Hennrikus recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching

Dr. Eileen Hennrikus, professor of medicine at Penn State College of Medicine, is featured for November in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.

“Dr. Hennrikus was wonderful throughout our Scientific Principles of Medicine (SPM) course, keeping us engaged and interested in the material by giving us the clinical application, encouraging us along the way and making sure to focus on what was most relevant,” wrote a current student. “She has an excellent teaching style ― I remember diabetic ketoacidosis more than any other topic because of the way she taught us during the lab simulation. She always brightened up SPM and contributed significantly to our learning.”

Hennrikus graduated from Mount Holyoke College, Georgetown Medical School and completed her internal medicine residency at the University of California, San Diego. She was a National Health Service Scholarship recipient and completed her medical service obligation as medical director of the National City Health Clinic.

Hennrikus initially practiced both inpatient and outpatient medicine, until 20 years ago when she became one of the first hospitalists. She worked as a hospitalist/critical care physician for 10 years before coming to Penn State College of Medicine where she is an academic hospitalist.  At Penn State, Hennrikus has been involved in medical education as co-director of first-year Scientific Principles of Medicine, clinical skills advisor in Foundations of Patient-Centered Care, teacher in the third-year integration course and teacher in the fourth-year internship preparatory course.

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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