Pub. 4 2020 Issue 2

Dr. Christianson was recently voted to receive the Most Influential Teaching Award by the residents at Utah Valley Family Medicine Residency. We’ve heard from some of the residents who have benefited from his outstanding instruction over the years, and we under - stand why. “Marlin began working at the residency when I was just an intern there. He was assigned as my mentor, and now, even 15 years later, he is still filling that role! Marlin has a way of inspiring you to do your best and always put others, especially the patient, first. “His ability to teach calmly and encouragingly comes through whether he is in the middle of a delivery, a va- sectomy, or talking on the phone at 3 a.m. with a difficult patient. “I remember a time when, as a new second-year resident, Marlin took me aside to talk about my role as a now ‘senior resident’ to the interns. I can still remember the kind words he had as he highlighted the successes and strengths he saw in me as an intern and then challenged me to find ways to instill those characteristics into the new class. On long call nights and busy inpatient weeks, that conversa- tion gave me motivation and strength and pushed me on. “I still hope, one day, to grow up to be a physician like Dr. Marlin Christianson.” Mark Wardle, D.O., FAAFP Assistant Professor of Family Medicine Rocky Vista University Words of Praise for Dr. Christianson from Residents: Past and Present “When everyone was having a busy day, and everybody seemed frantic, Marlin was the one who wanted to be interrupted and discuss patient care. Marlin allowed me to play an integral role in every procedure, every patient and every decision throughout the residency. He was always eager to teach and listen. He made the learning environ- ment safe. “I think regularly — what would Marlin do? He will be inspir- ing me to be a better physician for years to come.” Eric Bennett, M.D. Southeast Idaho Family Practice and Obstetrics “Marlin embodies every ideal characteristic of a mentor and educator in medicine. He goes above and beyond to care for his patients while cultivating an encouraging and positive learning environment. He constantly offers up his time and skills to allow residents and colleagues to learn from him. He is always approachable and willing to lend a hand or an ear. It is clear that he selflessly prioritizes his role as a physician and as a residency faculty member. He sets an excellent example as a physician and has helped to mold many physicians for the better.” Bethany Jackson, D.O. OhioHealth Urgent Care “One of the things that sticks out to me most about Marlin is his unwavering compassion and focus on what is best for each patient. He has a teaching method that trains us to consider all aspects of the person, not just the presenting issue. His calm and kind manner is obvious not just with his patients but also with the residents. “He makes himself accessible for our never-ending ques- tions, is patient in his answers, and consistently spends extra time to make sure we are learning as much as we can in a given situation. His confidence in us as residents, and his willingness to teach us new things, make our learning environment richer and more valuable! “He leads by example in doing whatever needs to be done and doing it with a smile. “Also, he’s humble. And he’s going to hate that we’re saying these things about him.” Jessica Fullmer, M.D. Utah Valley Family Medicine Residency Class of 2023 25 |