St. Luke doctor honored for dedication to teaching
Dr. Zach Hovorka of St. Luke Community Healthcare was recently recognized by Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences as one of their preceptors of the year. (Courtesy photo)
RONAN — Dr. Zach Hovorka of St. Luke Community Healthcare was recently recognized by Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences as one of their preceptors of the year. Students throughout the region voted for Hovorka to receive the award for going above and beyond as an instructor.
Hovorka has been serving as a health care instructor for five years.
“It’s something very common in residency,” Hovorka said in a press release announcing the award. “We are always training med students or junior residents, so it’s second nature by now. I have always felt it to be important since people took time to teach me and we should try to pass it along and help those trying to learn.”
Hovorka has instructed high school students, pre-med students, med students and residents. He’s also helped medical assistant and nursing students when they’ve worked with his nurse, Cristina, or shadowed in the office.
“My goal is always to try and encourage a desire to learn more,” Hovorka said. “I feel that is the real importance underlying education. It promotes self achievement and betterment, and also keeps you up to date.”
While discussing things seen in his office, Hovorka tries to help students uncover the underlying reason or physiology behind the problem.
“We talk about medical history, anything to try and spark an interest in the topic at hand.”
Hovorka oversees approximately 20 students per year, in one form or another. Whether working with someone for a few hours or an extended period of time, it’s common for students to report back that their experience with him was a highlight in their studies.
St. Luke commends the ever-humble Dr. Hovorka, and thanks him for fostering the next generation of health care professionals.