Q. Describe your proudest moment as a teacher, who was the student(s) and why was it such a special moment.
One of my most special teaching moments was with an otherwise bright student who had difficulty with social interactions. I challenged him to break the news of a miscarriage to a patient while focusing only on achieving rapport and supporting her. We reviewed techniques prior to the encounter and I had the chance to observe him directly. This was important for him, as it helped provide him concrete tools to work on his primary weakness and made him realize that this was something he could practice and improve on.
Q. Why do you love to teach?
I love teaching as this is a way for me to not only share my passion for my work but also maintain it. Teaching students reminds us of the importance of what we do, whether its dealing with emergencies or helping patients through difficult times. It is also a way to pay forward all of the time my mentors have spent on me.
Q. Was there someone who was inspirational to you, and whom you emulate as a teacher/mentor?
We all take inspiration from the various mentors we meet along our training. No one is perfect but each of us brings something unique to the table. Whether it’s always taking a learner’s answer into consideration and asking for their thought process (no matter how seemingly harebrained or silly a response), insisting on excellence not adequacy in surgery or leading by sharing their passion for their work. I hope to take the best from each of my mentors and try to live up to their example.
Q. Are there words of wisdom you would like to say to those aspiring to be teachers?
You can always teach at any point in your training. There is so much you have learned and words of wisdom to be passed down. It is natural to shrink back and declare as you are not the expert. The best teachers are those who still remember what it was like to be a learner and can guide others along the same path.
Also being present is the greatest gift you can offer as an educator. So many of our learners go through their training without being observed and having timely feedback.
Finally, being an educator is a learned and practiced skill. Take advantage of courses like the Master Teacher certificate program provided for free through most health authorities. Use a validated structured approach to feedback and provide it frequently.
Q. How would your students describe you as a teacher?
My learners and colleagues frequently describe me as a passionate teacher. I love teaching and it provides me with enthusiasm even in the waning hours of a call shift.