Samford University's School of Health Professions recently recognized two clinical leaders for their exceptional investment in student learning, mentorship and patient-centered care. Selected by physician assistant (PA) students, the annual Preceptor of the Year awards honor clinical educators who exemplify excellence in both teaching and practice.
The 2026 recipients are Jody St. Clair, PA-C, surgical preceptor of the year in vascular surgery, and Matthew Lenhard, MD, medical preceptor of the year in obstetrics and gynecology.
The Preceptor of the Year awards recognize the essential role clinical educators play in preparing future health care professionals. Through their mentorship and example, preceptors like St. Clair and Lenhard help ensure graduates enter practice with strong clinical skills and a commitment to patient-centered care.
Surgical Preceptor of the Year: Jody St. Clair, PA-C 
For many PA students, the first clinical rotation sets the tone for the year. For one cohort, that experience began in vascular surgery under St. Clair’s mentorship.
“We had a rigorous, hands-on learning environment that emphasized growth through experience,” said Gannon Tissot '25, who presented the award. “During the rotation, students developed skills in Doppler ultrasound, wound care and dressing changes, documentation, hospital rounding, outpatient clinic visits, suturing in the operating room and first assisting.”
In addition to providing strong clinical instruction, St. Clair was recognized for consistently modeling professionalism, humility and respect. He is known for building rapport with hospital staff, operating room teams and patients, creating an environment in which students felt both challenged and supported.
Students noted that his leadership reflected the balance of technical excellence and personal integrity that the PA program strives to instill in future clinician leaders.
Medical Preceptor of the Year: Matthew Lenhard 
Matthew Lenhard, MD, an OB-GYN, was selected as medical preceptor of the year after supervising seven PA students in his practice.
Students cited his steady mentorship, thoughtful teaching style and commitment to preparing the next generation of clinicians. His approach reinforced the importance of careful listening, sound clinical judgment and maintaining a patient-centered focus in every encounter.
During his remarks, Miranda Rein ’25, referenced comments originally shared by Anna Blake ’05, who described Lenhard as “the type of physician who restores faith in medicine” and praised his respect for both students and patients.
Lenhard was also recognized for addressing barriers to care, including financial and transportation challenges, and for encouraging students to consider how social and economic factors influence patient outcomes.
“His emphasis on empathy, communication and emotional resilience reminded us that the human dimensions of medicine are as critical as clinical expertise,” Rein said.
Beyond the clinical rotation, Lenhard continued to support students’ professional development through exam preparation, letters of recommendation and ongoing guidance.
