It comes as no surprise, then, that after student nominations and votes for superior faculty members by the entire class, Federman won "hands down," says Nancy E. Oriol, the associate dean of student affairs.

"All three years that I have been here, he has been nominated," she says.

"He is just an amazing role model to the students," she continues. "He has put his life into medical education and he has championed the moral and ethical development of young physicians."

Federman is also a teacher to his two daughters. Lise, a graduate of the Harvard School of Public Health, is now a health care administrator and consultant. Carolyn, an HMS graduate, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Chicago. She also takes care of her son Daniel, who recently turned eight months old.

Federman has decided that this year will be a turning point in his career.

In July, he will step down from his post as dean of medical education. However, he will continue at HMS as senior dean for alumni relations and clinical teaching.

And at least one more group will get to hear Federman's wise words.