Educating the next generation of physicians

Gary Aghazarian, DO
Minimally Invasive Surgeon and Preceptor
Penn State Health Specialty Services

Inspired by lessons from his father, a respected general surgeon, Dr. Gary Aghazarian is passionate about teaching third-year College of Medicine students complex surgical concepts and hands-on skills with clarity and patience.

“I am honored to pass on all I’ve learned to future doctors and surgeons,” says Dr. Aghazarian, a general surgeon with Penn State Health Specialty Services. “Teaching keeps me current on medical advances through open dialogue with students, helping me to grow.”

Working alongside his father during medical school and residency, Dr. Aghazarian learned that a well-rounded education comes from diverse experiences. With access to an academic medical center, community hospitals and practice settings, College of Medicine students are uniquely positioned to gain invaluable exposure to a wide range of clinical settings.

“These environments offer unique benefits,” he says. “At Hershey Medical Center, an academic hub, students encounter a wide range of rare and complex medical conditions. While community hospitals like Hampden, Holy Spirit, Lancaster and St. Joseph medical centers provide high volumes of more commonly encountered surgical conditions, they allow students to strengthen their skills through repetition and build confidence.”

It’s stories like these that drive our purpose.