Saunders recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching

HERSHEY, Pa. — Dr. Brian Saunders, a surgical oncologist and associate professor in the Department of Surgery at Penn State College of Medicine, is featured for August in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.

“Dr. Saunders spent the time teaching basic concepts and connecting them to the patient and the clinical setting,” wrote a current student. “He truly cares about his students and is an absolute pleasure to work with — to the point where I might consider surgery as a specialty of choice. Thank you for all you've done and being so great.”

Saunders joined the faculty at the College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in 2008, after completing his undergraduate and medical school training at Harvard University. Since arriving at Penn State, he has grown the clinical pediatric and adult endocrine surgery program, including directing the program for inherited endocrinopathies. Saunders has served as the clerkship director for surgery since 2009. He also is director of undergraduate surgical education.

Saunders is active nationally in education through the Association for Surgical Education and the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. He has been awarded Department of Surgery teaching awards, the Dean’s Teaching Award, both the Junior Faculty Teaching Award and the Distinguished Educator Award from the Society of Distinguished Educators, and the Excellence in Clinical Science Career Mentoring Award.

Penn State College of Medicine’s Office for a Respectful Learning Environment recognizes exceptional faculty members with the monthly “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program. The office 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.