Nicole Hackman, MD, (faculty) and Vincenzo Bonaddio, MD, (resident) are Exceptional Moments in Teaching.
Nicole Hackman, MD, faculty member, and Vincenzo Bonaddio, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for April.
April 16, 2024
Dr. Hackman is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics.
“Dr. Hackman is patient, supportive, knowledgeable, and kind, and she has taught me what to strive to be like as a physician. She always takes her time to watch each student whether it be history, physical, or a presentation,” said one student. “She gives great feedback, telling us what she appreciated that we did or offering a technique that may work better. She never made us feel embarrassed, only confident. I felt so prepared for the OSCEs and I feel so prepared for my career thanks to Dr. Hackman.”
Dr. Hackman trained as a pediatrician at Penn State College of Medicine. An Associate Professor of Pediatrics, she serves as the Medical Director of Lactation services and is devoted to strengthening inpatient and outpatient care for lactating individuals and their infants. Her professional interest focuses on support for breastfeeding dyads, education of providers and enhancing services for our community. Dr Hackman also dedicates time to outpatient antibiotic stewardship, of which breastfeeding support is a foundational component. Time spent mentoring and working with medical students and trainees is one of the most fulfilling aspects of Dr. Hackman’s career.
When not busy with her four sons, Dr. Hackman enjoys playing the flute, photography and reading a good book.
Dr. Bonaddio, the resident awardee, is a fifth-year orthopaedic resident in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation.
“Vinny is a great teacher. He is kind, thorough, and inspiring. Dr. Bonaddio was truly a great mentor to learn from during my orthopaedics rotation. He went above and beyond – not only for his patients but for the entire team including me, a student,” said a student. “He treated me like a valuable member of the team, and he consistently challenged me to expand my knowledge and thought process. This was effective in helping me learn. He provided insight into clinical topics and surgical techniques as well as how to be a successful student and eventual resident. He fostered a positive and uplifting learning environment, where I felt comfortable asking questions. Dr. Bonaddio ensured that I had a wonderful experience, and I appreciated all he did to help me learn! Thank you!”
Dr. Bonaddio was born in California but raised outside of Philadelphia in Delaware County. He completed his undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University and his medical education at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. His interest in Orthopaedics stemmed from the ability to improve a patient’s quality of life by improving their function. He is a current chief resident who will be graduating in June with the plan to complete a joints fellowship at the Otto E. Aufranc Fellowship in Adult Reconstruction at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
He intends to return to Pennsylvania to start his career. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family including his wife, 18-month-old son, Enzo, and 100-pound puppy, Loki. He is also an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.
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.