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Aynardi and Greene recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching

Jason Aynardi, MD, faculty member, and Alicia Greene, DO, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of November.

Dr. Aynardi is an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine.

“Dr. Aynardi made a very complex topic like pathology extremely easy to digest and, surprisingly for me, very enjoyable as well,” one student said. “He has a great way of simplifying the concepts, making it clear what is most important to know, and even sharing helpful tips for remembering certain things (like the 2 eyes for eosinophils). I always look forward to the lectures that Dr. Aynardi teaches.”

Dr. Aynardi attended Jefferson Medical College and completed his residency in pathology at Pennsylvania Hospital followed by a fellowship in surgical pathology at the University of Pennsylvania. He has been a faculty member in the anatomic pathology division of the pathology department since 2020.

The resident awardee, Dr. Greene, is a third-year general surgery resident in the Department of Surgery at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

“While I have been fortunate to work with many great residents during my time at Penn State, Dr. Greene should be recognized for being exceptional. She helps interns and students to grow in an engaging way by providing teaching, responsibility, and accountability. She consistently held me to high standards and challenged me to apply and expand my knowledge, rather than telling me answers or doing things for me,” said a student. “In other words, Dr. Greene pushed me to strive for ‘excellent’ where I might have settled for ‘good enough.’ She is effective in doing this because she is transparent about her own learning process, provides consistent support to those around her, and because she models excellence herself. I have rarely seen a physician demonstrate such dedication to her own education and training, while also extending herself so regularly to actively teach those around her.”

Dr. Greene is from Jarrettsville, Maryland. She attended college at Stevenson University, studied biochemistry, and played on the women’s soccer and golf teams. She then went on to medical school at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. At Penn State, Dr. Greene has completed a two-year research fellowship with the Division of Pediatric Surgery. In her free time, she enjoys golfing at the local golf courses and spending time at Bethany Beach with her family.

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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