https://medicine.ouhsc.edu/faculty-staff Parent Page: Faculty & Staff id: 21477 Active Page: Preceptor Portal id:35835

Why Become a Preceptor? 

At the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and School of Community Medicine, we believe that transformative learning happens beyond the classroom—through real-world experiences guided by dedicated Preceptors. 

As a community preceptor, you play a vital role in shaping the next generation of physicians. Your guidance helps students: 

  • Bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying classroom knowledge in real clinical environments. 
  • Develop clinical reasoning and patient care skills under your mentorship. 
  • Understand the human side of medicine through your example of compassionate, community-based care. 
  • Gain exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings, enriching their education and perspective. 

Help Shape the Next Generation of Physicians

Why Precept OU Students? 

OU medical students bring a strong foundation of knowledge and skills from rigorous pre‑clinical training. They are eager to learn, contribute, and grow through hands‑on clinical experience under the guidance of dedicated physicians. Our faculty and staff partner closely with preceptors to ensure smooth communication, clear expectations, and a supportive evaluation process. By precepting with OU, you play a vital role in shaping future physicians and strengthening healthcare in our communities.

As a Preceptor, you will:

Collaborate with Students

By working with students during their rotation, you will help them gain real world experience and develop their skills.

Teach Students

By guiding interactions with patients, you will help students learn required Education Program Objectives.

Provide Feedback to Students

Throughout the rotation, your feedback is necessary and invaluable in supporting the student’s growth.

Make a Difference

You have the opportunity to shape a student’s practice style, communication skills and understanding of medicine.

A Message from Executive Dean Ian F. Dunn, M.D. 

Ian F. Dunn

“We know that working with students can add an extra layer of complexity to your medical practice. However, we cannot emphasize how important your preceptor role is to our future physicians. Through you, our students learn the realities of practicing medicine in the ‘real world’ and gain insight that we simply cannot provide through simulated educational experiences. The fact that you have chosen to pay it forward to the next generation of healthcare providers is a wonderful representation of the Oklahoma Standard. We truly value your commitment to our mission and our state.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a preceptor, and what do they do? 

A preceptor is a practicing healthcare professional (MD, DO, or PA) who mentors and supervises students during their clinical rotations. Preceptors provide real-world learning experiences, helping students apply their classroom knowledge to patient care, develop clinical reasoning, and understand the day-to-day realities of medical practice.

What types of students will I be working with? 

Depending on your location, you’ll be working with MD and PA students from either the College of Medicine in Oklahoma City or the School of Community Medicine in Tulsa.  

Can I choose when and how often I precept students? 

Yes! We understand that every practice is different. You can work with the Office of Community Partnerships and the Clerkship Coordinator for your specialty to determine a schedule and frequency that works best for you and your clinic.  

Do I need to be affiliated with OU to become a preceptor? 

No formal affiliation with OU is required to express interest in becoming a preceptor. Once you submit the interest form, the Office of Community Partnerships will guide you through the next steps to get started. 

What should I do if I have concerns about a student’s performance? 

If you encounter any concerns regarding a student’s performance, professionalism, or behavior, please email your OU Department Director and Coordinator. If you do not have their information, please email Preceptors@ou.edu 

Need Help?

Connect with the Office of Community Partnerships 

The Office of Community Partnerships is here to support you in your role as a preceptor. Whether you have questions, need resources, or want to learn more about getting involved, we’re happy to help. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime at Preceptors@ou.edu.  

Kristen Shironaka

Kristen Shironaka

Community Partnerships Coordinator
Karl Hansen

Ryan Kelly

Community Partnerships Project Coordinator