Dr. Benjamin Bleiberg: Herbert S. Salomon, M.D., Class of 1967, Memorial Scholarship Award
The son of mental health professionals, Dr. Benjamin Bleiberg learned early on the importance of paying attention to the multitude of factors that shape us. He chose a career in medicine because he wanted to help people in a holistic fashion. Dr. Bleiberg, who is headed next to an internal medicine residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, is the winner of this year’s Herbert S. Salomon, M.D., Class of 1967, Memorial Scholarship Award.
What this award means: “As someone who hopes to pursue a career in oncology, I am honored to receive this distinction named after a physician who had the perseverance, determination, and grit to complete medical school and internship despite a rare and ultimately untreatable cancer diagnosis. Additionally, I am grateful to Dr. Salomon’s family for keeping his legacy alive and supporting the ongoing clinical, research, and educational missions of this institution that have shaped my medical education.”
Mentor comment: “Ben is very personable, extremely intelligent, and humble. He has an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and solving problems that will benefit his patients. I am extremely happy he was chosen to receive the Salomon Award.” – Dr. Kehinde Odedosu, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Background and family: “I was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, where my father, a psychiatrist, and my mother, a social worker, met during residency. I grew up as the youngest of three brothers and at age 10 moved to Houston along with the clinic at which my parents were on faculty. I feel very lucky to have parents and siblings who are the best role models, teachers, and supporters I could ever hope for.”
What led to your career path: “I have always found myself most motivated in supportive, team-oriented environments. The field of internal medicine allows me the chance to work with patients to identify their goals and coordinate with a team of physicians to improve their quality of life and take ownership of their health. This opportunity to connect not just with my patients, but with a team of health care professionals with multiple areas of expertise to manage a wide range of conditions is what I believe makes internal medicine such a rewarding and dynamic specialty.”
College: “I was a Jacqueline Morris Social Policy Research Fellow and graduated with distinction in psychology with a minor in biology from Duke University, where I was also involved in psychiatry and basic science research and campus sustainability initiatives.”
UTSW activities: “I was a co-President of the Student Interest Groups in Hematology/Oncology and Psychiatry and a tutor in the Hematopoietic System course. I’ve been involved in United to Serve’s Carnaval de Salud, and I am a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. I have served as a Peer Mentor, a Wellness Center Peer Advocate, and an Inspire Mentor to UT Arlington’s Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students. I’ve also been involved in intramural sports and QI and clinical research projects in the fields of aging, cardiology, neurology, and oncology.”
Surprising fact: “In college I also minored in Russian literature in translation, and I enjoy reading about and exploring Eastern European history and culture.”
Future plans: “I will begin residency in internal medicine this summer with plans to continue my clinical research interests and pursue a fellowship in hematology/oncology. My goal is to continue to develop my clinical skills and to become an effective team leader.”
About the award: The award recognizes a UT Southwestern medical student who demonstrates excellence in internal medicine. It is named after Dr. Herbert Salomon, who graduated from UT Southwestern in the 1960s and died shortly after graduation.