Some might say fate intervened in Dr. Kevin Shan’s life to set it on a new course. He had no intention of going to medical school, instead planning to pursue a Ph.D., until a meeting was canceled in his college lab one day. An invitation to shadow a neurologist that morning changed everything.

Kevin Shan, M.D.

What this award means: I have always carried a strong desire to learn about and contribute to the field of neurology. To have had this dedication recognized by my mentors in the Neurology Department, especially among so many of my capable peers, is a great honor.

Mentor comment: Dr. Shan is kind, honest, intelligent, forthcoming, and genuine in character. Since joining my team, he has served as co-author for two recent publications. He will be an asset to his peers during his next chapter of training and has the chance of ultimately contributing in a remarkable way. – Darin Okuda, M.D., Professor of Neurology

Background and family: I was raised in Houston. Both of my parents were first-generation immigrants from China who worked tirelessly to provide me with a great upbringing. I think they were surprised at my career choice – I was the first in a family of accountants and businessmen to pursue medicine.

What led to your career path: During my freshman year at Johns Hopkins, I imagined a career in computer science, working with concepts of AI and machine learning. That same year, the Neuroscience Department created a computational division, which catered perfectly to my interests. I became involved in functional neuroimaging projects. I considered two career paths in front of me – one in industry or academia and one in medicine. I felt that I would be far more fulfilled pursuing clinical neurology, where I could have an immediate impact on the lives of patients.

College: I majored in computational neuroscience at Johns Hopkins and was an officer of the neuroscience honor society (Nu Rho Psi). I volunteered for the Hopkins tutorial project that mentored Baltimore’s at-risk youth and also worked as a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Scientific Computing course. My research interests included big data, artificial intelligence, and functional neuroimaging.

UTSW activities: I became involved in the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN), tutored students as a Colleges mentor, and volunteered at student-run clinics. As for my research interests, I worked initially under Professor of Neurology Rong Zhang, Ph.D., at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine Cerebrovascular Laboratory, with a focus on functional connectivity and tensor imaging. I later worked with Dr. Okuda on studies involving artificial intelligence in neuroimmunology and 3D MRI.

Surprising fact: I nearly missed out on a career in medicine. Until my junior year at Hopkins, I envisioned myself pursuing a Ph.D. or a career in industry. However, after a morning meeting was canceled in lab one day, I was invited to shadow a collaborating neurologist. Today, I am grateful to have attended clinic that day, as my experiences in clinic in the following months reshaped my career goals.

Future plans: After completing my residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, I hope to continue with a career in academic medicine where I can be actively involved in education and research. Currently, I am most interested in neuroimmunology and memory disorders.

About the award: The American Academy of Neurology Prize is presented to a graduating medical student who has promising career potential in neurology, as determined by faculty and residents.