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Penn State College of Medicine recognizes Swanson for exceptional teaching

Dr. Benjamin Swanson, a psychiatry resident at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, was recognized in January 2022 as part of the Exceptional Moments in Teaching program of Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine.

“Dr. Swanson took time out of every single day to review an important topic or two about psychiatry with the students,” a current student wrote. “He sat down after every single patient encounter and had us present the mental status exam and run through the differential diagnosis and plan for that patient, as well as talk about systems and humanistic issues that we encountered.

“He really cared about us as students and went above and beyond expectations to educate us. Additionally, he was extremely respectful of all staff members, patients and our opinions as students. Were it not for him, I would not have enjoyed this rotation nearly as much as I did.”

Swanson is a PGY-3 in general psychiatry and plans to complete a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. Originally from Pittsburgh, he received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Ben would like to thank his family and colleagues who have provided him many opportunities to fill the role of both student and teacher.

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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