Kent Nofsinger, MD, is a firm believer in educating students as opposed to “schooling” them. They've already been schooled, he says. "Most of them are interested in becoming a health provider. For these students to thrive, as well as the well-being of our society, they must possess an educated mind-set," he says. "If you study just to do well on an exam, and not to acquire the knowledge, that’s schooling. If you possess an educated mind-set, then you will acquire knowledge over your entire lifetime."
This teaching philosophy has earned Nofsinger, senior instructor in the Department of Biology, the respect and admiration of his students and colleagues, and the 2007 Excellence in Teaching Award. “As I impart information, I want students to find it relevant,” he stresses. “Fortunately, my experience as a physician has given me plenty of ‘war stories,’ the anecdotes from the clinic, the hospital, and the emergency room that make the assimilation of knowledge more palatable and relevant.”
Students and colleagues soundly agree.
"Beyond his sensitive approach to portraying anatomy as a fascinating and meaningful course of study, Dr. Nofsinger’s main goal in teaching this course is to prepare his students for advancement into professional health schools," writes student Janis Sandlin. "His exams are very difficult and similar to an exam that may be given in medical school. I found his course not only one of the most challenging, but also the most beneficial course of my undergraduate career."
In 2006, Nofsinger taught Human Anatomy and Mechanisms of Pathophysiology. “The course material is essential for health career students to know and master,” he says. “Yet, truly, without some ‘color commentary,’ these subjects can be mercilessly boring!”
Nofsinger has experienced first hand this ‘color’ in myriad specialties and sees himself not as a teacher, but a coach. “About one-third of my students will not get into their career of choice; they will not make the ‘cut,’” he explains. “At some point, I put on my advising hat. I tell ALL my students that they need to have a Plan B.” Nofsinger knows all about “Plan Bs” and even “Plan Cs”. He switched from pathology to ophthalmology due to a formaldehyde allergy and then changed career paths again because of an ear condition that causes dizziness. “I’m an ophthalmologist,” he says. “There’s little demand for dizzy micro-surgeons.”
What could have been a setback quickly became an opportunity that ultimately benefited the downtown Denver campus, multitudes of pre-health students, and Nofsinger. "I love the students. The Department of Biology and the dean’s office have been terribly supportive."
The feeling is mutual. "Dr. Nofsinger often relates real life practical experiences as an MD with the concept he is teaching," notes student Tracy Doubek Woodall, DVM. "This not only cements the information to memory, but allows a very practical approach to learning."
Nofsinger has been with the downtown Denver campus 4.5 years, teaching and advising pre-health students at the undergraduate and graduate level. He received the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006.
"Dr. Nofsinger excels at teaching and medicine because he is passionate about it," Woodall writes. "It is very natural to be superior in a field if you truly enjoy it, and it is obvious Dr. Nofsinger enjoys what he does."