Fischer recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching

Dr. Michelle Fischer, an emergency medicine physician in Penn State College of Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine, is featured for March 2021 in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.

“Flex days with Dr. Fischer were the most valuable learning opportunities and experiences I have had in medical school (by far),” a current student wrote. “She challenges students to go outside of their comfort zone without the fear of being judged when wrong. After each patient encounter, she took the time to have thorough debriefs with us that were focused on giving a strong oral presentation, a focused history and physical exam, and appropriate work-ups.

“She is always honest with her students and does not hesitate to provide constructive feedback. I truly feel a lot more prepared to function in the clinical setting than I think some of my other peers. Dr. Fischer sets the bar high but also gives you so much feedback to make sure you succeed to the best of your ability.”

Fischer has been affiliated with Hershey Medical Center as an academic emergency physician since 2006, but assumed a full-time role in the Department of Emergency Medicine in 2018. She is a U.S. Navy veteran with more than 10 years of stateside, overseas and deployment experience caring for sailors and Marines. Prior to her full-time role at Hershey Medical Center, she was working as the associate medical director of emergency education at UPMC Pinnacle.

She has a strong commitment to medical student and resident education and currently serves as one of the core faculty members and faculty advisors for the Hershey Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program, as well as a society advisor for medical students at Penn State College of Medicine.

Penn State College of Medicine’s Office for a Respectful Learning Environment recognizes exceptional faculty, residents and fellows with the monthly “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program. Each month, one faculty member and one resident/fellow are highlighted for their contributions. College of Medicine students are invited to submit narratives about faculty members, residents, nurses or any other educators who challenge them and provide an exceptional learning experience using the online nomination form.

The Office for a Respectful Learning Environment fosters an educational community at Penn State College of Medicine in which all learners and educators feel supported, challenged, valued and respected. It serves all learners at the College of Medicine: medical students, graduate students, physician assistant students, residents and fellows.

See previous faculty and resident/fellow honorees here.

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