Dalton Nelsen, MD, is the recipient of the Emerging Educator Award. The award recognizes an emerging health science educator who demonstrates excellence, dedication and perseverance in teaching and education early in their career.
- Name: Dalton Nelsen, MD
- Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Emergency Medicine
- Joined UNMC: 2019
- Hometown: Callaway, Nebraska
You are the recipient of the Emerging Educator Award. How has innovation played a part in your teaching career?
Innovation has played a huge role in my teaching career. Having completed a fellowship in emergency ultrasound, innovation and technology have been integral to my success as an educator. Whether it be using high-fidelity manikins at iEXCEL and the Davis Global Center for simulations to teach medical students, residents and fellows, to teaching point-of-care ultrasound to physicians internationally in Peru and China, to using handheld ultrasound devices to educate EMTs and paramedics on pre-hospital ultrasound applications, innovation has been the cornerstone of my early teaching career.
Describe your proudest moment as an educator.
My proudest moments are when I witness the success of current and former learners. Also, receiving the Golden Apple for Excellence in Student Teaching for the UNMC Department of Emergency Medicine when I was a fellow and receiving the Emergency Medicine Faculty Teaching Award my first year as an attending.
What advice would you give other faculty members who want to have an impact in education?
Get involved. Say, “yes” to educational opportunities, especially early on in your career. But also learn when to say “no” because it’s easy to stretch yourself too thin. Find your niche or something you’re passionate about and own it. Get creative.
Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy on teaching?
Always meet your learners where they are at. Not everyone learns the same way or responds to feedback the same way. Also, be willing to accept feedback from your learners to make adjustments to your teaching style. Be flexible. Be kind and have fun.
Congratulations Dalton! A well deserved award as a great champion for our EM residents education.
Well-deserved recognition for years of hard work! We truly appreciate your selfless dedication to the education of our residents! Thanks Dalton!