Only a year into medical school, Dr. Andrew Murphy discovered that urology offered the elements of a specialty that appealed to his interest: the chance to establish long-term patient relationships, use of new technologies, and a perfect blend of surgical, procedural, and clinical practice.

Andrew Murphy, M.D.

What this award means: My interactions with UTSW Urology residents and faculty during medical school have been a highlight of the past four years. Receiving this award affirms the sense of belonging I experienced throughout my academic and clinical experiences with the Department. To be recognized is humbling and my proudest academic honor.

Mentor comment: Andrew is incredibly deserving of the award. His passion, dedication, and drive to excel are remarkable, but perhaps what is the most impressive is his ability to communicate effectively and meaningfully with patients, colleagues, and mentors. We are indeed thrilled that he matched here at UT Southwestern and look forward to witnessing the many accomplishments that are sure to come over the next several years in training and beyond. – Gary E. Lemack, M.D., Professor of Urology and Neurology

Background and family: I was born in Dallas, raised as a Cowboys fan, and went to high school at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. I have a large, supportive, and loving family (and three dogs) that have been instrumental in my pursuit of my degree and future career.

What led to your career path: I discovered urology during a medical specialty talk given by Dr. Lemack my first year. He highlighted multiple elements of urology that I was looking for in a specialty: a mix of surgical, procedural, and clinical practice; the opportunity to build enduring relationships with patients; a mix of established best practices; and the frequent introduction of new technologies to the specialty. I was sold, so I sought out a quality improvement project in urology and I haven’t looked back since.

College: I graduated magna cum laude from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, with a B.A. in business with concentrations in finance and accounting. I played football, was involved in Greek life, and worked in hospital operations and health care private equity. After graduating, I spent two years working in health care management consulting, focused on health system operations, finances, and strategy.

UTSW activities: I have been involved in the quality improvement group on campus all four years of medical school, serving as the President of the UTSW Institute for Healthcare Improvement Chapter during my second year. I have contributed to the UTSW United to Serve health fair and mentored underserved premedical students through Southwestern Student Connection for three years.

Surprising fact: I am an avid skier.

Future plans: After graduation, I will begin my urology residency at UT Southwestern. I am interested in many different subspecialties within urology. I hope to continue pursuing my quality improvement and health care operations passions as a resident and beyond.

About the award: The award honors Dr. McConnell, a former UTSW faculty member who led Urology from a Division into a Department.