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 at Cedarville University, she never imagined she would find herself leading an emergency medicine residency program. But through perseverance and mentorship in her calling, her faith led her to a new path — one that is shaping the next generation of pharmacists.
Now, as Cedarville’s School of Pharmacy prepares to celebrate its 10th graduating class in May 2026, Prewett’s story reflects the resilience that has marked the program from the beginning.
A 2016 Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) alumna, Prewett was part of Cedarville’s inaugural pharmacy class. Her experiences in the program laid the groundwork for her success as an Emergency Medicine Clinical Specialist at Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio, and at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio.
Creating a New Residency Program and Mentoring Future Pharmacists
From navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to stepping into the demanding role of residency program director at Aultman Hospital, Prewett has experienced the lasting value of her Cedarville education.
By establishing the Post-Graduate Year Two (PGY2) residency program in emergency medicine at Aultman, Prewett now mentors future pharmacists through intentional leadership and clinical oversight as residency program director. Though hesitant at first, she stepped into the role with humility — and found strength she didn’t know she had.
“Over the years, I have been blessed with countless opportunities from faculty and classmates who offered experiences and training that benefited me in ways I could never have imagined,” Prewett said. “Learning research frameworks at Cedarville helped me develop the skills I now use to teach residents — tools that have stayed with me for nearly a decade.”
Leading Through Crisis: Lessons From the Pandemic
On the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prewett faced constant challenges — from rapidly changing treatment protocols to understaffed hospital units. She met those demands with professionalism, resilience and compassion, prioritizing her own wellness to serve others effectively and inspire her team.
“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
As Cedarville’s 10th pharmacy class prepares for graduation in 2026, Prewett’s story stands as a reminder that perseverance, purpose and a heart to serve can transform 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, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and 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 at cedarville.edu.