School of Health Professions honors outstanding graduates with student awards
The School of Health Professions honors exemplary students each year with four major awards: the Raul Caetano, M.D., Ph.D., Student Research Award; the Gordon Green, M.D., Student Clinician Award; the L. Ruth Guy, M.D., Student Leadership Award; and the John Schermerhorn, M.D., Student Service Award. Nine outstanding students are recognized for their talents and service. Eight honorees won their awards this year, while the ninth was honored in 2020. All will graduate with the Class of 2021.
Raul Caetano, M.D., Ph.D., Student Research Award
Gordon Green, M.D., Student Clinician Award
L. Ruth Guy, M.D., Student Leadership Award
Nneka Odera Chisom Jermaine Nweke
John Schermerhorn, M.D., Student Service Award
Samantha Lauren Elizabeth Hickey
Raul Caetano, M.D., Ph.D., Student Research Award
The award was established in honor of Dr. Caetano, who served as Dean of the School of Health Professions from 2006-2014. Dr. Caetano has published 297 peer-reviewed papers and has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for the past 38 years. He has conducted extensive research examining alcohol problems among U.S. ethnic minorities. The award was established to recognize outstanding contributions in research and to honor Dr. Caetano’s own lifetime dedication to such work.
Clayton Sue Benson
Degree: Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics
Career plans:
- Complete an orthotics residency at Baker Orthotics and Prosthetics in Fort Worth, Texas
Ms. Benson became enamored with Prosthetics-Orthotics upon seeing the hands-on nature of the field. She cites the one-on-one patient interactions and the remarkable impact that providers can make as her attraction to the profession. Ms. Benson received her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from UT Austin. Afterward, she sought to stay within the UT System, making UT Southwestern her ideal choice. At her upcoming residency, she looks forward to practicing more autonomously, working closely with patients, and continuing to build her skill set. In the future, Ms. Benson hopes to learn about new technologies and where they can take the field of prosthetics-orthotics.
“I am honored to be recognized with this award. My passion to help others led me to a career in prosthetics and orthotics, which is deeply rooted in engineering and design. Working with fabulous mentors on a project that will make an impact in our field has been an amazing experience.”
Brittany Nicole Wright (2020)
Degree: Doctor of Applied Clinical Research
Career plans:
- Continue working as a postdoctoral researcher at UT Southwestern in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Dr. Wright graduated in August with a Doctor of Applied Clinical Research. She will participate in December’s commencement ceremony, as she is honored for her 2020 Raul Caetano, M.D., Ph.D., Student Research Award. Currently, she works as a postdoctoral researcher at UT Southwestern focused on traumatic brain injury. Her research examines the long-term effects of brain injury using self-reported outcome measures. Prior to receiving her doctorate degree, Dr. Wright completed her Master of Rehabilitation Counseling, also at UT Southwestern. She hopes to pursue a position as a faculty member in the future.
“As a new investigator looking back on my academic experience, receiving this award fueled my research going forward. Dr. Raul Caetano serves as an inspiration to a new investigator, and I am humbled and honored to have received this award. I would like to thank the Department of Applied Clinical Research and my mentor, Shannon Juengst, Ph.D., for their support throughout this process and for believing in me.”
Gordon Green, M.D., Student Clinician Award
The award was established in honor of Dr. Green, who achieved a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy and is a UT Southwestern Medical School alumnus who trained in pediatrics at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. In 1991, he was appointed Dean of the School of Health Professions and provided outstanding leadership in that role. Upon retirement in 2006, Dr. Green was appointed as a Professor Emeritus at UT Southwestern. To honor Dr. Green’s dedication to clinical care, the award was established to recognize outstanding contributions in the field.
Margaret Tiye Lashay Hazelton
Degree:Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Career plans:
- Focus on preventive care in underserved communities as a primary care provider
Ms. Hazelton became interested in pursuing health care after relocating to Houston, Texas, in her high school years and taking a health science class. At the time, she did not see many health care providers who looked like her. As a woman of color, she was drawn to UT Southwestern for its emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Ms. Hazelton commends the community service and leadership opportunities at UT Southwestern as the reason she chose to pursue her degree here. Looking forward, she seeks to address gaps in clinical care by providing primary care to members of underserved communities.
“Being the recipient of the Student Clinician Award in honor of Dr. Gordon Green means the world to me. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of giving exemplary health care to all those in need without bias or judgment and with a kind and empathetic heart. I vow to continue making a difference in patients’ lives by fighting for health equity, advocating for my patients, working in underserved areas that lack primary care providers, and educating others on the importance of diversity in medicine. I thank my PA program for this nomination and for giving me the appropriate resources and knowledge to make all of this possible. I am forever grateful to UT Southwestern.”
L. Ruth Guy, M.D., Student Leadership Award
This award honors the late Dr. Guy, who co-founded the School of Medical Technology, which later became part of the School of Health Professions. She was a noted innovator in medical technology and blood banking who helped develop a kit for sexual assault investigations that is routinely used nationwide. In recognition of her exceptional lifetime of professional leadership, she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1989. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in leadership.
Megan Broussard
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Career plans:
- Pursue a residency in orthopedic care or sports medicine
Ms. Broussard is a former performing artist who originally majored in musical theater. She describes a career in physical therapy as a perfect fit, given that it marries her two passions: movement and helping others. She sees health care as a chance to walk patients through a journey, cherishing the prolonged care that a physical therapist is able to provide. Ms. Broussard was drawn to UT Southwestern for its strong research background and clinically focused faculty. She looks to specialize within orthopedics or sports medicine as a physical therapist. Given her background in theater and dance, she aspires to work with performing artists in the future.
“I began PT school with the intent to learn as much as possible, not for my sake but for the sake of my future patients. I let that mentality drive me through my academic journey both inside and outside of the classroom. This award then, while truly an honor, is also merely a symbol of my efforts to drive the health profession forward. And that is what I am going to keep doing, because it’s not about me – it’s about all the individuals out there who deserve quality care.”
Rebekah Lee Forshey
Degree: Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics
Career plans:
- Complete a combined prosthetics-orthotics residency at Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Ms. Forshey became interested in medicine at a young age in her hometown of Hershey, Pennsylvania. She completed an internship program at a local hospital during her senior year of high school that included a rotation in the prosthetics clinic. On her first day, she witnessed a patient being cast for a prosthetic leg. Seeing the patient’s quality of life immediately improve cemented her passion for prosthetics-orthotics. She looks forward to residency, where she plans to spend her time building one-on-one experiences with patients and getting involved with adaptive sports opportunities.
“My goal in life has always been to leave every step of my journey better than I found it. To me, this award means that my legacy in the Prosthetics and Orthotics Program will inspire others to continue to be the best people, leaders, and clinicians they can be.”
Nneka Odera Chisom Jermaine Nweke
Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Career plans:
- Complete an emergency medicine APP postgraduate fellowship at UT Southwestern
Ms. Nweke comes from a family of medical providers. She describes the origin of her passion for health care as a combination of many factors – most notably witnessing the attentive care a physician assistant provided to her grandfather when he suffered a stroke when she was 10 years old. Ms. Nweke hopes to specialize in emergency medicine for the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population. She credits her interest in emergency medicine to the constant challenge that it provides. She described the need to constantly adapt in emergency medicine as something that pushes her to always be at her best.
“It is an extreme honor to receive the L. Ruth Guy, M.D., Student Leadership Award. Since undergrad, I have prided myself on the following quote, ‘True leaders don’t create more followers, they create more leaders.’ As a health care professional, I value empowering not only my family and friends, but my patients, colleagues, and every individual I meet. I want to thank everyone who has stood by my side through this journey and has supported or mentored me as a leader. Thank you UT Southwestern, the School of Health Professions, and the Physician Assistant Department for an opportunity to represent the University and program through this award.”
John Schermerhorn, M.D., Student Service Award
The award honors Dr. Schermerhorn, the first full-time Dean of the School of Health Professions remembered most for guiding the school through its early years. The award was established to recognize outstanding contributions in professional service activities.
Samantha Lauren Elizabeth Hickey
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Career plans:
- Pursue a clinical residency in orthopedic care
Ms. Hickey was first exposed to the role of a physical therapist after suffering a hamstring injury in high school. She was astounded by the personalized and prolonged care that she received from her team of physical therapists. She enjoys the noninvasive, lifestyle-based nature of the career. She finds the most rewarding aspect of physical therapy to be the opportunity to help patients help themselves. Ms. Hickey remained very involved during her time within the School of Health Professions. She served as co-president and helped orchestrate the Paul Quinn Mentorship Program, which champions diversity in health care.
“I am so honored to have received the SHP Student Service Award and thankful for all the people who have helped make the Paul Quinn Mentorship Program come to life. I think it is so important to educate the younger generations about opportunities in the health professions fields and promote and encourage diversity among our professions.”
Tristine Lam
Degree: Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics
Career plans:
- Complete an orthotic residency at Snell Prosthetics and Orthotics in Little Rock, Arkansas
Ms. Lam lives her life according to three main pillars and passions: sustainability, rock climbing, and prosthetics. She believes that a career in prosthetics-orthotics is a perfect intersection of the three. Ms. Lam spends much of her time working with Go Beyond, a climbing organization that provides adaptive climbing opportunities for individuals with limb loss, neuromuscular deficits, or other limitations. She chose the UT Southwestern School of Health Professions due to its collaborative nature and many opportunities to learn alongside physicians, physical therapists, and other highly esteemed medical professionals.
“I am honored to be nominated for the School of Health Professions Service Award by faculty in the Prosthetics-Orthotics Department at UT Southwestern. I believe getting involved in the community through service takes patient care a step further beyond the clinical setting. Through leading sustainability events like creek cleanups, I hope to take small steps toward maintaining a cleaner environment, thus contributing to the health of our patients. After all, our environment makes up the air we breathe and the water we drink. Through hosting adaptive sport events like adaptive rock climbing, I want everyone to have the opportunity to engage in physical activity despite their ability level because exercise is the ultimate medicine. Lastly, the psychosocial benefits and functional independence one can gain from playing adaptive sports and being part of this amazing community is unparalleled.”
Abby Kathryn Wolf*
Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Career plans:
- Pursue a career in pediatrics or emergency medicine
Ms. Wolf was drawn to a career as a physician assistant after shadowing her sister-in-law, also a PA, in her teenage years. She chose to pursue her degree at UT Southwestern because of the University’s superior clinical opportunities. Ms. Wolf has participated in a wide range of service opportunities while at UT Southwestern: she has served the broader Dallas community by volunteering at multiple homeless shelters and mentoring junior high and high school students at local schools. These opportunities developed Ms. Wolf’s interest in pediatrics. She views working in the pediatric field as an opportunity to help parents as they experience one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
*Ms. Wolf also won a Rising Star Award, bestowed by the Dean of the School of Health Professions, in 2020. The award honors students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, service, and advocacy within their program.
“I am beyond grateful to be one of the recipients of the John Schermerhorn, M.D., Student Service Award. Serving others has been a primary passion throughout my childhood and undergraduate career, and having the opportunity to continue serving others while attending UT Southwestern has been a blessing. I want to express my gratitude toward the administration, faculty, staff, and my classmates in the School of Health Professions and Physician Assistant Program who have directed and enhanced my servant leadership. I will continue to develop these skills while providing service, leadership, and quality medical care to the community as a physician assistant.”