KINGSTON, R.I. — November 30, 1999 — A national pharmacists’ organization has named a University of Rhode Island graduate its top student mentor for 1999. David Feeney, owner of Oxnard Pharmacy in Warwick, was chosen recently by the National Community Pharmacists Association as its National Preceptor of the Year. Feeney, who has been guiding URI pharmacy students as they gain hands-on community pharmacy experience for the past 20 years, has been at Oxnard since 1971. He and his wife, Priscilla, also a URI graduate, bought the pharmacy in 1986. In recognition of the award, the organization and Roche Laboratories, donated a $1,000 scholarship in Feeney’s name to the URI College of Pharmacy. Nominations are accepted from all pharmacy colleges and schools in the country. “It was a great thrill, and I am very humbled,” Feeney said. “I was honored to be even considered.” Feeney also expressed strong feelings about his work with the students. “Being a preceptor has been fantastic,” he said. “We work with the students who are the future of our profession.” Oxnard has three full-time pharmacists who are URI grads. “All work with the students,” Feeney said. Amy Rogowski, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy at URI, and Donald H. Fowler, executive director of the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association. “He has been an exemplary preceptor for the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy for both community externship and clerkship rotations for the bachelor of science and doctor of pharmacy students,” said Rogowski, who is in charge of community clerkship rotations for the doctor of pharmacy program. “All of my students, approximately 25 each year, spend time at Oxnard’s Pharmacy because David Feeney is the epitome of a role model for pharmacists actively involved in providing pharmaceutical care in the community. Furthermore, he trains the pharmacists who work for him to become preceptors themselves.” Rogowski also praised Feeney for: · Providing each of his pharmacists a “clinical day” each week, so they can be freed from prescription dispensing and focus on pharmaceutical care programs. These include diabetes management, smoking cessation and asthma management programs. · Providing financial support for his pharmacist, Paul DiBiase, to become a certified diabetes educator by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Oxnard’s has also been certified as a diabetes education center by the Diabetes Control Program at the state Department of Health. · Supporting pharmacist Gina Policelli-Halverson as she seeks non-traditional a doctor of pharmacy degree from URI. · Working closely with the city of Warwick to provide services needed by geriatric patients. “He always involves his pharmacy students in all of the activities and opens these activities to my other students, even when they are on rotations in other independent or chain pharmacies,” Rogowski said. Feeney went to work for Oxnard when he graduated in 1971. “Mr. Bradford Oxnard hired me in August,” Feeney said. In addition to running the pharmacy and his work as a preceptor, Feeney is also vice chairman of the URI Pharmacy Dean’s Advisory Council. “Although I received the award, it wasn’t just an individual effort,” Feeney said. “Gina and Paul are excellent pharmacists, and we rely heavily on the pharmacy technicians, Judy Roumelis, Marilyn Santormoro. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do things I do. My wife, who teaches full time, takes care of the books and administrative workings of the pharmacy. “What makes us stand out is that we are providing the pharmaceutical care that these students need to experience,” Feeney said. -xxx- For Further Information: Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116