This award honors clinical faculty who exemplify the humanistic spirit of patient-centered medicine, both through clinical excellence and in outstanding compassion in the delivery of care.

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Melanie S. Sulistio, M.D., FACC, FAHA

Professor of Internal Medicine
Division of Cardiology

Years after their mother’s passing, her daughters are still in touch with Dr. Melanie Sulistio.

It’s not just because one of the women is still her patient. Dr. Sulistio compassionately helped the daughters navigate a difficult decision about their mother’s care. The impact was personal and profound. It also changed the way similar conditions are now managed.

This is a testament to the kind of physician she is: one who listens deeply, acts with empathy, and never loses sight of the human being behind the diagnosis.

Colleagues say Dr. Sulistio exemplifies the rare combination of visionary leadership, relentless determination, and magnetic charisma that defines a transformative figure in modern medicine. Her passion for advancing the role of humanism within clinical practice has shaped her own remarkable career as a physician and educator and also has sparked systemic change across the institution and communities she serves.

“Dr. Sulistio is one of the most inspiring and dedicated physicians I know,” her nominator wrote. “She approaches medicine as both a privilege and a responsibility, grounded in a mission to truly listen to patients and treat the person, not just the disease.”

One of her most impactful collaborative projects – aligning implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock status with patient goals – was inspired by the patient whose daughters still keep in touch.

That patient had familial cardiomyopathy and had recently suffered an embolic stroke. Dr. Sulistio uncovered that the patient, initially misdiagnosed with seizures at her nursing home, was actually experiencing frequent ventricular arrhythmias and receiving multiple ICD shocks. After a thoughtful goals-of-care conversation with the family, the device was deactivated in accordance with the patient’s wishes.

As a result, Dr. Sulistio developed and initiated a program to educate both patients and physicians about the need to consider whether a patient’s ICD shock status is concordant with patient goals, which has resulted in publications that extend the impact of this important work beyond UTSW.

She recognized a need among cardiology patients and families who are mentally, physically, and/or emotionally struggling with difficult decisions, especially at the end of life or when their lives are significantly compromised by their disease.

Dr. Sulistio also has championed the importance of aligning care with each patient’s values and goals. She founded and leads a groundbreaking cardiac palliative care clinic called HeartMAP, or “Mapping According to Patient Goals and Possibilities.” This clinic has directly led to more personalized care and improved patient experiences. It is one of only a handful of cardiac palliative care programs in the country and establishes UTSW as a leader in this important space.

In addition, Dr. Sulistio is a dedicated advocate for her colleagues and trainees, helping physicians grow into confident, capable, and thoughtful clinicians. She is nationally recognized for her work and has created numerous programs aimed at improving patient care and physician wellness. She developed a Humanity in Medicine workshop series for cardiology fellows, emphasizing the cultivation of respectful, relationship-centered, and team-based care of patients. She also frequently speaks on the “ministry of medicine,” helping medical students and trainees reconnect with the privilege and honor of patient care and offering guidance on avoiding burnout.

Her national impact is reflected in numerous invited talks at organizations and institutions across the country, where she has addressed topics such as navigating difficult conversations and sustaining humanity in clinical practice.

“There are few people like Dr. Sulistio,” wrote her nominator. “She is selfless, kind, and lives her life with a deep commitment to ‘paying it forward.’ We are all better physicians, learners, and educators because of her.”

Dr. Sulistio earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where she also completed an internal medicine residency, a National Institutes of Health-funded cardiology research fellowship, and a cardiovascular disease fellowship.

In her words: “I’m deeply honored to receive the President’s Award for Humanism in Clinical Care. This recognition is not mine alone – it reflects the courage and strength of my patients, the generosity of my colleagues, and the thoughtful support of those who nominated me. I’m profoundly grateful. Humanism in medicine is not a side note – it’s the foundation. Listening without rushing, honoring a patient’s values, and standing beside them when decisions are hard are incredible opportunities for human connection. We as stewards of medicine are granted these opportunities every day, and we must treat them for what they are, precious gifts we should not take for granted. This award affirms my mission and my hope to promote humanity in medicine. To teach, to lead, and to care in ways that center empathy and respect the dignity of all. Excellence in clinical care is not just about what we do, but how we do it – and who we become in the process. Thank you for this extraordinary honor. I carry it forward with humility and hope.”