Kaltman, Rennert Inducted as Master Teachers in MAGIS Society

MAGIS members dressed in academic regalia stand together as a group
Since its inception in 2003, 59 master teachers have been inducted into the MAGIS Society of Master Teachers.

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(May 16, 2025) — The MAGIS Society of Master Teachers inducted two new members during a ceremony with family, colleagues and fellow master teachers, an annual tradition at the start of commencement activities for the medical center.

Stacey Kaltman shakes hands with MAGIS members
Stacey Kaltman, PhD, greets fellow MAGIS Society members.

This year, Stacey Kaltman, PhD, a psychiatry professor with expertise in physician-patient communication, and Wolfgang Rennert, MD, PhD, a professor of pediatrics, joined the ranks as master teachers at the 23rd annual ceremony that took place May 15 at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Read profiles of Kaltman and Rennert.

Drawn from the Latin motto for the Society of Jesus, “magis” is a Latin adverb meaning “more greatly” and is a shortened form of the Jesuit motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,” or “toward the greater glory of God.”

Wolfgang Rennert shakes hands with MAGIS members
Wolfgang Rennert, MD, PhD, shakes hands with Princy Kumar, MD, senior associate dean of students at the School of Medicine.

Since its inception in 2003, 59 master teachers have been inducted.

“We are called to be the stewards of the learning environment and curriculum, keeping up with the ever-advancing domains of medicine,” said Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS, executive vice president for health sciences at Georgetown University Medical Center and executive dean of its School of Medicine.

“We are alert to the increasing demands on our students and the learning environment pressures. Ultimately, ours must be a continuous, daily process of improvement for our students and ultimately for their patients. This involves self-awareness, self-reflection and action. And you all exemplify that,” he said.

Norman Beauchamp in academic regalia speaks from a podium
Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS

In 2000, Georgetown University and MedStar Health embarked on an academic health system partnership that established a shared commitment to patient care, research and educating the next generation of physicians and health care providers. The MAGIS Society celebrates that commitment.

“The impact of a great teacher is immeasurable,” said Lisa Boyle, MD, president, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and senior vice president, MedStar Health.

“The ripple effects of their influence go far beyond the classroom and the bedside. They shape the future of health care by instilling a culture and excellence and empathy in their students. They mentor, they guide, they inspire — leaving an indelible mark on the lives of all of those that they teach. Their legacy is reflected in the competence and compassion of their students who go on to serve communities, advance medicine, science, and save lives.”

Kaiser Permanente Awards

Caitlin Coker and Megha Fitzpatrick stand together
(l to r) Caitlin Coker, PhD, and Megha Fitzpatrick, MD

In addition, winners of the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Awards were announced.

The Kaiser Permanente Award for Excellence in Preclinical Teaching was presented to Caitlin Coker, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular & cellular biology. The Kaiser Permanente Award for Excellence in Clinical Science Teaching was presented to Megha Fitzpatrick, MD, associate professor of pediatrics.

Retiring Faculty Members

Rounding out the event, 10 faculty members who will be retiring from distinguished careers in teaching at Georgetown University School of Medicine were recognized:

Seema Agarwal
Pathology

Fung-Lung Chung
Oncology

Brian Evans
Orthopedics

James Giordano
Neurology

Timothy Jorgensen
Radiation Medicine

Douglas Kamerow
Family Medicine

Rochelle Mayer
Pediatrics

Andrei Medvedev
Neurology

Stefano Vicini
Pharmacology & Physiology

Richard Waldhorn
Medicine