Dr. Kevin Rakszawski, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, is featured for December in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.
December 8, 2021
“Dr. Rakszawski was the best attending I worked with during my hematology rotation,” a current student wrote. “He was approachable, friendly and made it easy to ask questions. He encouraged me to interview every patient independently and never made me feel rushed for time.
“He also taught in a way that’s very easy to follow, showed me where he gets his sources and shared great primary sources. I really enjoyed the four weeks I spent working with Dr. Rakszawski, and he is one of those great role models who showed me the kind of attending I want to be in the future.”
Rakszawski completed his medical degree at Penn State College of Medicine and both his internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. His clinical practice centers on hematologic malignancies, blood and marrow transplantation, and cellular therapies. Rakszawski serves as a facilitator in the Medical Humanities courses and medical director of the Boston-based Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare. He is also involved in quality improvement, informatics and clinical documentation services for Penn State Health. His research focuses on clinical trials in lymphoma, multiple myeloma and blood and marrow transplantation. Rakszawski serves as an academy coach for the internal medicine residency program and educational liaison for the Division of Hematology/Oncology.
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.