Impact in Education: Shannon Boerner, M.D.

Shannon Boerner, M.D., is one of the recipients of the Office of Academic Affairs’ 2017 Impact in Education Awards. She will receive the Inspirational Mentor of Educators Award.

• Name: Shannon Boerner, M.D.
• Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Internal Medicine
• Joined UNMC: 2009
• Hometown: Nebraska City, Neb.

Tell us how mentors inspired you.
I have been fortunate to benefit from generous and thoughtful mentors throughout my training and my career at UNMC. I was inspired in part to seek a path in internal medicine and subsequently, women’s health, through the mentorship of my attendings, many of whom remain in my division and are now my partners of a decade. The confidence and trust given to me through training and into my early years as a faculty member has provided a sense of belonging and support that constantly encourages me. Peer mentorship has been a particularly important aspect of my career, and I count those colleagues as not only trusted guides, but also caring friends.

Describe your proudest moment as an educator.
The joy of seeing learners develop their confidence never wears thin. I am always gratified when learners take much deserved credit for a difficult job well done, and they can see their own progress.

What advice would you give other faculty members who want to have an impact in education?
Discovering and developing a focused area of educational interest has been a defining part of my path as an educator. Striving toward creativity in pursuing academic interests is naturally inspiring to those we train and teach, and simultaneously enlivens us as educators.

Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy on teaching?
Foremost, I commit to honesty and integrity. Learners value my openness as an educator, and I seek to allow room for my own growth alongside theirs.