As an immigrant from a developing country, Dr. Chisom Ogu saw firsthand the impact of a lack of health care resources. Her interest in science and desire to make a positive impact on patients in under-resourced communities eventually drove her toward a career in medicine, specializing in radiology.

Chisom Ogu, M.D.

What this award means: I am deeply honored to be selected for this award, which recognizes my dedication to academics, service, leadership, and the field of radiology. It is very affirming to know that the faculty and leaders who have mentored and instructed me deem me qualified to represent the Department of Radiology. I hope to follow in their footsteps.

Mentor comment: Chisom Ogu was selected for this award due to her exceptional performance during her Radiology selective, where she demonstrated remarkable professionalism, initiative, and teamwork. Her outstanding academic achievements, leadership roles, and dedication to mentoring future health professionals further highlight her as an exemplary candidate and future physician. – Kristen Bishop, M.D., Associate Professor of Radiology and Director of Radiology Medical Student Education

Background and family: My family immigrated from Nigeria to Texas when I was very young. My older sister and I are the first in our family to become physicians. My younger brother is currently an MS1 at UT Southwestern and my two youngest siblings plan to attend medical school as well. Hopefully, we will have a whole family of physicians soon!

What led to your career path: My passion for medicine began during my childhood, when I participated in STEM pipeline programs in elementary school. As an immigrant from a developing country, I grew up witnessing how family members were impacted by a lack of health care resources. A fascination with medical science and a desire to make a positive impact on patients in under-resourced communities ultimately drove me toward a career in medicine. I was quickly hooked on radiology during my first-year Anatomy course. I knew this was a field where I would not only be a lifelong learner and educator but also be involved in technical innovation.

College: I graduated summa cum laude as a Dean’s Scholar from UT Austin with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and a minor in African and African diaspora studies. During college, I volunteered for a free clinic, worked as a teaching assistant for biochemistry, mentored at-risk youth, and served as a teaching fellow for a nonprofit.

UTSW activities: I tutored for pre-clerkship courses, worked as a microanatomy teaching assistant, volunteered for the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program, and served as a Joint Admission Medical Program mentor. In 2021, I founded the Black M.D. Scholarship Program, which supports Black premedical students in Texas. I also am a member of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and the SNMA Diversity & Inclusion Representative for the Class of 2025. Additionally, I served as President of the Radiology Interest Group and my work as a student leader and researcher earned me the Gerald D. Dodd Jr. Research Award from the Society of Breast Imaging and the RSNA Medical Student Travel Scholarship.

Surprising fact: I am a huge Nollywood film buff! Fun fact: Nollywood is the second-largest global film industry in terms of output!

Future plans: I am excited to begin my diagnostic radiology residency at UT Austin Dell Medical School, after which I aspire to further specialize in breast imaging. I hope to continue being involved in teaching and mentoring roles, helping to support the next generation of physicians.

About the award: The award is bestowed on a graduating medical student who has declared an intention to pursue a career in radiology and has excelled in their studies.