Kurt Kleinschmidt, M.D.: 30 years
Professor
Department of Emergency Medicine
First UTSW job: I was hired as an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine. I was one of the first faculty here to aid in the development of emergency medicine (EM) at UTSW and Parkland Memorial Hospital. I have served many roles over the years, including EM liaison to trauma at Parkland, Associate Medical Director of the Parkland ED, and also Medical Director of the same. Later, I assumed significant roles in medical toxicology and addiction medicine.
Best part about my job: I am blessed with a diverse set of duties within my job. While my primary training is emergency medicine, I have done other aspects of medical care including medical toxicology and addiction medicine. While I enjoy clinical care, my time as an educator has been a favorite.
How co-workers describe me: I am relaxed and blessed with a positive attitude; the glass is always half full.
Best UTSW memory: My emergency medicine time at Parkland has provided me with many unusual moments; details will be spared to protect the innocent and guilty. As an emergency medicine physician, there have been countless moments when the team made big decisions on patient care. However, in a more subtle context, my addiction work has impacted lives.
My proudest UTSW accomplishment: Due to the work of many, our Department of Emergency Medicine is a leading EM organization in the nation. I helped build our medical toxicology program into a top program in the nation, having served previously as Division Chief and Program Director. I was the first faculty member at UTSW to be board certified in addiction medicine. As a part of that, I have overseen the Perinatal Intervention Program (PIP) at Parkland for nine years. The PIP program was recognized by UTSW with a Program Development Award in 2018.
Hobbies: I love spending time with my wife, kids, grandkids, other family members, and friends. Our family enjoys traveling. I usually play volleyball twice a week – once on sand and once indoors.
Claims to fame: I have been recognized by numerous medical school classes as a top educator. In addition, I was awarded a Lifetime Education Award by the American College of Medical Toxicology.
Final note: When I arrived in 1994, there were only six EM physicians. Emergency Medicine was the “new kid on the block.” Over the last 30 years, our Department has evolved significantly. We now have 125-plus faculty and over 70 EM residents in training.