Stacy Hess, MD (left), and Richard Bavier, MD
Stacy Hess, MD, faculty member, and Richard Bavier, MD, resident, were recognized through the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program for the month of November.
December 11, 2023
Dr. Hess is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine.
“Dr. Hess has had a profound impact on my education and my perspective on my future career. She is, before all else, an exceptional clinician and a great provider to her patients. Beyond that, she is an amazing educator and always found ways to incorporate learning into patient care,” a student said. “She was always helpful with her feedback on my performance and gave realistic advice for me to improve. She is trusted by her patients and is a strong resource to her students. I feel so grateful to have been able to work with her.”
Dr. Hess is a general internist, administrator and medical educator who trained at Penn State College of Medicine and a graduate of the Harvard Macy Program for Educators in the Health Professions. She has served as the medical director for the outpatient internal medicine clinics and vice chair of outpatient clinical affairs for the Department of Medicine. Her professional passion is sharing her love of medicine and patient care with medical students, focusing on clinical skills.
Outside of work, she spends time with her family and enjoys running, reading and any sport that involves water.
Dr. Bavier is a fourth-year resident in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
“Dr. Bavier was the best resident I ever worked with. As an away rotator, I felt welcomed here at Penn State,” one student said. “Dr. Bavier in particular was always invested in my education and helping me get opportunities to do things. He made sure that I was getting a good learning experience throughout my entire rotation. He works hard in everything he does, from teaching to being a resident. I hope to be like him when I grow up.”
Dr. Bavier grew up in Clinton, New Jersey, and attended Rutgers College. After college, he taught middle school math in Prince George’s County, Maryland, with Teach For America, then decided to pursue a career in medicine. He attended Rutgers New Jersey Medical School where he discovered a love of head and neck oncologic surgery and reconstruction. This year, Dr. Bavier will apply for a fellowship in head and neck oncology.
When not in the hospital, Dr. Bavier is usually rock climbing, walking his dog, Rosie, or spending time with his fiancée, Halina.
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.