Leuenberger recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching

Dr. Urs Leuenberger, a professor in the Department of Medicine and cardiologist at Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, is featured for February in Penn State College of Medicine’s “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.

“Dr. Leuenberger is an excellent humanities facilitator,” wrote one current student. “He challenges us to consider why we hold the opinions and perspectives that we have and asks questions that encourage us to think more critically about views others might have and why. He facilitates open and honest discussions among group members, interjecting only when we seek clarification or appear hesitant to say more. When we ask him to provide an example from his practice about a topic we are discussing that day, his examples are always relevant and thought-provoking. He is one of the kindest, most respectful and most thoughtful professors I have ever had.”

Leuenberger grew up in Switzerland and completed medical school at the University of Bern. He came to the United States first as a visiting medical student and later for postgraduate training. He has been a cardiologist and National Institutes of Health-funded clinician-scientist for more than two decades.

While his research interest has been cardiovascular reflexes and neural control of the circulation, Leuenberger has been more impressed by the physician’s role in the patient’s experience and its potential impact on outcome.

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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