Laufenberg recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching

Dr. Lacee Laufenberg of the Department of Surgery is featured for November in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.

“I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Laufenberg while rotating in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU),” a current student wrote. “She was an incredible teacher and challenged me on learning throughout the week.

“On multiple occasions, Dr. Laufenberg would ask questions regarding patient care for the patients I was following. Regardless of my answer, right or wrong, she would respectfully explain why things were a certain way. There was no sense of belittling or degrading comments. She provided a wealth of knowledge throughout the week, with on-the-spot teaching. She would be specific regarding her thought process and helped me guide my own assessment of patients to provide better care.

“Dr. Laufenberg respected me as a learner and care team member by asking how I would best manage the patient and would accept my plans if they aligned with what was good for the patient. She repeatedly elevated my knowledge of critical care and challenged me to do better. I’m grateful for having the opportunity to work with her and the rest of the SICU team.”

Laufenberg is an assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Trauma, Acute Care and Critical Care Surgery. She attended Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology, with minors in chemistry and biology. Following her undergraduate education, Laufenberg received her MD degree from the University of South Florida. She completed her general surgery training at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, studying the effects of sepsis on protein synthesis for two years with Dr. Charles Lang in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology. Following her residency training, Laufenberg remained at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and completed fellowship training in surgical critical care. She became a faculty member in the Department of Surgery in 2017, where she has enjoyed working with students and residents in the SICU, trauma bay and operating room.

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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