Abouzeid and Upadhyay recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Andrew Abouzeid, DO, faculty member, and Maarisha Upadhyay, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of November.
Dr. Abouzeid is an assistant professor of medicine.
“Dr. Abouzeid is a fantastic educator who always takes the time to educate his students with his daily chalk talks,” said a student. “He is clearly passionate about internal medicine and the intricacies of how medicine has evolved over time. His passion for medicine makes clerkship all the more interesting and drove me to show up excited and ready to learn each day. He gave students the opportunity to perform procedures for the first time, giving instructions clearly and calmly in order to ensure success for both the patient and the students. I would be lucky to work with him again in the future.”
Dr. Abouzeid is a husband, father and dog lover who shares his home with three Australian shepherds. He practices as an academic hospitalist and also serves as medical director of patient throughput for the adult hospital. He completed his internal medicine training at Virginia Commonwealth University and his professional interests center on medical education, systems improvement, and tracing the historical evolution of medicine and how it continues to shape modern practice. Dr. Abouzeid particularly enjoys the collaborative nature of teaching and the chance to learn alongside trainees.
Dr. Upadhyay is a second-year internal medicine resident in the Department of Medicine.
“Dr. Upadhyay was an exceptional resident and medical student educator. She consistently ensured that every learner felt heard, included and actively involved in patient care,” one student said. “She led rounds and codes with the confidence, composure and clinical judgment of a seasoned attending, making it remarkable to learn that she was only beginning her PGY-2 year. Her feedback was specific, practical and actionable, and she remained approachable and receptive to questions throughout the rotation. It was a privilege to work with her, and I only wish we had been able to spend more time learning from her.”
Dr. Upadhyay has many roots across the world, having lived in the U.K., India and the U.S. She attended medical school at the University of Galway in Ireland, where she also completed her medical internship before moving to Hershey for residency. Her clinical interests include cardiology, critical care and clinical research. She enjoys working with medical students and fellow residents, valuing the opportunity to both teach and learn from those around her.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Upadhyay enjoys going for a hike, playing the piano and exploring new brunch spots.
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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