Celebrating Commitment to Student Learning

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.”

Steven Reeves, B.S.P.A.’95, M.D., (middle) with DMU students, many of whom have precepted with him, during the Preceptor of the Year award ceremony.

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.”

Carlye Townsend M.S.P.A.S.’22, PA-C, precepting a student in her practice.

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:

“I got started precepting at least 30 years ago because somebody precepted me, and I appreciated that. It was an opportunity to pay it forward and acknowledge those who taught me by continuing that legacy. I found as I did it, it made me a better physician. Students ask a lot of questions that prompt me to think critically about the way I practice and the choices I make for my patients.”

Kevin de Regnier, D.O.’85, FACOFP (dist.)

“Our staff consider students to be additional people who can help them out. They’re also good at teaching students how to scrub into surgery, where to stand and how to put drapes on. They’re all more than willing to help in the whole teaching process for students.”

Gage Caudell, D.P.M.’05, FACFAS

“I loved my clinical rotations and formed really good relationships with a lot of my preceptors. I wanted to do the same, and it’s also a way for me to stay involved with DMU. I adore the school and the PA program and always wanted to continue giving back. Preceptors are needed, and you don’t need 10 years of experience before you can precept students.”

Carlye Townsend, M.S.P.A.S.’22, PA-C

“As a preceptor, you’re changing lives. You are helping students understand the aspects of the profession that the classroom doesn’t get to teach. Students’ drive and dedication help you stay excited about your career, and I’ve taken perspectives and techniques from students.”

Terra Goldsberry, M.S.P.A.S.’11, PA-C

“I feel we all have a duty to pay it forward. We were all in the same position years ago, and sometimes, the further you get from that time, the harder it is to remember your first time shadowing. Becoming a preceptor can be really impactful for these young learners. It’s how we help develop medicine and make our specialties and patient care better.”

Jesicah Ambrisco, D.O.’18

"It just takes that one spark to motivate a student to be the absolute best they can be in our profession. Having preceptors opens their eyes to what our profession really can do not only from a practice standpoint but also from a leadership standpoint within our profession."

Eric Barp, D.P.M.’01, FACFAS

“Our first goal is finding out what the student wants to get out of the rotation. Then we can shift a bit with their goals and our goals. We also focus on the things that matter most to patients because medicine is a lot more about relationships than the surgery I’m going to teach. Ultimately, you won’t ever be a great doctor if patients don’t like you.”

Daniel Gabrielson, D.O.’00, FACOOG

“You help students learn while at the same time they teach you a little bit more about what is currently being taught and the latest research. But the biggest thing is when I was able to take a DMU student for the first time; it allowed me to give back to the university. It allows me to give back to my previous preceptors who took the time to mentor and teach me and to pass knowledge and values on to the next line of students.”

Brian Cichon, D.P.T.’18, OCS

Become a Preceptor

Apply to be a DMU preceptor and help shape the next generation of health care professionals.