James Grogan, MD (left), and Nina Eng, MD
James Grogan, MD, faculty member, and Nina Eng, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of January.
January 18, 2024
Dr. Grogan is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, and a member of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute.
“Genuinely one of the most engaging, hilarious and thoughtful attendings at Penn State. He challenged students, knew what their abilities were, and provided specific and thoughtful feedback,” a student said. “He also exemplified respect in every encounter he had with patients, with other health care staff and with students. He genuinely cares for his patients and I feel very lucky to have been able to work with him.”
After completing his medical training at Indiana University and the University of Virginia, Dr. Grogan came to Penn State to start a career focusing on teaching, end-of-life care, and clinical research and treatment for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He has presented at the regional, state and national levels on topics including neurodegenerative disorders, neurogenetics, neuropalliative care and medical student education. However, he describes his time working directly with students and residents as one of the great highlights of his career.
Dr. Grogan’s hobbies include gardening, writing, cooking and watching TV. He lives in Hershey with his wife, a proud Penn State grad and clinical researcher, along with his toddler and three American Fuzzy Lop rabbits Cirrus, Kiwi and Juniper.
Dr. Eng is a third-year general surgery resident in the Department of Surgery.
“Dr. Eng never hesitated to provide me with constructive feedback after my patient presentations. Importantly, she was always careful to deliver her feedback in a private setting so that I wouldn’t feel like she was pointing out my deficiencies in front of the whole team,” one student said. “For example, on my first day in the SICU, she asked me if I wanted to see a patient with her, and as we were walking she took the opportunity to show me a better way to organize my notes for presentations and a more systematic way to preround on the EMR. Later in the rotation, she pulled me aside to emphasize the importance of discussing every diagnosis being managed, not just the most pressing ones. Because of the respectful way she challenged me, she was entirely approachable and helped make my rotation a very positive learning experience.”
Dr. Eng is a captain in the U.S. Army. She was raised in Texas and always knew she wanted to be a physician, following in the footsteps of her parents who were both Army physicians. She completed medical school at Emory University School of Medicine and a transitional internship at Brooke Army Medical Center where she solidified her interest in pursuing a career in general surgery.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Eng and her husband enjoy hikes with their dog, trying new restaurants and binging TV shows.
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. One faculty member and one resident/fellow are highlighted each month 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.