Volunteer Spotlight: Jen Jupp, '00 BSc(Pharm)
Jennifer Jupp, '00 BSc(Pharm), works as a Clinical Practice Leader at Alberta Health Services, serves as Research Chair for the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners and was previously the President of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy in Oncology. On top of this impressive resume, Jen has found time to volunteer as a pharmacy preceptor, which means she provides training, supervision and mentorship to pharmacy students in a practical setting.
Jen had always enjoyed doing research but didn't have a lot of time to dedicate to it in her current position. She also knew, from being a student, that many students have specific ideas of how research works, but that it's often different in practice. So when Jen was approached to be a preceptor for a non-traditional rotation, she immediately knew she wanted to do more research and have a student to help. Jen has continued to have students help with research and has been able to complete research projects with this help.
This story from Jen illustrates the faith that the students have in her research:
My very first student that trialed my non-traditional rotation called me to discuss the rotation. I told him the research project would involve collecting data for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease and his response was "I don't know what that is, but I'm in". Fast forward several years later, the blood and marrow transplant program now wants to evaluate the recommendations that were put in place with the help of my very first student. A new student also called me to discuss the rotation and, once again, I used the words "post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease" and his response was, once again, "I don't know what that is, but I'm in."
Not only does the research that Jen's students do have lasting impacts, but it's also clear that they are very interested in the work that Jen does and believe that their research will be worth it. Jen has also found her time precepting to be completely worth it. She says it's one of the most rewarding parts of her job and it's a privilege to be able to help students.
Interested in volunteering as a Pharmacy Preceptor? Find out more.
