Dr. Katelynn “Katie” Smith: Dr. Richard Mays Smith Award
Dr. Katelynn “Katie” Smith had always wanted to be an artist – until a close family friend became terminally ill, shifting her focus. She then turned to science, and later medicine, for her career path. She aspires to work in academic medicine, balancing medical education, research, and clinical care.
What this award means: “I am so honored and touched to be receiving this award. It makes me feel like my hard work was really appreciated and that I was able to make a difference.”
Mentor comment: “Katie is a bright and talented student who has a highly developed emotional intelligence and a gift for connecting with emotionally vulnerable patients. Always calm in the center of a storm, Katie is attracted to acute settings where she can work in collaborative environments and draw upon her strong foundation in physiology. Her creativity clearly shines when creating educational material, resulting in an engaging and polished presentation.” – Dr. Reeni Abraham, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Background and family: “I am the oldest of three kids. I have lived all around the country and even in Canada! However, I consider myself an Indiana native, as this is where I spent most of my time. I am the first physician in my family.”
What led to your career path: “My mom is a science teacher and my dad is an engineer, so I suppose science is in my genes. However, I was a bit of a rebel and always wanted to be an artist growing up. However, when a close family friend became ill with a terminal diagnosis, my viewpoint shifted. I began to see the art in medicine and knew that it was the career for me. I loved taking care of the whole patient and having the opportunity to have deep personal connections and longitudinal relationships.”
UTSW activities: “The majority of my ‘spare’ time is spent with United to Serve, which organizes the annual Carnaval de Salud health fair. I am also in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Through AOA, I provide free tutoring. Through GHHS, I am one of the Ethics Chairs who helped expand the clerkship ethics curriculum and organize monthly ethics lectures for students. In addition, I have been very active in research with multiple peer-reviewed publications and will be graduating with a distinction in research.”
Surprising fact: “I love art and all things creative. I always have an easel set up in my apartment and have done some large commissions for local businesses in Indiana. In addition, I have had some of my short stories and poems published.”
Future plans: “I have matched into internal medicine. I plan to continue my career in academics to balance medical education, research, and clinical care. I have some budding interests in critical care, palliative care, and geriatrics; however, I am keeping my options open for now. I never know what I will fall in love with.”
About the award: The award is given annually to one or more graduating medical students who excel academically during clinical rotations and exhibit an interest in and compassion for patients.