Emergency surgeries as a high school freshman sparked Dr. Emily Hoffer’s initial interest in medicine. Although her goal was to become a pediatrician, surgery rotations during her medical school training reeled her in, cementing her eventual focus for a specialty.

Emily Hoffer, M.D.

What this award means: The surgeons at UTSW have been a huge influence on my path to choosing general surgery, so I am extremely honored and humbled to be recognized by those I consider mentors and role models. I am inspired by their commitment, excellence, and passion for this field and their patients, and I hope to continue in their footsteps.

Mentor comment: Emily did an outstanding job quickly learning about research opportunities in the Simulation Center. She proved herself extremely capable in exploring data, learning theories, and literature, and as a result she kept our projects moving forward seamlessly. Her work was so impressive that we invited her to present during our Center highlights session as part of our eighth annual Simulation Research Forum this year. – Daniel Scott, M.D., Assistant Dean, Simulation and Student Integration, Director of the UTSW Simulation Center, and Professor of Surgery

Background and family: I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas. My mom is a middle school teacher, and my dad has had a creative career involving illustrating and digital media design and management, previously working for a newspaper and now for UT Southwestern! I have two younger brothers – one is a software development engineer, and one is still at home with my parents.

What led to your career path: As a high school freshman, I had a few emergency surgeries that sent me on a path to pursuing medicine. At that time, becoming a surgeon was not on my radar. Ten years later and planning to become a pediatrician, I started my surgery rotation, and my career path completely changed. I fell in love with the OR and all aspects of caring for surgical patients.

College: I graduated from Texas Christian University with a B.S. double major in biology and chemistry and a minor in child development. As a member of the John V. Roach Honors College, I graduated as an honors laureate with my thesis based on my work in a bioinorganic chemistry lab. During my time as a Horned Frog, I worked as a Resident Assistant, volunteered at a children’s hospital, and was involved in our pre-health organization, TCU Catholic, TCU Dance Marathon for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, and more!

UTSW activities: I have been involved in a lot of teaching and mentoring opportunities, including tutoring MS1 and School of Health Professions courses, working as an anatomy teaching assistant, taking medical education electives, serving as a Colleges peer mentor, and working on medical education projects with Daniel Scott, M.D., Assistant Dean of Simulation and Student Integration and Director of the UTSW Simulation Center. This all culminated in completing the requirements to graduate with a Distinction in Medical Education. I also served as a student manager of the Agape Dermatology Clinic, President of the St. Basil Society, and member of the Health Fair Committee for United to Serve.

Surprising fact: I absolutely love theater and musicals! I have several friends in the arts, and going to see national tours of Broadway shows in Dallas has been one of my favorite hobbies during medical school.

Future plans: I am so thrilled and grateful to have matched right here at UT Southwestern for a general surgery residency. During residency, I plan to take time for research years to pursue my goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon. I would love to continue some of my work on medical education scholarship and simulation as well.

About the award: Established in 1979, the award is named for Dr. Lee Hudson, who served as Chief of Surgery at Parkland Memorial Hospital when UT Southwestern was founded in 1943, and for Robert Penn, Dr. Hudson’s brother-in-law.