Distinguished Young Pharmacist
of the Year in Vermont
Awarded annually, the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award recognizes a young pharmacist who has graduated within the last ten years. The chosen pharmacist must be both registered in Vermont and an active member of the Vermont Pharmacists Association as well as a participant in national pharmacy association, professional programs and/or community service. Nominate a pharmacist here!
2023 Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year: Emily Piehl |
| Dr. Piehl is a 2017 graduate of URI and completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Concord Hospital in 2018. Dr. Piehl went on to complete a fellowship at Rhode Island infectious Disease Research Program, prior to relocating to VT in August 2020 to serve as Rutland Regional Medical Center's Infectious Disease Pharmacist. Since joining the team at RRMC, Dr. Piehl has vastly contributed to antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and continues to expand the profession of pharmacy. Dr. Piehl’s intervention rate consistently hovers greater than 85%. Since joining RRMC Dr. Piehl has become the first board certified infectious disease pharmacist at RRMC and one of only two in the state of Vermont. She also achieved her AAHIVP certification. |
2022 Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year: Jason Leuck
| Jason Leuck, one of the first class to graduate from the VT Campus of ACPHS (2013) has worked at Costco as a preceptor for VT students as well as providing internship opportunities. His major achievement was during the pandemic where he not only stepped up to provide COVID immunizations (along with other pharmacists in the state) but convinced the Costco company to let him take over the entire Auto Center at Costco to be a large-scale immunization clinic, utilizing his crackerjack staff of pharmacists as well as allowing ACPHS-VT students to perfect their immunization techniques. This not only included rotation students, but student volunteers as well. Jason is a dedicated pharmacist and an exacting preceptor, giving students the opportunity to take part in all aspects of community pharmacy. Congratulations, Jason! |
2021 Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year: Caroline Kirkpatrick
 | Congratulations to Caroline Kirkpatrick, the 2021 recipient of the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award, sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual and VPA. Caroline is an emergency department pharmacist at Springfield Hospital. While a student at Albany College of Pharmacy, Caroline served as the student president of the Vermont Pharmacists Association. Caroline currently serves as the treasurer of the Vermont Pharmacist Association and has been vital in planning social events for pharmacists. We were so proud that Caroline's mother Jane (also a VPA member and pharmacist!) joined us at our fall meeting in October 2021 to present Caroline with the award. Congratulations, Caroline, and thank you for all you do for the VPA! |
2020 Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year: Melanie McAtee
| Melanie has been an amazing voice for pharmacy at Rutland Regional Medical Center. Her co-workers note that she was born to be a hospital pharmacist and is such a well respected and loved member of the healthcare team. She also has led the Rutland Regional Medical Center residency program to success in its initial years, and she has implemented projects that serve patients as well as move the profession forward. Thank you Melanie for representing our profession so well! We were excited to present you with your award at our Vermont Pharmacy Week CE and Celebration! |
The Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year award is sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company.
Pharmacists Mutual, rated Excellent by A.M. Best, is a nationally recognized leader and provider of insurance products and risk management solutions for pharmacists and pharmacies, dentists and dental practices, associated businesses, and professionals. For over a century, Pharmacists Mutual has provided peace of mind to its members through comprehensive, quality products and services.