Dr. Heather Renfro developed a passion for giving back to the community at a young age. Then as a preteen, she fell in love with the STEM fields and knew she wanted a career in science. To have the best of both worlds, she concluded by eighth grade, she needed to become a physician. Dr. Renfro, the recipient of this year’s Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Award, is next headed to an emergency medicine residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Heather Renfro

What this award means: “I am honored to receive such a prestigious award from the Department of Emergency Medicine. It is a wonderful feeling to be recognized for the work I have done over the years, both academically and in extracurriculars. I am very hardworking, motivated, and, most importantly, I truly love my patients and my community.”

Mentor comment: “Heather is a caring and motivated student who is driven by a passion to advocate for the disenfranchised.” – Dr. Christine Kulstad, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Clerkship co-Director

Background and family: “I am from Houston. My mother, Jamie Dooley-Renfro, is a chemistry professor at Madison High School and Texas Southern University. My father, Michael Renfro, is a defense, accident/injury, and family attorney. My brother, Omar Renfro, is an arms specialist in the Navy in California.”

What led to your career path: “Growing up with a mother who is a chemist and father who is an attorney, education has always been a priority. I was afforded the opportunity to attend DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Loyola University New Orleans, and UT Southwestern Medical School. I initially came to medical school wanting to be a surgeon. However, the more I was exposed to the different specialties, the more I realized how much I loved the acuity of every disease process. Furthermore, I continued to lead community-based organizations in underserved areas. I realized that my love for acuity and my community and my desire to advocate for all patients came together beautifully as an emergency physician.”

College: “I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Loyola. I was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, President of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., a charter member of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society, and a mission volunteer in Dangriga, Belize.”

UTSW activities: “I’ve served as a Chair for the Gold Humanism Honor Society, the United to Serve health fair, and the Student National Medical Association; as an officer of the Future Doctor Pipeline Program, Adolescent Health Advocates, and the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group; as a speaker for the American Heart Association ‘STEM Goes Red’; and as a singer in the Lymph Notes.”

Surprising fact: “I am a member of the Yelp Elite Society (YES), reviewing local establishments for the community. We promote new businesses, explore old ones, and receive monthly perks for our feedback. Basically, I am a foodie and I get rewarded for eating!”

Future plans: “I see myself in academics after I complete my residency training. I want to focus on social emergency medicine, ultrasound, and/or global health.”

About the award: The award is given annually to a senior medical student for demonstrating excellence and commitment to emergency medicine.