Physician Educator Spotlight: Dante Cerza, MD, MACM
Name:
Dante Cerza, MD, MACM
Title and Faculty Appointment:
Nemours Hospital for Children
Wilmington, DE
Undergraduate & Graduate Medical Education:
UG—Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences
MD – University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Residency—Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship—Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Pediatric and Pediatric Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology)
Brief Educational Biosketch:
I have been the beneficiary of excellent learning experiences going back to my childhood. Prior to pursuing my medical education and career in medicine, my great gratitude and admiration for my teachers made me want to pursue a career that would involve promoting high-value learning. With this goal, I entered medical school with hopes of a career in academic medicine.
The Society for Education in Anesthesia has been a great source of perspective, inspiration and comradery. To this date, the Workshop on Teaching has been the most valuable educational meeting I have attended (on more than one occasion!) What I have gained from this Society has stimulated me to pursue greater depth of understanding educational principles and greater skill in promoting high-quality education. I earned a Master of Academic Medicine from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. I have enjoyed reading and taking short courses on the science of learning. I hope to continue to bring these lessons into our work as health care educators.
Throughout my career, I have held many roles serving the education of students and trainees – both inside and outside our field – as well as health care professionals. I have recently moved my practice and joined the team at Nemours Hospital for Children in Delaware. I look forward to this next step in my career and the potential for new collaborations and contributions.
Society/Committee Memberships:
- Chair Designee – Research Committee, Society for Education in Anesthesia
- Member – Educational Meetings Committee, Society for Education in Anesthesia
What drew you to a career in anesthesiology education?
The value I place on my own educational experiences and those who have contributed to them inspires me to make the same impact on others.
What are a few facts about you people may not know?
I am a big fan of music and the arts, particularly opera (without having developed any skill in vocal performance). I currently serve on the board of directors of a very prestigious opera training academy in Philadelphia.
What is your advice to an aspiring, young anesthesiologist educator?
Keep your mind open, listen, and ask questions. There is so much to be discovered, understood and integrated that will benefit our work and our mission.
