Champions of the Clinical Learning Environment
As a continual acknowledgment of the work it takes to foster a positive and professional learning atmosphere, the Directors of Learning Environment at McGovern Medical School announced 28 faculty members who have earned the title of 2024 Champions of the Clinical Learning Environment. Among them, eight faculty members from the Department of Internal Medicine were recognized for their contributions.
The accolade celebrates faculty who have significantly influenced McGovern Medical School students during their third-year clerkship rotations by cultivating a professional and stimulating learning environment. The selection of these champions is based on an in-depth review of the Learning Environment Surveys (LES) from Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. The survey invites third-year medical students to highlight faculty who have made a meaningful difference in their educational experience.
Hundreds of faculty members were mentioned across various departments, exemplifying qualities of empathy, compassion, and excellence while maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment. The awardees were chosen based on the volume of student responses they received, with three to four faculty members selected from each clerkship.
Notably, Gabriel Aisenberg, MD, professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, was recognized as one of the 2024 Champions of the Clinical Learning Environment. This marks the fifth consecutive year. Dr. Aisenberg has achieved this distinction, making him one of the few faculty members honored every year since the award’s inception.
The awardees from the Internal Medicine Department are:
- Gabriel Aisenberg, MD, professor
- Akshar Dash, MD, assistant professor
- Dana Giza, MD, assistant professor
- Ana Leech, MD, MS, associate professor
- Cristina Murdock, MD, assistant professor
- Rex Paulino, MD, assistant professor
- Victoriano Valdez, MD, assistant professor
- Michael Zhu, MD, assistant professor
These faculty members are praised for their influence on learners and their positive impact on patients and the overall clinical environment.
Congratulations to all that were recognized.