Amal Syed, M.D.

What this award means: I am humbled to be recognized by the Pediatrics Department, which has provided me with exceptional education, training, and mentorship. I have met so many incredible trainees and attendings in Pediatrics who have become role models for my future as a provider.

Mentor comment: Kurt’s family and friends created this award, given annually, to honor his memory and recognize a student who demonstrates great empathy and compassion for sick children, in addition to significant clinical knowledge. Amal has demonstrated remarkable dedication to underserved children and families through her sustained work at the Center of Hope Women and Children’s Shelter, and she has directly impacted early childhood literacy needs through her leadership in the Community Health Fellowship Program. She embodies a commitment to health equity and the ability to turn research into meaningful change. – Rory Nicolaides, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine and Assistant Dean for Clinical Undergraduate Medical Education

Background and family: I am from Plano, Texas, where I lived with my parents and two younger sisters. My parents are immigrants from Pakistan who modeled a strong work ethic for our family. One of my sisters is a software engineer, and the other is a freshman in college on the premed track.

College: I attended UT Austin for my undergraduate training, where I received degrees in biochemistry and French.

What led to your career path: Both of my grandmothers were physicians in Pakistan, and I grew up hearing stories about their accomplishments in anesthesia and pathology. This sparked my initial interest in medicine, which led me to take health science courses in high school. One of these courses was a clinical rotations program, during which I spent a month in a pediatrics clinic. Watching the pediatricians at the clinic care for children of all ages and backgrounds left a lasting impression on me, and when I eventually started my rotations at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, it solidified my interest in pediatrics. I could not be happier with my career path.

UTSW activities: During my time at UT Southwestern, I have participated in the Pediatrics Interest Group, Gold Humanism Honor Society, and United to Serve.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Community, growth, friendship, and opportunity.

One tip for medical school success: Be kind to yourself. Medical school can be challenging, but each day brings you closer to achieving your goals.

Favorite way to relieve stress: Going on walks and getting coffee or matcha with friends.

Surprising fact: I hosted a French music radio show in college!

Future plans: I plan to start my pediatrics residency this summer at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. I haven’t decided on primary care versus a subspecialty yet, but I am excited for whatever the future holds.

About the award: The Wey Award recognizes a student who shows empathy and compassion for sick children, has significant knowledge, and maintains a good sense of humor. Dr. Wey was a 1998 UT Southwestern graduate who died in a car accident. The award was established by family and friends to honor his life.