Having grown up uninsured at one point, Dr. Gretchen Hoyer realizes the difficulties some families face in accessing health care. Her passions for helping the underserved and mentoring others are woven throughout her journey to become a physician. She aspires to one day be an internal medicine physician and educator working in academic medicine, providing care to vulnerable patients.

Gretchen Hoyer, M.D.

What this award means: I am funding my own medical education, so scholarships and awards are game changers. All of the amazing, kind, intelligent, hardworking, and generous internal medicine physicians who have come before me and built the path for my success inspire me.

Mentor comment: Gretchen embodies the qualities of leadership, self-motivation, likelihood to go above and beyond, and conscientiousness. Her insight into the art of medicine, specifically the intangibles that serve to develop trust and genuine rapport with patients, was evidenced during my time with her. – Emmanuel Johnson, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Background and family: I am the second of five children and the daughter of a music teacher and a classical music composer. I consider Colorado my home, as it is where my family currently lives and where I attended high school and college.

What led to your career path: Growing up, I lived all over the U.S. Despite differences in culture, climate, and socioeconomic makeup, I realized that everyone has a right to quality medical care regardless of background. Without consistent access to health insurance myself in the past, I know how challenging it can be. My love for science, working with underserved communities, and education all led me to a career in medicine and I have not regretted it! Being a physician is the coolest job in the world.

College: I attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, majoring in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. I served as a teaching assistant and eventually taught full time in my gap year. As a student, I participated in urology clinical research, leading to a publication and opportunities to present my work at national meetings. I also developed a passion for underserved patient populations by volunteering with a Boulder-based HIV/AIDS advocacy and charity organization.

UTSW activities: I was one of the first student managers of the women’s health clinic at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand. After we transitioned this role to underclassmen, I designed an educational module for new volunteers at the clinic. I am very passionate about medical education and mentorship and have been involved in numerous related organizations, such as editing the clerkship Scutpuppy guide and developing a preclinical version, starting a Climate Change and Health elective, mentoring clinical students through the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society’s Step Up to Clerkship program, and serving as a Colleges mentor.

Future plans: I plan on starting a residency in internal medicine this summer. I am interested in further training in pulmonology and critical care. In the future, I hope to work in academic medicine as a medical educator while working at a safety net hospital, providing care to vulnerable patients.

About the award: The Dr. Richard Mays Smith Award is given annually to one or more graduating medical students who excel academically during clinical rotations and exhibit an interest in and compassion for patients.