary. I found myself rounding on the East and West Wings of the hospital managing patients' anticoagulation and antibiotic medications. At times, I was at the center of patient care, working directly on the floor and available for direct consult by nurses and providers. SVMC offers a wide variety of experiences to showcasing the full spectrum of how pharmacy operates in a medical facility.
The ambulatory care rotation was more project-based. If someone were looking for an opportunity to work on some projects for their CV, this would be an amazing opportunity. During this portion of my time here, I was able to visit different focuses in the hospital such as shadowing a hospitalist, a cardiac NP, the OB/GYN office, and an NP within Express Care. These were opportunities to see and advocate for pharmacy from other perspectives. I was also able to partake in a hospital quality improvement experience for the OB/GYN office, as part of the team that managed maternal-infant outcomes in penicillin-allergic patients for GBS prophylaxis.
Finally, I was able to work in the outpatient oncology infusion clinic. As a student who is seeking to become an oncology pharmacist, I was able to see what the day-to-day life of one might look like. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this rotation - working to manage patient chemotherapy regimens, working with providers and patient care nurses to manage biosimilar therapy, and attending tumor boards speaking about patients that were coming to our service. I was able to be a part of the team that could extend the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer, and it was incredibly rewarding.
Oh, the Places our Students Will Go
Oh, the Places our Students Will Go
The Office of Experiential Affairs is proud to offer our students rotations across the country and beyond.
Now, if you stop by the second floor suite in CSP 216, you can view a map highlighting each city and town where students may rotate for their IPPEs or APPEs. This includes community pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, and many more unique pharmacy practice settings throughout the United States.
Quick Statistics about our experiential sites, as of March 2025:
International Experiences in Canada, Ghana, and Belize
Sites in 35 States, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico
Over 1,400 individual preceptors
60+ Longitudinal or application-based APPE experiences offered for the 2025-2026 scholastic year
Five rotations in Tribal Nations with the Indian Health Service
More preceptors added weekly to meet the needs of our expanding distance pathway
Experiential Lunch & Learns
Experiential Lunch & Learns
The Western New England Office of Experiential Affairs is continuing our Lunch & Learn series.
These are 30-minute presentations, presented live via Zoom on the third Wednesday of the month at 12:00 PM EST, and recorded for later access. If you would like to browse through our past Lunch & Learns, click here to view the playlist on YouTube.
Recent Lunch & Learns Include:
Updates to ACPE Guidelines <--- Please check this out!
It includes important changes to precepting set by the new 2025 ACPE guidelinesDiving into NAPLEX Competencies: Preparing Students Through Case-based Learning
Our next Lunch & Learn will be on Wednesday, April 9th at 12:00 PM EST.
Amy Mitchell-Van Steele, PharmD, BCPPS, FPPA, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Women and Children's Services at Albany Medical Center will present on best precepting practices with Adaptability - the Story of an Acute Care Preceptor.
We hope to see you there!
We have more Lunch & Learns to Come!
Join us at 12:00 PM EST for the following dates:
Wednesday, April 9th - Adaptability - the Story of an Acute Care Preceptor, Amy Mitchell-Van Steele, PharmD, BCPPS, FPPA
Wednesday, April 16th - Accommodations in Experiential Education, Janel Soucie, PharmD, UFL
Wednesday, May 21st - Message from Beth Welch, PharmD, Sr. Associate Dean for Academic Programs, WNE COPHS
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