The Preceptor of the Year awards presented each year by the Experiential Learning Program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy recognize preceptors who demonstrate commitment to excellence and outstanding contributions to the educational development of future pharmacists.
Preceptor of the Year awards are given to an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) preceptor and an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) preceptor. There is also an award to honor new preceptors with fewer than three (3) years of experience, as well as an award to honor the Faculty Preceptor of the Year.
Below are the current and previous recipients of these awards. For information about how to nominate a preceptor for a future award, please review the Preceptor of the Year Nomination Form. View an archive of Preceptors of the Year.
2026 Award Recipients
Outstanding New Preceptor of the Year: Andrew Rubio, PharmD, BCIDP, AAHIVP (Medstar Montgomery Medical Center)
Dr. Rubio is the Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin and completed PGY1 training at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, followed by a PGY2 residency in Infectious Diseases with HCA Healthcare in collaboration with the University of Tennessee. In his role, Dr. Rubio leads local and system‑level antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes. He is actively involved in national and state professional organizations, regularly precepts student pharmacists and residents.
Students described him as “an excellent preceptor” who ensures learners receive “a wide exposure to different areas of Infectious Diseases.” One student shared that Dr. Rubio is “the best example of what a student wants in their preceptor,” praising his daily case discussions, clinical questioning, and commitment to student growth.
IPPE Preceptor of the Year: Sara Alizai, PharmD (Walgreens Pharmacy)
Dr. Alizai is a Maryland native and proud alumna of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2012 after completing her undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, College Park. She currently serves as a Pharmacy Manager and the site coordinator for Walgreens. She is deeply committed to the training and development of future pharmacists. As a dedicated preceptor and liaison to the School of Pharmacy, Dr. Alizai supports students and fellow preceptors while fostering a strong, supportive experiential learning environment. Passionate about mentorship and education, she is committed to shaping the next generation of pharmacists while giving back to the institution that launched her career.
Students noted that she “wants students to succeed and gives them all the tools to do so,” while providing consistent feedback and hands-on learning opportunities. Her mentorship helped students gain confidence in patient counseling, immunizations, and community pharmacy practice.
APPE Preceptor of the Year: Michael Francis, PharmD (Kaiser Permanente)
Dr. Francis is the Pharmacy Supervisor for the Kaiser Permanente Woodlawn Outpatient Pharmacy, a role he has held since September 2022. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of South Carolina in 2014. Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, he served as a pharmacy manager at multiple Walgreens locations throughout the Baltimore area and later advanced into a Neurology Specialty Pharmacy Manager role. He has more than 10 years of experience precepting pharmacy students.
One of his students noted that he “tailors the rotation specifically to each student based on the skills already acquired,” while another shared that his mentorship helped them better understand “how to approach life after my 4th year rotations.” His passion for pharmacy helped students discover their own professional interests.
Faculty Preceptor of the Year: Amy Kruger Howard, PharmD, MS (University of Maryland School of Pharmacy)
Dr. Kruger Howard is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and a proud alumna of the program. At the School of Pharmacy, Dr. Kruger Howard teaches across the PharmD curriculum and serves as a primary instructor in the skills laboratory. She received an Excellence in Innovation award for developing a health literacy training program and serves as the campus health literacy champion, advancing this work nationally and globally through leadership in the International Pharmaceutical Federation. Her scholarship focuses on improving medication access, adherence, and health literacy for vulnerable populations.
Students shared that Dr. Kruger Howard “was an amazing preceptor for our teaching rotation. She made sure we were competent and confident with [educating other] students,” allowing them to be independent educators. Her encouragement of creativity and thoughtful discussion made the learning experience both engaging and impactful.