Green and Korek recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
M. Joyce Green, MD, faculty member, and Skylar Korek, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of April.
Dr. Green is an assistant professor of family and community medicine.
“Dr. Green goes above and beyond with her classes by showing that she cares about us as students,” one student said. “She doesn’t just want us to know the material. She wants us to be good doctors.”
Dr. Green is a family physician, teacher, devoted Christian, wife and mother of two young children. She is the clerkship and acting internship director at the Penn State Palmyra office and has been teaching the Foundations of Patient-Centered Care course at the College of Medicine for nearly 15 years, while also precepting family medicine residents. Her professional passions lie in evidence-based primary care, particularly diabetes and hypertension – topics she enjoys sharing through lectures and hands-on teaching.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Green is deeply involved in her community through volunteer work and teaches Sunday school at her church. Balancing her busy clinical and teaching responsibilities, she also treasures being hands-on in raising her children, bringing the same care and attention to her family as she does to her patients and students.
Dr. Korek is a third-year general surgery resident.
“Skylar was an excellent resident and a general pleasure to work with. Throughout the course of my rotation with him, he consistently took the time to answer questions and would also take the initiative to explain the reasons behind each task that we were assigned,” said a student. “He provided ample opportunity to be an independent learner, while also making himself available should an issue arise. Skylar also made an effort to incorporate students into the team and always introduced the student to the patient on first contact. He is a considerate individual and always treated students, patients and colleagues with respect and kindness.”
Dr. Korek is currently in his dedicated research years in the Division of Minimally Invasive/Bariatric Surgery. Originally from Westchester, New York, he attended Penn State for his undergraduate degree and Florida International University for his medical degree.
Dr. Korek has an interest in pursuing global surgery, recently returning from a trip to Koforidua, Ghana, and thoroughly enjoys mentoring and teaching learners at all levels.
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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