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As COVID-19 spread from China across the globe and into Texas, UT Southwestern moved aggressively to protect its health care workers, faculty, students, and staff and to prepare for treating patients struck by the disease.

Emily Arner, a fourth-year student in the Cancer Biology Graduate Program and a member of the Brekken lab, is trying to decipher how pancreatic cancer cells adapt to escape the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream, and form secondary tumors, or metastases. Her goal is to find signaling pathways that could be used to treat aggressive metastatic cancers.

Dr. Harini Suresh could have been a classical musician but chose medicine instead. In college, she majored in oboe performance, with a minor in chemistry that ultimately won over as she pursued medical school. As a first-generation Indian American, she has had one foot in each culture and learned to appreciate diversity – attributes that will serve her well in the field of psychiatry.

Experiences with medical professionals who demonstrated compassion inspired Dr. Anika Morgado to follow suit. Gratitude for the opportunities she received in the U.S. as the child of Venezuelan immigrants led to her desire to become a physician committed to helping underserved Latinx communities.

Dr. Layla Zahra Samandi has always had a soft heart for children. In high school, she taught swimming lessons and tutored elementary school students. Then in college, her volunteer work at a children’s hospital solidified her career path. She hopes to pursue a career as a pediatrician in academic medicine and medical education.

25 years of Employment at UT Southwestern

Katie Sturm had nearly gotten over the shock of learning she was pregnant with quadruplets when in February she suffered a seizure at work. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, she was referred to UT Southwestern where the tumor was removed in March.

The award recognizes a UT Southwestern clinician who exemplifies excellence in patient care and is a leader in advancing clinical innovations.

Faculty of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at UT Southwestern are fellowship trained and certified.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Syed Kazim Rizvi moved to America with his family in 2002 and witnessed firsthand how inequities can affect one’s health. His curiosity about the human body and ambition led him to medicine, with a particular interest in empowering patients through thoughtful, patient-focused care.