Justin Shuster, MD, MPH, and Laima Spokas, MD Recognized by School of Medicine for Teaching
Congratulations to Justin Shuster, MD, MPH (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry), and Laima Spokas, MD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry), who have been honored for excellence in teaching at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s annual Curriculum Colloquium. The Curriculum Colloquium honors outstanding faculty contributions to medical education through classroom and clinical teaching, mentoring, and innovation.
Dr. Shuster and Dr. Spokas each received a Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award. The Psychiatry Clerkship is a four-week experience centered on inpatient and partial hospital behavioral health care.
Dr. Shuster is medical director of the general adult inpatient unit at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital (WPH). Psychiatry Clerkship students noted that he fostered an excellent learning environment by helping everyone feel comfortable and part of a team, and was supportive of those needing accommodation. Students noted, “I loved every minute of my time on this clerkship thanks to him,” and that Dr. Shuster “has a great sense of humor.”
Dr. Spokas is medical director of WPH’s Comprehensive Recovery Services unit. She was commended by students for providing an inclusive learning environment, for overall excellence in teaching, and for willingness to include students in all aspects of care. One student commented, Dr. Spokas was “an excellent teacher during the entire rotation.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Shuster and Dr. Spokas!