Dr. Kasey Kreutz: Roland C. Reynolds Pathology Award
Pursuing a career in medicine seemed impossible for Dr. Kasey Kreutz, but serving her country led to a new way for her to help others. Dr. Kreutz is the 2020 recipient of the Roland C. Reynolds Pathology Award, given to a graduating medical student whose actions demonstrate care and giving.
What this award means: “I am honored to have been chosen to receive this award. The Pathology Department at UT Southwestern has been incredibly influential throughout my medical school training, from offering small group pathology sessions to providing numerous opportunities for students to get involved in research and education.”
Mentor comment: “Kasey Kreutz has exemplified service to others, integrity and compassion, the qualities embodied in the person and career of Dr. Reynolds and which this prestigious award recognizes. Her activities have included a quality improvement project at the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s office, trauma response trainer for the ‘Stop the Bleed’ program, judge team captain for the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and student mentor for the Health Professionals Recruitment and Exposure Program for high school students. It is a privilege to honor her with this award.” – Dr. Charles Timmons, Professor of Pathology
Background and family: “I grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. After college, I joined the U.S. Navy, where I took advantage of opportunities to teach and mentor fellow sailors. The military’s strong emphasis on teamwork is something I would like to bring with me into my future career.”
What led to your career path: “I have always been interested in biology, public health, and epidemiology. Medicine seemed like an ideal way to merge these interests into a rewarding career, but the cost of medical school posed an intimidating hurdle. After completing an enlistment in the U.S. Navy, I realized that medical school would be financially feasible with the aid of the GI Bill and the Hazlewood Act. These benefits opened a path for me to pursue a career in medicine, a dream that I otherwise would have been too hesitant to seriously consider.”
College: “I graduated from UT Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. I also completed coursework at the University of South Carolina Aiken, where I performed research in Dr. April DeLaurier’s zebrafish laboratory, using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to genetically alter the fish in an attempt to better understand inherited human diseases.”
UTSW activities: “As co-President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group at UTSW, I coordinated shadowing opportunities and guest lectures to introduce fellow students to a subspecialty of Internal Medicine that we are rarely exposed to during our clinical clerkships. During medical school, I also worked as a pathology tutor for the School of Health Professions, and as a teaching assistant for the Microanatomy course offered to first-year medical students. Additionally, I volunteered at UTSW’s many student-run free clinics, educating patients about health concerns, performing physical exams, and checking blood pressure and blood glucose.”
Surprising fact: “I originally wanted to be an archaeologist.”
Future plans: “I intend to complete my residency training in pathology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Missouri. I would like to work at an academic center where I could continue to be involved in medical student education.”
About the award: The award, which includes $1,500, honors the late Dr. Reynolds, a UT Southwestern alumnus and faculty member remembered as a gifted pathologist and a generous person.