James Sajbel Honored as 2016 National Preceptor of the Year for Commitment to Pharmacy Students

PRESS RELEASE

NEW ORLEANS (Oct. 17, 2016) James T. Sajbel, RPh, owner of the Prescription Shop in Pueblo, Colo., yesterday was named the 2016 National Preceptor of the Year by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Foundation during the NCPA 2016 Annual Convention in New Orleans. The National Preceptor of the Year Award honors a pharmacist who has made significant contributions to the education of pharmacy students by devoting time, talent, and efforts as a preceptor.

"Even though he could have retired a long time ago, James Sajbel says he continues to serve patients and give pharmacy students hands-on learning experiences in his pharmacy because he loves what he does. It is that unparalleled dedication to his community and his passion for mentoring students that make James truly deserving of this honor," said Charles West, PD, President of the NCPA Foundation. "On behalf of the NCPA Foundation's Board of Trustees, I thank James for his efforts in grooming the next generation of community pharmacists."

Sajbel has taught diabetes education to students from the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for 25 years. As a preceptor and pharmacy owner, Sajbel gives students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with patients with diabetes, heart conditions, hypertension, and high cholesterol in his pharmacy. Sajbel and his students educate patients about proper exercise and nutrition and monitor their blood glucose, A1C, and cholesterol levels.

Sajbel is also active in preserving the future of independent community pharmacy through his work on the board of Rx Plus Pharmacies, a member-owned cooperative buying group, which started a program to encourage young pharmacists to explore pharmacy ownership through a junior partnership. In 2014, he was named an Outstanding Member of Rx Plus Pharmacies.

Sajbel is a 1964 graduate of the University of Colorado and has been a member of NCPA since graduating from pharmacy school.