Training Christian Pharmacists: 10 Classes of Professionals
Rebecca Prewett nearly quit pharmacy school at Cedarville but found her calling through faith and mentorship. Now, she leads an emergency medicine residency program, shaping future pharmacists with resilience learned from her own journey and the COVID-19 front lines.
When Rebecca Prewett nearly quit pharmacy school during her first semester atCedarville University, she never imagined she wouldfind herselfleadingan emergency medicine residency program. But through perseveranceandmentorshipin her calling,her faith led her to a newpath—onethatis shapingthe next generation of pharmacists.
Now,asCedarville’sSchool of Pharmacyprepares to celebrate its 10thgraduatingclass in May 2026,Prewett’s story reflects theresiliencethathasmarked the program from the beginning.
A2016Doctor ofPharmacy (Pharm.D.)alumna,Prewettwaspart of Cedarville’s inaugural pharmacy class.Her experiences in the programlaidthe groundwork for hersuccess asanEmergency Medicine Clinical Specialistat Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio, andat Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio.
Creating a New Residency Program and Mentoring Future Pharmacists
From navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic tostepping intothe demanding role ofresidency program directorat Aultman Hospital,Prewett hasexperienced the lasting valueofherCedarville education.
ByestablishingthePost-Graduate Year Two (PGY2) residency program inemergencymedicine at Aultman,Prewettnowmentorsfuturepharmacists through intentionalleadershipand clinical oversightas residency program director.Thoughhesitantat first,she stepped intothe rolewith humility—andfound strengthshedidn’tknow she had.
“Overthe years, I have been blessed with countless opportunities from faculty and classmates who offered experiences and training thatbenefitedme in ways I could never have imagined,” Prewett said. “Learning research frameworksat Cedarville helped me developthe skills Inow useto teachresidents—toolsthat have stayed with me for nearly a decade.”
Leading Through Crisis: Lessons From the Pandemic
On the front linesduring the COVID-19 pandemic, Prewett faced constant challenges—fromrapidly changing treatmentprotocolstounderstaffedhospitalunits.Shemet thosedemandswith professionalism,resilienceandcompassion,prioritizing her own wellness to serve others effectively andinspireherteam.
“As health care providers, we have to be willing to step forward even when we’re scared,” said Prewett. “Even if you stumble along the way, you’ll gain valuable lessons that will make you stronger and better prepared for the next challenge.”
A Legacy of Faith, Service and Perseverance
AsCedarville’s10thpharmacy class preparesforgraduationin 2026, Prewett’s storystands as a reminderthat perseverance,purposeand a heart to servecantransform uncertainty into impact — and shape a legacy of care that extends far beyond the classroom.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offersundergraduateandgraduateresidential and online programs across arts,sciencesand professional fields.With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates.Learn more atcedarville.edu.