Mormando recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching

Dr. Charles Mormando of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health is featured for August in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.

“Dr. Mormando exemplifies how physicians can challenge their students in a productive, non-threatening way,” a current student wrote. “He was willing to scale his teaching to my ability, which is something I have noticed many top residents and physicians do. To explain this better, I would say that when I asked for more challenges, responsibilities and extra resources, I was given the space to do so.

“On the other hand, when I felt that I needed more guidance and closer supervision, Dr. Mormando was also able to help. This continuous scaling of support allows students to expand their knowledge and abilities in a way that feels very natural over the course of a clerkship. I hope to see more physicians and residents take this approach, and I hope that I can emulate this teaching style to my future medical students.”

Mormando is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Penn State College of Medicine and serves as medical director of admissions at Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI). He is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and the associate director of neuromodulation at PPI, where he treats a diverse population of patients with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). His research and clinical interests include catatonia and its varieties, melancholia, other syndromes responsive to ECT and the nosological classification of mental disorders.

After earning his MD from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Mormando completed his residency in adult psychiatry at Stony Brook School 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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