HERSHEY, Pa. — Dr. Christopher McLaughlin, a general surgery resident at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, was recognized in May as part of the Exceptional Moments in Teaching program at Penn State College of Medicine.

“Dr. McLaughlin was amazing. He always took time out of his busy day to make a point to teach and made sure we learned something,” said a current student. “He would give us leading questions to push us to try and think through a problem before helping us. He made it a point to show us how we could take our learning to the next level in a respectful manner.

“He had incredible bedside manner skills that you can really only try to emulate after seeing someone like him talk to a patient. He was a great role model and someone I want to strive to be like when I am a resident.”

McLaughlin is a fourth-year resident who graduated medical school from Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Virginia, where he met his wife and fifth-year plastic surgery resident Caroline McLaughlin, MD, after working as a paramedic in Boston. He is currently applying for fellowships in trauma, acute care, and critical care surgery.  His professional interests include trauma systems, pre-hospital resuscitation and coagulopathy. A Philadelphia native, McLaughlin enjoys supporting the Philadelphia Eagles and walking his dog, Waffles, outside of work.

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.

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.