Lingamchetty and Ziegler recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Thejasvi Narayana Lingamchetty, MD, faculty member, and Olivia Ziegler, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of September.
Dr. Lingamchetty, MD, is an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral health.
“Working with Dr. Lingamchetty was one of the most rewarding experiences of my clerkships thus far,” said a student. “He was deeply invested in my growth as a medical student and intentionally shaped my experience to help me develop confidence and independence. His enthusiasm for education was contagious, and it made me excited to continue learning every day. I genuinely did not want this rotation to end because of the mentorship, encouragement and opportunities for growth that Dr. Lingamchetty provided.”
Dr. Lingamchetty is a board-certified adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist and faculty member at Penn State College of Medicine. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at MetroHealth Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, followed by a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Penn State Health. Passionate about medical education, Dr. Lingamchetty enjoys helping learners build confidence, strengthen clinical reasoning and grow toward independence. For him, some of the most rewarding moments in medicine come from watching learners recognize their own progress and become excited about the physicians they are becoming.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Lingamchetty enjoys traveling, nature photography and spending time with family.
Dr. Ziegler is a fourth-year general surgery resident.
“Dr. Ziegler made me feel extremely welcome and immediately took me in as part of the surgical team. Whenever there was a case or consult, she made sure a medical student was always included,” one student said. “She offered invaluable insight as to why she chose a career in surgery, and her mentorship and enthusiasm to teach/include medical students have further solidified my own desire to pursue a career in surgery as well. Overall, Dr. Ziegler has been one of the best residents I’ve had the pleasure to work with and I hope all students pursuing a career in surgery have an opportunity to rotate with her as well.”
Dr. Ziegler was drawn to medicine while performing translational science research at Massachusetts General Hospital after college. She chose to pursue general surgery after medical school at Brown University due to its broad scope and the opportunity it affords to provide even the sickest patients with immediate care. Dr. Ziegler is leaning toward colorectal surgery and has completed a master’s degree in clinical research focusing on inflammatory bowel disease.
When she is not in the hospital, Dr. Ziegler makes model boats and goes on backcountry hikes with her partner, an ENT surgeon at Penn State.
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.