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Bellon recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching

Alfredo Bellon, MD, PhD, an assistant professor in the departments of psychiatry and pharmacology at Penn State College of Medicine, is featured for October in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.

“Working with Dr. Bellon was my favorite part of the psychiatry clerkship,” wrote a current student. “He clearly stated what was expected of me at the beginning of the week. Throughout my time with him, he challenged me by asking me questions and helped me work through it if I didn’t know the answer immediately.

“He really took the time to get to know me and, therefore, was able to provide me with some really helpful feedback I can use moving forward. He made me feel like a valued member of the treatment team, though I’m only a medical student. I learned a lot and am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him.”

Bellon has also been recognized for his teaching abilities at every American institution where he has worked, including Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He has his own laboratory at Penn State College of Medicine and also provides inpatient care at Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute.

His current research involves how the neurostructure of cells from patients with schizophrenia differ in response to dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Bellon has published several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, most of them related to schizophrenia research. One of his papers was recognized for its significant contribution to the field of psychiatry.

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. 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. Click here for the 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.

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