Adenwala and Richardson recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Adam Adenwala, MD, faculty member, and Micah Richardson, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of September.
Dr. Adenwala is an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine.
“Dr. Adenwala was an incredible educator throughout my time working with him on my anesthesia rotation. During my first cardiac anesthesia case, he took the time to draw the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit so I understood what was happening on the anesthesia and surgery sides and would regularly check in to make sure all of my questions were answered,” said one student. “He created an environment where I could ask questions without hesitation. After a difficult case, Dr. Adenwala debriefed with me and ensured I had a full understanding of the case as well as what we could have done differently. He’s shown me what it means to think critically about his role as an anesthesiologist and how to approach problems with adaptability, which I hope to apply in my future career.”
Dr. Adenwala joined Penn State after completing his training at the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University. His professional interests include perioperative anesthetic care for patients undergoing cardiothoracic procedures and surgeries. He serves as the director for the resident cardiothoracic anesthesia rotation and he notes that working with residents and students is one of the best parts of his work.
At home, he is a husband and he is also a father of one very needy cat. He enjoys the outdoors, tennis and reading during his free time.
The resident awardee, Dr. Richardson, is a fifth-year resident in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation.
“Dr. Richardson is one of the best residents I have ever worked with. I really appreciate her mentorship and guidance not only during my two weeks on the Sports service but throughout my 4 weeks while rotating in the orthopaedic surgery department,” said a student. “I really admire her leadership and willingness to provide feedback and education to her students. Additionally, she went above and beyond as a resident and educator, providing me with a lot of opportunity to obtain hands-on experience by using the arthroscopy simulator, assisting with operative cases, helping with procedures while on call, and practicing casting during a skills session.”
Dr. Richardson is in her fifth and final year of her orthopaedic surgery residency at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She grew up in a large military family in San Antonio, Texas, but has called Pennsylvania home for the past decade. She attended Grove City College then made her way to Drexel University College of Medicine. She chose to pursue orthopaedic surgery because of the immediate and profound impact that procedures can have on patients’ lives and quality of life, such as the ability to “make grandma walk again” with a total hip replacement. Micah will pursue an adult reconstructive hip and knee surgery fellowship at Rush University in Chicago, Illinois, next year.
When not in the hospital, she can be found baking cakes for friends and family, spending time with her 15 nieces and nephews, or playing keyboard in the up-and-coming Central PA garage band, A Big Six.
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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