2025 Outstanding Preceptor Award
Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (AHEC) presented the 2025 Outstanding Preceptor Award to Valerie Topper, CNM, who graduated from USI with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2009.
As the Certified Nurse Midwife at ECHO Community Healthcare, Topper has welcomed students to learn not only about ECHO, but also the critical importance of providing care to all women as a midwife, regardless of the situation.
One student commented, “I shadowed Valerie as she went through her normal day. We saw multiple different types of patients. This experience honestly made me think about going back to school for nursing after I finish my public health degree. I loved it!”
Topper has consistently earned the top score in preceptor evaluations in domains such as listening to the student, allowing students to increase patient responsibility with time and experience, utilizing teachable moments and modeling professional behaviors for students to emulate.
What sets Topper apart is her unwavering commitment to students and their practice transformation. She ensures her students leave with not only improved clinical skills but also a clear understanding of the challenges faced by the clients ECHO serves. Her approach to precepting reflects a deep commitment to developing not just clinical expertise, but also compassionate, patient-centered care.