Kristin Wakin, MD, an instructor in the Department of Anesthesiology, was voted as Teacher of the Year by CA1-3 anesthesiology residents.
The Teacher of the Year awards is presented to a Department of Anesthesiology faculty member, and is chosen exclusively by 
anesthesiology residents via anonymous vote. In previous years, the award was presented during house officer graduation. Since 2020’s in-person graduation ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19, Residency Program Director Andrea Dutoit, MD, arranged to surprise Dr. Wakin with the award alongside a group of residents. Maireen Miravite, MD, CA-2 resident and soon-to-be CA-3 co-chief resident, baked three dozen cookies to help the department celebrate Dr. Wakin.
Dr. Wakin received an outpouring of support in the form of nominations and resident reviews that cited her ability to balance guidance and education with resident autonomy in the operating room. Many nominators noted her ability to identify teaching moments in every case that prepare residents for board certification examinations. She was praised as knowledgeable, prepared, considerate and even-tempered.
"I met her when I was a medical student and she a resident and I found myself specifically seeking out her OR to join," said Clayton Damme, MD, CA-2 resident and soon-to-be CA-3 co-chief. "She was patient, non-judgmental, and always willing to share procedures with me and talk me through the steps. These characteristics stuck with her and she continues to be an outstanding teacher and mentor as an attending. She routinely finds an evidence-based article for the day and makes time for us to analyze, discuss, and relate it to the case at hand. We have shared several chaotic and stressful experiences in the OR, and yet she always remained calm and enthusiastic. The fact that she is receiving this award as a junior faculty speaks for itself. UNMC is lucky to have her on the team."
"Dr. Wakin is amongst my favorite attendings," said Sagar Bansal, MBBS, CA-1 resident. "She is extremely calm at all times and maintains a positive work environment. I highly appreciate the amount of effort and time she puts in towards educating us residents. She prepares printouts/handouts for review during the lectures and also spends an impressive amount of time in the ORs with us discussing the subject. Dr. Wakin goes out of her way to ensure adequate learning even during the most difficult situations. She is very approachable which allows for effective discussions and learning. Dr. Wakin is a role model for us residents given her personality traits of being considerate, enthusiastic and a great teacher."
Dr. Wakin completed medical school at UNMC in 2014. Upon completing an anesthesiology residency at UNMC in 2018, she immediately joined the faculty in the department. She is a member of the department’s multispecialty division, and works in the neuroanesthesia and vascular teams. Dr. Wakin will promote to assistant professor on July 1, 2020.
(Left Image) Instructor Kristin Wakin, MD, (center) takes time for a teaching moment with Resident Rachel Quandahl, MD, (right) in the operating room.
(Right Image) Instructor Kristin Wakin, MD, assists Resident Peter Pellegrino, MD, PhD, with placing their patient under anesthesia in the operating room.