Alice Zhao, M.D., M.P.H.

What this award means: It reflects a commitment to patient-centered care and community health. I am continually inspired by and honored to be associated with Dr. Ahmed’s legacy of compassion and her dedication to patients and the community.

Mentor comment: Alice embodies the compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence that defined Dr. Ahmed’s legacy, and represents the very best of our graduating class. This award recognizes her outstanding commitment to patient care, academic excellence, and dedication to women’s health. – Catherine Spong, M.D., Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background and family: I grew up in Plano, Texas, with my brother, Brian, and our parents, who both work in electrical engineering. For many years, my mom has served as a community advocate and leader for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. Her dedication to building a new generation of women in STEM has continually inspired me throughout my path to medicine.

College: I attended Yale University, where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and my Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology of microbial diseases. I developed a strong interest in infectious diseases and studied community transmission of leptospirosis, COVID-19, and HIV.

What led to your career path: I first became interested in medical school after working with patients living with HIV at the Yale AIDS Program. After starting medical school, as I continued working in public health, I discovered the field of Ob/Gyn as an incredible opportunity to improve community reproductive health while providing patient-centered care.

UTSW activities: My favorite activity during medical school was participating in Books and Babies, an organization through which medical students visit the NICU to read to newborns. I also enjoyed being involved in the Public Health Interest Group and Women’s Health Advocates, a student group dedicated to promoting breastfeeding and supporting maternal and infant health in the Dallas community.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Challenging, rewarding, and humbling.

One tip for medical school success: Remember your self-worth! Medical training comes with constant feedback, which can sometimes feel discouraging. Never lose sight of the tremendous value you bring to the world and the impact you can make both within medicine and beyond.

Favorite way to relieve stress: Spending quality time with friends and family – whether that’s grabbing coffee, baking cookies, playing pickleball, or walking on the Katy Trail.

Surprising fact: I can be very competitive. I’m usually pretty easygoing, but my competitive side definitely comes out during family game nights and pickleball!

Future plans: I matched to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at UT Southwestern and am so excited to pursue a career in women’s health. I hope to continue working in public health research alongside my clinical career, particularly in areas that improve access to reproductive healthcare.

About the award: The award honors Dr. Ahmed, an Obstetrics and Gynecology faculty member who died of breast cancer at age 39. The recipient demonstrates exemplary women’s healthcare and epitomizes the clinician that Dr. Ahmed was – caring, intelligent, and involved in her community.