A collegiate athlete who studied business and marketing, Dr. Ashley Smith did not take a direct path to becoming a physician. She worked in technology sales after graduating from college, then returned to school for her medical school prerequisites. Something called her to medicine, and now she is certain it’s the best decision of her life.

Ashley Smith, M.D.

What these awards mean: I am highly honored to be selected for the Senior Pediatric Award, commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Wey, who was cherished for his compassion and empathy, as I aspire to live these values daily. Serving as a tutor allowed me to mentor and make medical school slightly more manageable for my peers, making the Tutoring Award so meaningful as well.

Pediatric Award mentor comment: Ashley is an exceptional student with unparalleled leadership, advocacy, and contributions to her community. This was demonstrated in her leadership role as the Health Fair Director of United to Serve, in which she operationalized one of our largest and most successful community health fairs in DFW. Her unwavering dedication to underserved communities inspires us all. – Rory Nicolaides, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine

Tutoring Award mentor comment: Ashley brings enthusiasm to her tutoring sessions. She can take complex topics and make them understandable, and students have shared that Ashley’s welcoming demeanor makes her sessions engaging. – Rosemary Meredith, Ed.D., Associate Director, Student Academic Support Services

Background and family: I grew up in League City, Texas, midway between Houston and Galveston. I have the most supportive parents, an older brother who is an emergency medicine resident, and a younger brother who is an engineer.

What led to your career path: My father is a physician, and growing up, I was able to see how much he loved caring for his patients. As a collegiate athlete, I spent my summers coaching volleyball camps, where I fell in love with helping my little athletes grow in their confidence and skills. I think I’ve always been a pediatrician at heart, and my time spent working with children and families at Children’s Medical Center Dallas throughout medical school solidified my decision.

College: I was an All-American collegiate athlete at Texas Christian University. I majored in marketing and was the Marketing Student of the Year in my graduating class.

UTSW activities: I have been in various leadership roles with United to Serve, a student-run community health fair. I am a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. I also serve as a tutor with Student Academic Support Services and volunteer regularly with Ronald McDonald House Dallas.

Surprising fact: My path to medicine was not straightforward. I studied business in college. After graduating, I worked in technology sales and decided to go back to school to take the medical school prerequisite classes. I wouldn’t change a thing, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have ended up where I am today.

Future plans: I am interested in primary care and will start my residency here at UT Southwestern this summer. I aspire to see my patients through every phase of childhood and help them grow and develop well. I hope to make long-lasting relationships with families built on compassion and trust. I’d love to stay involved in medical education throughout my career.

About the awards: The Wey Award recognizes a student who shows empathy and compassion for sick children, has significant knowledge, and maintains a good sense of humor. Dr. Wey was a 1998 UT Southwestern graduate who died in a car accident. The award was established by family and friends to honor his life. The Tutoring Award recognizes graduating medical students who have made outstanding contributions to serve fellow medical students in need of academic assistance.