Whitney and Kaleem recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Larissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C, faculty member, and Syed Zane Kaleem, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of August.
Whitney is an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and assistant dean and program director of the Physician Assistant (PA) Program.
“She believes in her students, and lets them know that every day,” said one student. “When I didn’t have confidence in myself, I knew that I was in the right place because Dr. Whitney wants me to be here. The way she connects with us through the material is exceptional.”
Whitney has been working full time in PA education for nearly a decade, serving as didactic faculty, clinical coordinator and program director at various programs throughout Pennsylvania. She is passionate about advancing PA education for future generations of PAs, while enhancing the mental health and wellness of PA students completing their education.
Whitney earned her doctorate in business administration with a concentration in health administration and leadership from California Intercontinental University and received a Master of Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University. She has a Bachelor of Science in PA Studies from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Clinically, Whitney practices within the Department of Family and Community Medicine in Elizabethtown.
Outside of her professional career, Whitney is a wife and mother to three amazing children and an adorable golden retriever puppy.
The resident/fellow awardee, Dr. Kaleem, is a third-year psychiatry resident at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
“Dr. Kaleem is an amazing teacher and mentor. During my rotation, he spent time with me after every patient interaction to explain concepts and answer any questions. He tailored his instruction to my goals and challenged me with topics and tasks that enhanced my learning and performance on the rotation,” said a student. “He guided me through challenging patient interactions and gave very specific and nuanced feedback that greatly improved my history and mental status exam skills. I witnessed Dr. Kaleem provide patient-centered and high-value care to all of his patients, and his intelligence, kindness and humility make him a profound role model.”
Dr. Kaleem was born and raised in New York City and went to high school in the Hershey area. He graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He chose psychiatry because he wanted to make meaningful and lasting changes for patients that are informed by patients’ holistic selves, permeate all aspects of their lives and allow them to continue living with liberty and autonomy.
He is interested in pursuing a career in adult inpatient psychiatry and forensic psychiatry.
When not in the hospital, he can be spotted reading about psychiatry at a local coffee spot or hunting for the best egg and cheese sandwich in the area.
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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