Preceptor of the Year (2025-2026)

“There is no 'perfect patient' for learning.”

Richard Cashin, one of the Preceptor of the Year award recipients for 2025-2026, is recognized for creating engaging, supportive, and challenging learning experiences that prepare students to become confident members of the healthcare team.

Richard graduated from Memorial University in 2002, completed a hospital Residency in Edmonton, and went on to receive a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Toronto in 2006. He worked in Saskatchewan for a brief period in 2004-2005 and then came back for good in 2012. He is currently a pharmacist at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current.  

A cornerstone of Richard's teaching philosophy is providing students with opportunities to actively participate in patient care. Rather than simply observing, learners are encouraged to take on meaningful responsibilities, applying their clinical skills in authentic and increasingly challenging scenarios.

Sadie Baker, Richard’s nominator from the Class of 2027 reflected that "by getting to do things, rather than just watching, I was able to grow a lot in my skills. I learned just as much from my failures as I did my successes."  The success of this approach is evident not only in student feedback but also in comments from ward pharmacists who note that they miss the students' collaboration and contributions after rotations end.  

Richard believes there is no "perfect patient" for learning. Instead, every patient encounter offers an opportunity to build clinical reasoning and professional judgment. Richard then guides students’ learning through thoughtful questioning and discussion. Sadie found this approach highly effective: "Richard would ask me questions about the case. These questions did a great job of highlighting what I knew, and things that I did not fully understand yet. Richard would then point me in the right direction so I could research more." 

Richard also believes that helping students recognize and celebrate their progress and success is pivotal to their learning journey. By clearly identifying strengths and achievements, he helps learners develop confidence in their abilities while inspiring them to continue building their skills and reaching new levels of growth.

Beyond his teaching abilities, Richard is highly respected by colleagues across the hospital. Students consistently comment on both his clinical expertise and his interpersonal skills. Sadie shared, "Multiple people from different departments told me how much they liked and respected Richard. I wholeheartedly agree." By leveraging his professional relationships, Richard involves learners in day-to-day activities and patient care discussions, helping them to develop a sense of belonging and contribution. He wants students to be valued members of the healthcare team and is facilitating professional identity formation by creating these genuine interprofessional opportunities. 

Richard's dedication to experiential learning allows students to develop the confidence, independence, and critical-thinking skills needed for future practice. Through his commitment to challenging learners, providing meaningful feedback, and fostering a culture of growth, Richard exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding preceptor and the lasting impact preceptors can have on the next generation of pharmacists.

We thank Richard and all of the pharmacists and healthcare professionals at Cypress Regional Hospital for the time, expertise, and enthusiasm they invest in learners.