Richard and Hu recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
David Richard, MD, faculty member, and Antoinette Hu, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of July.
Dr. Richard is the medical director of the Physician Assistant Program and professor of family and community medicine.
“Dr. Richard is hands-down one of the best physicians I’ve ever had the honor and pleasure to work with,” one student said. “He is respectful to everyone in the clinic and is the only preceptor to truly give me autonomy in my learning. He did a great job balancing the clinic schedule for students to maximize learning and student responsibilities. He is just a very kind soul and this was evident not only in how he treated his students but also how much his patients love and respect him.”
Dr. Richard is a family physician who states that he absolutely loves what he does and has been fortunate enough to live his passion. He practiced medicine in the United States Air Force, community practice and at Penn State College of Medicine inclusive of obstetrical care, performing colonoscopies, inpatient care and outpatient care (including home visits). Dr. Richard’s professional interests are geared toward patient-centered communication skills (he is a strong believer in bedside manner), professionalism and use of evidence-based tools at point-of-service. He serves as vice chair for education in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and has been honored as a Distinguished Educator and Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine award winner.
Outside of the medical arena, Dr. Richard is a husband, father of two grown sons (one of whom is a College of Medicine graduate) and huge Red Sox fan, after growing up in Boston. Despite his Red Sox roots, Dr. Richard has learned to be Penn State proud over the course of his 25-year career at the College of Medicine.
Dr. Hu is a fifth-year general surgery resident in the Department of Surgery.
“Dr. Hu was an exceptional teacher and leader during my time on the emergency general surgery service. She took opportunities to teach – from core general surgery principles to operative techniques – and explained the why behind each decision in the OR and on rounds,” said a student. “Her honest, constructive feedback challenged me to improve daily and made me a more thoughtful and confident student. Overall, Dr. Hu exemplifies what it means to be a great surgeon, educator and leader. I am incredibly grateful for the experience of learning under her guidance.”
Dr. Hu grew up in Sacramento, Calif., and majored in human biology at the University of California, Irvine. Her passion for medicine started in her undergrad years when she worked part-time as a medical assistant, and she went on to complete her medical degree at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Hu is now finishing her last year in general surgery residency and will be starting fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, later this summer.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Hu enjoys spending time with her husband and cat, hiking, reading and skiing.
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.
If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.