Dr. Megan Kasper is described as one of the most impactful Idaho physicians WWAMI students have worked with during medical school. WWAMI student Riley Lehmann praised her commitment to teaching, patient care and creating meaningful learning experiences.
That impact earned Dr. Kasper, an obstetrician-gynecologist with Grace Women’s Health and St. Luke’s Health System, an Idaho WWAMI Excellence in Teaching Award.
Throughout Lehmann’s clerkship, Dr. Kasper encouraged questions, shared her expertise and demonstrated a genuine enthusiasm for teaching.
“I have had the privilege of working with great preceptors at all of my rotation sites,” Lehmann said. “Dr. Kasper’s blend of knowledge, warmth and desire to teach makes her one of the best of the many talented preceptors that I worked with.”
For Dr. Kasper, teaching is an opportunity to help students grow into the physicians they are meant to become, regardless of their chosen specialty.
“I want them to fully realize THEMSELVES, and what I have to teach them will become a part of that,” she said.
Lehmann also admired Dr. Kasper’s compassionate approach to patient care.
“She was very warm and kind,” Lehmann added. “She was clearly very interested in teaching. Most of all, she is a very talented clinician that cares deeply for her patients.”
Dr. Kasper believes students play an important role in patient care and strives to integrate them as members of the healthcare team.
“Students are a valuable addition to the healthcare team, and I try to treat them that way from the beginning,” she said.
Dr. Kasper said the award is both humbling and encouraging.
“I had such brilliant teachers that made me what I am, and the idea that I can be one of those teachers for another generation of students rather explodes my brain,” she added. “We all invest so much of ourselves into our patients, students and colleagues, and knowing that at least some of that is received the way one hopes is very empowering.”
