Throughout their clinical year, physician assistant students nominate preceptors they feel are outstanding and exemplary teachers and mentors. These nominations are used by the Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program to select an individual for the Preceptor of the Year Award. This year’s recipient is Steven Reeves, B.S.P.A.’95, M.D., an internal medicine physician at Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston, Iowa.
“I started accepting students in 2010 after losing my wife and youngest son,” Reeves says. “Going through this difficult time made me realize I wanted to do more to be the best I could possibly be, and to do that, I decided to teach more. Enter precepting.”
Reeves began with just one student a month but quickly found he preferred having two for the opportunity it gave the students. “When there are two, the students can have more dialogue and discussion, which allows for even more learning,” Reeves says. “They feed off each other, and the knowledge that comes from two is far greater than when it is just one.”
When welcoming students, Reeves provides a structured and educational environment to develop clinical skills and learn about the history of medicine. Previous students describe him as a significant catalyst in their learning to become future providers. He offers ample time for questions and valuable feedback. His compassion for others is unmatched, and he has motivated students under his guidance to follow in his footsteps.
“When we have a slow day, I like to engage the students in a robust conversation on a challenging or ethical topic,” Reeves says. “We have a discussion. We lay it all out on the table, and I tell these students we will have a civil, professional discussion about the items. I want them to practice these situations because they will be met with difficult patients or situations in the future, and it’s important to learn how to navigate them early on.”
Reeves says he was surprised when it was announced he had been awarded Preceptor of the Year. For him, precepting comes naturally. And the students aren’t the only ones learning—Reeves shares that being a preceptor has helped him evolve, learn and mature as a physician.
“You have to value your students as professionals, human beings and people,” Reeves says. “Being a preceptor is not a singular function, it’s a multifaceted privilege. I want these students to be the best they can be. Who knows, they might be my caretaker one day.”
The Power of Preceptors
For students, there is nothing more valuable than learning alongside someone who embodies their career aspirations. Preceptors play a crucial role in a student’s education, inspiring and guiding the next generation. The rewards of being a preceptor outweigh the work it entails.
Responsibilities come with the role, of course, but so do flexibility, benefits to one’s practice and the joy of watching lightbulbs come alive in students’ minds. Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences needs preceptors in all medical specialties and geographic areas. Your experience, knowledge and wisdom can improve lives and your profession.
Hear why DMU alumni choose to precept and the impact they make:
Become a Preceptor
Apply to be a DMU preceptor and help shape the next generation of health care professionals.
