Robert (Bob) Orenstein, DO, FIDSA, has served as a bedside medical educator for over 30 years, teaching students, residents, fellows and graduate medical education. He has developed numerous curricula and CME programs and has worked to develop new ID fellowship programs for physicians and APPs. In addition, he works with osteopathic college deans to develop scholarly writing at the undergraduate medical level.
How did you get interested in medical education?
During my medical training, I was fortunate to work with outstanding educators who became my role models.
How have you integrated medical education into your career?
I have always served all three shields — I’ve been a full-time clinician and have used those experiences to teach and develop clinical research to address patient needs.
How did you transform your interest in medical education into a career?
I have always felt it was my responsibility to share the latest knowledge with my colleagues and mentees. This has led to innumerable teaching opportunities both at the bedside and in the halls of our institutions.
What is one medical innovation that makes you the most proud?
Development of one of the first microbiota therapeutics programs and taking what we learned from patients to develop new therapeutics to improve their lives. Our work has impacted the lives of thousands of people who have had C. difficile infection.
How have you transformed your medical education work into scholarship?
Every patient presents a learning and teaching opportunity. Taking those experiences and exploring them further has led to scholarship.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your career as an educator thus far?
Seeing the impact of our teaching, curricula and investigations on mentees.