Aprile and Dunbar recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Justen Aprile, MD, faculty member, and Julia Dunbar, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of May.
Dr. Aprile is an associate professor of pediatrics and humanities.
“As a medical student, working with Dr. Aprile was an incredibly positive experience. He was kind, caring and easy to approach, and he genuinely cared about both his patients and the students he worked with,” one student said. “Dr. Aprile took the time to explain his thought process and encouraged me to think through cases in a supportive, low-stress way. His teaching was clear and practical, which really helped build my confidence on the pediatrics service. He was also very funny and that made busy days more enjoyable. Dr. Aprile truly represented a great role model, and I was grateful to learn from him.”
A pediatric hospital medicine provider and associate professor of pediatrics and humanities by day, and vice chair of education and residency wrangler by … also day, Dr. Aprile lives in the joyful whirlwind of teaching and tiny humans. He is married to a family medicine provider so between them, dinner table conversations occasionally sound like a case conference. Their Hershey home is powered by four kids, two cats and one overly confident new puppy who believes he’s the fifth child.
When he’s off the clock, you’ll find Dr. Aprile hosting, grilling or firing up the wood-burning pizza oven, usually in something brightly colored because he believes education and life are both better when they’re a little more vibrant.
Dr. Dunbar is a third-year emergency medicine resident.
“Julia was a fantastic educator during my Emergency Medicine rotation. In each patient encounter, Julia encouraged me to see the patient independently and present on my differential diagnosis and plan, providing feedback and evidence-based guidance while encouraging me to take initiative in patient care,” said a student. “Julia also displayed exceptional point-of-care ultrasound skills, skillfully assisting in resuscitation and providing excellent patient care. Most of all, Julia displayed a clear dedication to student learning, engaging students to participate in trauma surveys, ultrasound scans and reading chest x-rays. Julia made me feel like a valued member of the team in the Emergency Department, providing outstanding educational opportunities that I will carry with me and apply in my future clinical practice.”
Dr. Dunbar trained at Penn State College of Medicine for medical school as part of the 3+ program and was very excited to continue training in the College’s supportive learning environment. Her favorite things to do in Hershey are working in the community garden and finding a new mystery book at the Hershey Public Library.
Next year, Dr. Dunbar will be pursuing an addiction medicine fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.
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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