John Fitzgerald, M.D.

Professor
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

First UTSW job: I was hired directly out of fellowship as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

Best part about my job: I enjoy the variety of experience from day to day. The types of challenges I face in the clinic are quite different from what I see in the ICU or the pulmonary consultation service. It’s the same with my educational duties. Teaching one-on-one with an intern or fellow has a certain intimacy about it, but other times I get to teach small groups in the ICU, or large groups at divisional, departmental, or national conferences. No two days are the same, and I love that about my job.

How co-workers describe me: Knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Most unusual UTSW memory: As a first-day intern at the old Parkland Memorial Hospital in July 1989, my resident showed me how to use a defibrillator. That was my “welcome to Parkland” moment.

My proudest UTSW accomplishment: I am most proud of my role in educating interns, residents, and fellows over three decades at UT Southwestern. My primary goal has been to be a model for good patient care and to teach young physicians a method of teaching themselves so they can become the doctors they are capable of being. I also began the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at UT Southwestern, one of the first in the state.

Hobbies: Growing in and living my Catholic faith to the best of my ability is the most important aspect of my life. I have a close relationship with a parish in Piura, Peru, called Santisimo Sacramento, where I take annual medical mission trips with friends and family. I am passionate about improving the lives of the poorest people there to the extent that I’m able.

Claim to fame: My three amazing children – Ryan, Brendan, and Jenna – are my only claims to fame. I thank my wife, Joy, for how they turned out.

Final note: I have been Parkland-based for most of my professional career. It has really been the greatest honor of my life to be part of a system that is able to deliver such incredible cutting-edge medical care to the people of Dallas County, some of whom are from quite vulnerable populations.

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