Link and McCoy recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Emily Link, MD, faculty member, and Zachary McCoy, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of April.
Dr. Link is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, as well as a primary care physician and the medical director of the Penn State Health Cocoa Outpatient Center.
“Dr. Link is one of my favorite instructors at Penn State College of Medicine. In our FPCC anchor days and clinical flex days, Dr. Link’s constant enthusiasm and encouragement supports student learning as we gain confidence in practicing clinical skills,” one student said. “The calm and reassuring manner with which Dr. Link interacts with patients and teaches students serves as an inspiration for what I hope to be as a future physician. Thank you, Dr. Link!”
Dr. Link trained as a general internist in the United States Air Force and practiced medicine at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center, where she was honored with teaching awards from medical students and house staff prior to joining the Penn State faculty along with her husband, Ryan Munyon, MD, in 2015. She enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids and two dogs.
The resident awardee, Dr. McCoy, is a third-year general surgery resident in the Department of Surgery.
“Dr. McCoy is a truly exceptional teacher to fellow residents and students alike. In the hustle and bustle of life in a hospital, formal education can sometimes fly out the window. However, more than any other resident I have worked with, Dr. McCoy made time consistently to provide dedicated teaching even when our service was hectic,” a student said. “Dr. McCoy’s teaching was so valuable that residents and students alike would often elect to stay late after being dismissed to be sure that we caught his lectures. I think the best part was that Dr. McCoy made me and the rest of the team feel that we could ask any question, even things we felt ‘we should already know’ or ‘stupid questions,’ and he responded with a welcoming environment and enthusiasm to teach.”
Dr. McCoy previously trained in general surgery at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine.
Before pursuing medicine, Dr. McCoy had a career as an educator, performing orchestral musician, music composer and orchestra conductor. Most recently, he was the conductor of the charitable Balmoral Chamber Orchestra. He continues to play and compose music, and anticipates returning to music school after residency.
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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