January 2022 Exceptional Teachers
We are interested in collecting your stories about faculty members, residents, nurses, or anyone else, who have impacted or influenced you in a significant way. Please tell us about what those teachers did that resulted in an exceptional educational experience and how it changed you.
January 2022 Submissions
Below are the exceptional teacher recognitions shared with the Learning Environment Advocacy Committee this month. Thank you to these faculty for providing a great experience for our students.
Emergency Medicine
- Dr. Carol Bernier (Pre-Hospital Medicine) - “Dr. Bernier is a phenomenal EMS leader, physician and educator. Dr. Bernier went out of her way to give me an extraordinary, varied, exciting exposure to pre-hospital medicine. It is clear from watching her work and listening to what pre-hospital providers say behind her back that her pre-hospital work has been nothing short of transformative for patients in the Roanoke Valley. She has improved the education of her pre-hospital providers which professionalized their service and improved their care to patients. Whatever Dr. Bernier might need to help her at her job should be accommodated to keep her with Carilion.”
- Dr. Stephanie Lareau (Wilderness Medicine) - “Dr. Lareau is an amazing leader and is perfect for directing the Wilderness Medicine rotation as well as the fellowship. She involves students in all aspects of decision making, providing care, and plan implementation. Would love to work with her again!”
Family and Community Medicine
- Dr. Mary Sweet (AI in Family Medicine) - “In the time that I spent with Dr. Sweet she exemplified what it means to be a caring and compassionate physician. I will model my bedside manner on the amazing example she set.”
Internal Medicine
- Dr. Joshua Eikenberg - “I really enjoyed working with Dr. Eikenberg. He took the time to explain difficult concepts to me and actively involved me in patient care.”
- Dr. Amanda Gillespie-Twardy - “Wonderful to work with! Eager to teach and clearly loved by her patients.”
Neurology
- Dr. Nicholas Yelverton - “I really appreciated Dr. Yelverton's consistent effort in getting me involved in patient care. He made sure that I was involved in useful learning experiences and taught every step of the way. He really made my Neurology elective not only a great clinical learning experience but also a joy all around. Thank you!!”
OB-GYN
- Dr. Janet Osborne (GYN-ONC AI) - “Clearly defines expectations from the beginning. Gives valuable, constructive feedback immediately. Enjoys teaching and consistently made me feel like an important member of the team.”
Pediatrics
- Dr. Virginia Powel - “Good attending, I felt included on her team.”
- Dr. Christina Warwick-Hulgan (NICU) - “Did a great job involving me in medical decision-making and being supportive and available.”
Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine
- Dr. Anilla Del Fabbro - “Excellent mentor and physician. She is someone who I look up to and would like to emulate when I am a physician. Talks to patients very respectfully and is amazing at talk therapy.”
- Dr. Justin White (AI in Psychiatry) - “Dr. White is a wonderful physician. I really enjoyed learning how he interviews patients, and how patient he is with everyone. He really takes the time to learn about them and their concerns.”
Radiology
- Dr. Michael Bergen (AI in IR) - “Did a great job involving me in medical decision-making and being supportive and available.”
- Dr. John Wessinger - “Great teacher, enthusiastic and willing to get students involved, respectful and professional, great relationship with patients and operative team.”
Surgery
- Dr. Christine Sherman (Anesthesia) - “Clearly outlined her expectations of my involvement in patient care at the beginning of the day. Provided encouragement and immediate feedback regarding patient monitoring, intubation, and transport. Working with Dr. Sherman was a very positive experience; I learned a lot and gained valuable skills.”