My educational philosophy has evolved throughout my education, medical practice, and teaching experiences. To be sure, my education exposed me to rigorous academic standards. I learned to appreciate instructors who were clearly invested in helping students understand the subject at hand. Some instructors embrace this more than others. I strive to be one who does so. Part of that is having a thorough understanding of the material that allows an instructor to explain often complex concepts in a way that beginning students can understand and appreciate. In other words, it is far easier to explain complex physiologic processes to a graduate student in physiology than to a student with perhaps no prior post-secondary education and limited exposure to the biological sciences.The practice of medicine afforded me the opportunity to work with and train employees to assist in the office and other allied health professionals. A clear advantage was afforded to those who were well trained and interested in continuing education. All the students I have worked with are in the early stages of their career education. I take very seriously the importance of trying to foster a genuine interest in and appreciation of the subject material. Doing this in a positive, supportive manner I believe helps set the stage for inspiring students to continually further their education and career pursuits. There is much more to being an instructor than presenting and explaining the subject. The realities of life cannot be divorced from education. I believe an instructor must be sensitive to all these issues and work with students individually to help ensure their success.Years ago, I met and befriended a retired elementary school principal. When he assumed his role at the school it had the highest percentage of free-lunch students and the lowest test scores in the city. In fairly short order his school consistently achieved the highest test scores in the city. He summed up his approach to me. “I never gave up on a single student,” he said. He told his teachers, “No excuses.” The results speak for themselves. Seeing people come up and hug him and tell him thank you thirty years after the fact helped show me the value of that kind of unwavering support. Of course, I am not applying to be an elementary school principal. But I think those ideals can carry over universally throughout the educational process. I strive to have that kind of impact.Courses taught in-person and online: Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology I Lab, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology