Matters and Grigsby recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Gail Matters, MS, PhD, faculty member, and Charles Grigsby, MD, fellow, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of October.
Dr. Matters is an associate professor of molecular and precision medicine and medicine.
“Dr. Matters is one of those rare teachers who is able to guide your learning without just giving you the answers. She is thoughtful and intentional with how she approaches topics both as a PBL facilitator and lecturer,” said a student. “Where some professors get lost in their own enthusiasm for a topic, Dr. Matters is able to find the balance of providing the needed background for the material, connect to the clinical application and address the nuances that are still in discovery. I have felt supported and respected by her in every format of her teaching and I hope to have her as a facilitator in the future.”
Dr. Matters is a master facilitator for first- and second-year PBL and a large-group presenter in both the medical and graduate school curriculum. Her research in the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine focuses on early detection and novel treatments for breast and prostate cancer. She is also co-director of the National Institutes of Health- and National Cancer Institute-funded PROMISE program, which supports summer research opportunities for undergraduates and medical students with Penn State Cancer Institute mentors.
Dr. Grigsby is a third-year cardiovascular disease fellow in the Department of Medicine.
“Charlie was an incredible teacher and mentor to have on the rotation. Not only was he friendly and professional, but he also took the time to really connect with patients and go the extra mile to explain things to them, something I admire and hope to do as tactfully and thoroughly as he does,” one student said. “This doesn’t just apply to patients – he is a wonderful teacher for students at all levels. Not only did he take the time to take me to see procedures and experience other aspects of the specialty, but he took the time to explain complex topics in a digestible way that I could understand.”
Dr. Grigsby’s hometown is Lexington, Ky., and he completed his medical degree and internal medicine-pediatrics residency at the University of Kentucky. He is currently pursuing an advanced fellowship in interventional cardiology with a focus on structural and congenital interventions. His wife also works at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as a provider in pediatric pulmonology.
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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