2024 Spring STAR Educator Recipient: David Schmit, MD
David Schmit, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine
Division of Hospital Medicine
Nomination Submission:
Dr. Schmit is one of the most impressive attendings I have worked with throughout all of medical school. As an educator, his eagerness to teach was above and beyond what I experienced from other faculty. He regularly presented literature during rounds to expand our knowledge base and inspired us to think critically about why we make the decisions we make. He challenged us to be on top of our own reading and encouraged excellence in self-directed learning. He also created a working environment that was very conducive to learning and growing – never judgmental or condescending. We were never afraid of saying the wrong answer. He let us make decisions, as students, but also provided us with ample knowledge and evidence as to why we do things a certain way. He was always approachable and provided great feedback.
As a physician, Dr. Schmit provided care at the highest level. Not only was his care evidence-based and founded in a wealth of knowledge, but his bedside manner and relationship with patients was top-notch, establishing trust even with more challenging patients. He had the finesse to navigate even the most complex situations and delivered compassionate, high-quality care while doing it. At the same time, he displayed humility and upheld patient autonomy by empowering patients and families to make their own (well-informed) decisions. He inspired us to be better clinicians through his example. In sum, Dr. Schmit is a down-to-earth, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable faculty member who sets the bar high for doctors everywhere. If I were a patient, I would like to be treated by Dr. Schmit.