Internal medicine/pediatrics resident Henning honored for exceptional teaching

Dr. Alison Henning, a trainee in the Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, was honored in May 2021 as part of the Exceptional Moments in Teaching program of Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine.

“Dr. Henning is the definition of an exceptional teacher,” a current student wrote. “She created an environment in which student questions were not only welcome, but highly encouraged. She challenged us to really think about clinical decisions and the reasoning behind them.

“She always made sure to incorporate teaching moments throughout the day, even when our team was incredibly busy. Dr. Henning taught me so much during my short time with her, and she was able to communicate tough concepts in a way that made them easy to understand.”

Henning is a PGY-3 internal medicine/pediatrics resident who is originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho. She received her Bachelor of Engineering degree in biomedical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, N.J., and her doctorate from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pa. After residency, she plans to pursue combined adult and pediatric critical care, with a focus on intensive care unit management during natural disasters and mass casualty events. Outside of work, Henning enjoys training for Ironman triathlons, skiing, kayaking and fishing.

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. Each month, one faculty member and one resident/fellow are highlighted 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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