Amy Cannella, MD, will be the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award during the UNMC Faculty Senate annual meeting on April 15. The award recognizes faculty who exemplify excellence as a director of learning, advisor of students, facilitator of human relations and/or promoter of the improvement of educational quality at UNMC.
- Name: Amy Cannella, MD
- Titles: Gerald F. Moore Professor in Rheumatology; program director, rheumatology fellowship program, and section chief of rheumatology, Omaha VA Hospital
- Joined UNMC: 2005
- Hometown: Grand Island
What are the greatest rewards of teaching?
I truly enjoy watching the trajectory of learning from the M1 year through the end of residency or fellowship training. I am incredibly lucky to have a footprint in all levels of training at UNMC. Seeing medical students transitioning to competent, autonomous and compassionate physicians is the greatest reward of all.
Describe a moment in your career when you realized you had picked the right occupation.
I am reminded that this was the right choice when I am in a lecture hall, small group or one-on-one teaching, and I see the “aha” moment of comprehension. Nothing in my role as a clinician educator is about me; it is all about the learners and, ultimately, the patients they will serve.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a teacher?
As an older clinician educator, I find that one of my greatest challenges has been to acknowledge, adapt to and embrace the changing landscape of post-graduate education. I see change as opportunity and always try to meet learners where they need me most.
How do you know when you’ve been successful as a teacher?
I feel successful as a teacher whenever any learner tells me that I made a difference in their educational journey.