Working at a summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes had such an impact on Dr. Lane McAuliffe that it set the course for his path to physician. Now, he hopes to model the compassionate care and teaching he witnessed at Camp Sweeney in his future anesthesiology practice.

Lane McAuliffe, M.D.

What this award means: Knowing the talents and accomplishments of my classmates, I am genuinely humbled to receive this honor. I am grateful for the faculty and resident mentorship I was fortunate to receive. I would not be where I am today without it.

Mentor comment: Our team was working on the development of a core, simulation-based curriculum. Lane took on one of the largest parts of this project – leading a scoping review of over 1,000 manuscripts that fit inclusion criteria. His can-do attitude, excitement, and innovation with the project were contagious. Through this work, I learned that he was hardworking, committed, enthusiastic, bright, and incredibly creative. I look forward to his contributions to our field in the future. – Aditee Ambardekar, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology & Pain Management

Background and family: I grew up just outside of Portland, Oregon. My parents and my younger sister have been my biggest cheerleaders from day one.

What led to your career path: Work at Camp Sweeney, a summer camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes, set me on the path to medicine. My first summers challenged me in ways I could never imagine: 18-hour days, countless protocols to learn, and being intimately involved in the medical care of a child with a chronic illness. I was moved by the compassion the kids showed to each other, and I felt humbled by the opportunity to be a part of a program that had such a huge impact on their lives. As I reflected on my future career, I realized that most of my favorite teachers were anesthesiologists. Through shadowing and research, I found a group of individuals who appreciate the importance of a well-thought-out plan, demonstrate poise in high-intensity situations, excel at putting patients at ease, and love teaching – all things I wanted to be part of my career.

College: I graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in science-business and Spanish. In addition to working at Camp Sweeney, I discovered a love of teaching, working as an organic chemistry tutor and eventually as a TA. As a Spanish major, I had the unique opportunity to spend four months of my junior year living in Toledo, Spain, studying Spanish literature and film.

UTSW activities: Throughout medical school, I continued to stay involved at Camp Sweeney, spending the summer after my first year working on the medical staff and volunteering for events during the year. I also got involved in the Southwestern Student Acclimation Liaison (SWAL) Pal and Colleges Peer Mentorship programs. I also pursued research in medical simulation.

Surprising fact: I dabbled in theater in high school and performed in six plays.

Future plans: After completing my residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, I hope to become involved in medical education. I plan to complete a master’s degree in medical education and get involved with UME or GME leadership.

About the award: The award recognizes students seeking careers in anesthesiology who excelled at UTSW Medical School, take an empathetic approach to patient care, and exhibit the characteristics of leadership, scholarship, and thirst for knowledge exemplified by the late Dr. Jenkins, who established the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Management and served as its Chairman from 1948 to 1981.