Pantanelli recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Dr. Seth Pantanelli, a physician in the Department of Ophthalmology, is featured for June in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.
“Dr. Pantanelli has a full patient load, and yet still makes an effort to have students involved with his clinic day,” a current student wrote. “He would ask me questions to test my level of understanding and had a respectful way of redirecting my thought process if I was incorrect, which only helped reinforce my learning.
“There were a few occasions where a junior medical student joined us in clinic, so Dr. Pantanelli would first give me the opportunity to explain what I knew before stepping in, which again reinforced my learning. After each clinic day, Dr. Pantanelli would hold sessions where we would review the patients we saw during the day, which was beneficial. It is obvious that he is excited about the work he does, which also made my time in clinic enjoyable.”
Pantanelli is an associate professor of ophthalmology in the Department of Medicine, chief of ophthalmology at the Lebanon VA Medical Center and medical director for the Gift of Life Eye Bank. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering and optics from the University of Rochester, N.Y., and his medical degree with distinction in research from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
He completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Flaum Eye Institute and a fellowship in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami. He is a member of the Cornea Society and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Pantanelli has authored or co-authored more than 35 peer-reviewed articles, as well as multiple book chapters, and is an active teacher for the annual Harvard Cataract Course. He has been awarded Penn State College of Medicine’s Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching four times and is this year’s recipient of the College’s Clinical Science Career Mentoring Award.
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. One faculty member and one resident/fellow are highlighted each month 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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