2022 STAR Educator Recipient: Kelly Gardner, MD
Kelly Gardner, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Anesthesiology
Nomination Submission:
Dr. Gardner is a standard for excellence in education. She in continuously inspiring all those who work with her through her vast knowledge and teaching ability. However, what I find most inspiring is that she is someone who is always seeking for more knowledge to better serve her patients, residents, students and all those she comes in contact with. It is rare to find her in a down moment studying something to better herself. She has even enrolled in an MBA program after identifying a self-perceived deficit in knowledge.
In addition, she serves as the medical student course director for the Department of Anesthesiology. Upon accepting this position, she completely repaired a broken medical student curriculum. Her innovative design of the curriculum created opportunities for residents to become better teachers themselves. The curriculum fosters curiosity leading to meaningful discussions about basic science, medicine and the humanistic qualities becoming of a physician. She spends countless hours each week mentoring students and residents, helping them with presentations, answering questions and providing invaluable feedback. I am in awe at how she balances her many responsibilities, still finding the time to go after individuals who need her loving hand to lift and encourage them. Dr. Gardner’s devotion to educational excellence has blessed the life of thousands of patients.