From podiatry to the classroom: How Dr. Flaumenhaft found a second calling at Ivy Tech

When Dr. Gad Flaumenhaft retired after nearly four decades as a podiatrist, he expected to spend his time doing what he enjoyed: giving back. He thought he might do that by volunteering with an adult literacy program.

Instead, a phone call from a friend led him somewhere unexpected: an anatomy classroom at the Indianapolis campus of Ivy Tech Community College.

In March 2017, a position suddenly became available. The college needed someone to step in and teach APHY 101 (Anatomy and Physiology I), and Flaumenhaft's colleague thought he would be a good fit.

“It sounded interesting, so I decided to go ahead and try it out … I got thrown in the deep end, so to speak,” Flaumenhaft recalled. 

With a syllabus and laboratory checklist in hand, he took on the challenge. He had never planned on becoming a college instructor, but the experience quickly grew on him.

“I muddled my way through and was good! I liked it. I really enjoy working with the students, and I have a lot of fun with them,” Flaumenhaft said. “I know most of the students get a lot out of it (class).”

Now, nearly 10 years later, he's still teaching.

Your Next Opportunity Starts Here

Bringing decades of experience into the classroom

Before joining Ivy Tech, Flaumenhaft spent 40 years in private practice as a podiatrist and served as president of the Indiana Podiatric Medical Association while working as a liaison for the state's Medicare program, advocating for better benefits and care for Hoosier patients. He also delivered presentations on Medicare and helped educate medical residents at the hospital where he performed surgeries.

Those experiences gave him a foundation for teaching, even if he hadn't originally envisioned himself in higher education.

Today, Flaumenhaft primarily teaches the laboratory portion of introductory anatomy and physiology, occasionally stepping in to teach lectures when needed.

For him, the subject is more than a collection of anatomical terms to memorize. It's essential knowledge that students will carry into their future careers.

"When I was in practice, especially before I did any surgeries, I always reviewed anatomy," Flaumenhaft said.

He brings that same emphasis on foundational knowledge into his classroom, particularly for Ivy Tech students preparing to enter nursing and other health sciences professions.

Flaumenhaft’s approach is conversational and interactive, he says. Rather than simply delivering information, he asks questions, encourages discussion, and draws on real-world medical experiences to help students understand why the material matters.

"I ask questions of my students. It's a give and take. My class is fairly informal," he said. "I want to make sure that they are thinking about what we're doing."

He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork in healthcare. Whether a student becomes a nurse, paramedic, or radiologic technologist, Flaumenhaft wants them to understand that every member of a medical team plays an important role in patient care.

"Because at the end of the day, it's about the patient," he said. "And it's not about you or your ego or anything like that. It's about the patient."

From Behind the Scenes to the Front of the Classroom: Joe Morris Finds His Calling as an Adjunct Instructor

Finding purpose in student success

For Flaumenhaft, one of the greatest rewards of teaching is watching students work toward a better future.

Many of Flaumenhaft’s students, he says, are balancing their education with jobs, parenting and other responsibilities. He recognizes the determination it takes to pursue a degree while managing those competing demands.

"I have a lot of respect for my students because many of them are single parents. They're working, and they're trying to better their lives," Flaumenhaft said.

Anatomy and physiology can be challenging courses that require students to master a significant amount of information. Knowing how hard they work makes their progress especially meaningful to him.

Over the years, Flaumenhaft has encountered former students working as nurses at Indianapolis-area hospitals, including St. Vincent. Hearing that they enjoyed his class and seeing them succeed in their careers reinforces why he continues teaching.

"It's very encouraging, and to see the results and to see their enthusiasm afterward, I think it's heartwarming, and it brings me back," he said.

That connection to students also shapes his philosophy about what makes a good instructor.

Asked what students need most from their teachers, particularly as technology changes higher education, Flaumenhaft offered a simple answer: enthusiasm.

"If an instructor comes in and they have a little bit of passion about what they're doing, I think that goes a long way," he said.

While he sees potential benefits in artificial intelligence and other educational tools, he believes students must continue developing their own critical-thinking skills, particularly in healthcare, where every patient presents different needs.

Every Open Door Led Back to the Classroom for Ivy Tech Adjunct Cheryl Piotrowski

A rewarding way to give back

For Flaumenhaft, adjunct teaching has provided an opportunity to remain intellectually engaged and connected to his community while still enjoying retirement.

Unlike a full-time academic position, his role allows him to focus primarily on teaching without taking on the same level of administrative responsibility.

"I just come in and teach, and I go home," he said, smiling. "I really enjoy working with the students, and I have a lot of fun with them. I also get to enjoy my free time."

Flaumenhaft also credits his colleagues with making the experience rewarding.

When he first joined Ivy Tech, experienced instructors helped him navigate his new responsibilities. Now, nearly a decade later, he makes an effort to extend that same support to new faculty members.

"When new instructors come, they have questions, whatever they need, I try to help them out as well," he said.

It's a culture of collaboration that he hopes prospective adjunct instructors will experience for themselves.

For professionals considering a similar path, Flaumenhaft encourages them to approach teaching with enthusiasm and a willingness to share what they've learned.

"I think it'll be very rewarding for you," he said.

What began as an unexpected opportunity in retirement has become a lasting source of fulfillment for Flaumenhaft. And now, his motivation remains much the same: helping students build the knowledge and confidence to succeed in their future careers.

Interested in teaching at Ivy Tech?

Ivy Tech Indianapolis is seeking professionals who want to share their industry knowledge and experience with the next generation of students. Explore adjunct faculty opportunities and learn how you can make an impact in the classroom.

Explore Ivy Tech Indy adjunct faculty openings