Department of Veterans Affairs Lake Nona
Michael Benitez, PharmD
The student had this to say about Dr. Benitez:
It is my privilege to nominate Dr. Michael Benitez for recognition for his exceptional mentorship. From day one, he cultivated an incredibly positive, encouraging, and inclusive learning environment at the Orlando VA. This supportive atmosphere empowered me to comfortably ask questions, refine my clinical judgment, and take a confident role in veteran-centered care. What truly sets Dr. Benitez apart was his genuine investment in my professional future. Knowing my specific goal of pursuing a Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) residency, he made sure to tailor my experience and projects to help me with the journey. Instead of a standard assignment, he deliberately helped me find a project geared toward pharmacy operations and leadership. This personalized mentorship directly strengthened my residency preparation and exemplifies their dedication to individual student success. For their outstanding support and impactful teaching, Dr. Benitez is highly deserving of this honor.
Brief bio or Site description
My path to pharmacy began long before I joined the VA. I spent over 10 years as a chemistry teacher, and during that time I discovered how much I loved educating, mentoring, and helping people grow. Eventually, I decided to pursue a long‑held dream and transition into pharmacy — a decision my own students helped inspire. I completed my PharmD at the University of Florida’s Lake Nona campus, an experience that shaped both my clinical foundation and my commitment to service. After graduation, I was fortunate to join the VA in Lake Nona, where I now serve as a Clinical Pharmacist with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Orlando. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to become a preceptor because teaching has always been central to who I am. In the outpatient setting, I enjoy guiding students as they learn to provide safe, efficient, and empathetic care to our diverse Veteran population. My focus is on helping future pharmacists build confidence in real‑world decision‑making, adapt to the evolving demands of healthcare, and understand how their work contributes to continuous improvement within the VA system. Precepting allows me to combine my background in education with my passion for pharmacy, and it remains one of the most meaningful parts of my role.
What is your or your sites philosophy on educating students and/or providing pharmacy services?
Our philosophy is that students learn best through meaningful, hands‑on patient care supported by steady guidance and honest feedback. We focus on helping learners build confidence, develop strong clinical judgment, and understand the “why” behind their decisions. Above all, we aim to shape pharmacists who practice with skill, empathy, and curiosity, and who feel prepared to serve a diverse Veteran population with integrity.
What is a fun fact about you or the site?
Fun fact: I completed my pharmacy rotations at this site as a student, and it quickly became the place I hoped to work one day. Coming back as a Clinical Pharmacist — and now as a preceptor — feels like a full‑circle dream achieved.