Browning and Bufalini recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Kirsteen Browning, PhD, faculty member, and John Bufalini, MD, fellow, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of October.
Dr. Browning is a professor in the Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and co-director of the MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program at Penn State College of Medicine.
“This faculty member is an amazing educator, phenomenal scientist and she is interested in your growth even outside of the classroom,” one student said. “She is one of the most caring faculty members I have ever met. She inspires me on a daily basis. Takes the time to talk about any problems you might have. Definitely given me an example of the type of faculty member I want to be in the future.”
Dr. Browning trained as a neurophysiologist at the Universities of Glasgow and Aberdeen and her research focus is in studying the central control of gastrointestinal functions across the lifespan, from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration. Although she is a cat whisperer and keen gardener, Dr. Browning spends most of her time trying to keep her sourdough starter happy and improving her success-to-failure ratio in baking.
The fellow awardee, Dr. Bufalini, is a fourth-year hematology/oncology fellow in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
“John is an awesome physician and truly cares so much about each and every patient. He stepped in for instance during palliative discussions and end of life conversations when attendings were not able to step in with support that the patients needed,” said a student. “I saw him touch so many patients firsthand it was so inspiring. You can see the impact he had on people’s lives in real time. He is one of the most hardworking people I know and he does so much. I have no idea how he juggled all the tasks for the day the way he did and still knew the patients better than anyone else on the team. I am very lucky to have worked with him and hope to follow in his footsteps as a resident and one day heme/onc fellow.”
Dr. Bufalini was born and raised in Pennsylvania and was drawn to medicine because of the close personal connection that is afforded between patients and their physician. He chose oncology while a medical student and an internal medicine resident at the College of Medicine because it was the specialty that aligned best with what he envisioned to be the role of a humanistic physician.
Dr. Bufalini is leaning toward a focus on community medical oncology, while still finding ways to involve medical education in his future career. When not in the hospital, he can be seen walking his golden retriever, Hershey, with his wife or hiking/biking in the nearby trails that surround the local 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.
If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.