Tomasko and Fofana recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Jonathan Tomasko, MD, faculty member, and Kadiyatu Fofana, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of May.
Dr. Tomasko is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery and an associate program director of the General Surgery Residency Program, as well as director and chief of cardiac surgery at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center.
“Dr. Tomasko exemplifies an unwavering commitment to teaching through his daily actions. He welcomes questions and creates an environment that empowers students to explore and learn,” one student said. “In the OR, his dynamic approach makes complex cardiac physiology, imaging, and surgical techniques clear – often prompting an enthusiastic, ‘That makes sense!’ His approachable demeanor and genuine respect for everyone make him an inspiring role model. By blending academic rigor with personal warmth, Dr. Tomasko truly enriches the positive atmosphere at Hershey Medical Center and I am grateful for him as an educator.”
Dr. Tomasko is a cardiac surgeon, initially joining the Penn State family as an intern in 2008. He then graduated as chief in 2015. Dr. Tomasko finished his cardiac surgery training at Northwestern University in Chicago, and stayed on staff mostly at one of their community hospitals. He missed teaching and interacting with students and residents, and the Hershey area, so he and his family returned in 2022. His professional interests include complex coronary artery revascularization and robotic cardiac surgery.
Dr. Tomasko is the father of two children, both of whom were born in Hershey. His wife, Cora Tomasko, PsyD, is a member of the medical staff in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, and she is also involved in education as an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral health.
The resident awardee, Dr. Fofana, is a second-year internal medicine resident in the Department of Medicine.
“Kadiyatu was the best resident that I’ve ever worked with. She is so smart and her intelligence stands out in a room. At the same time, she makes me feel empowered to speak up and ask questions and propose plans without feeling embarrassed,” a student said. “She is so efficient throughout the day and it was so obvious how much she cared about the patients and their outcomes. I truly loved working with her and learning from her. I believe that my career and all of my patients will benefit by my experience knowing and working with Dr. Fofana.”
Dr. Fofana is the first medical doctor in her family. She became interested in medicine after being involved, for most of her childhood, in helping raise funds and medical supplies for underserved communities in West Africa. She wanted to pursue a career as a medical doctor so that she could continue not only volunteering her time to those communities, but also her knowledge and expertise.
After residency, Dr. Fofana is interested in applying for an endocrinology fellowship. She has found that preventable and insidious diseases such as diabetes tend to plague underserved communities; a career in medicine is her way of continuing to give back.
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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