George Elmquist, M.D.

What this award means: I have a deep passion for emergency medicine (EM) and took great pride in what I was able to accomplish in all of my rotations, but especially with my EM rotations. I am very grateful to be recognized for the hard work that I demonstrated throughout medical school.

Mentor comment: George received the award for his strong commitment to emergency medicine in medical school, especially through his leadership in the UT Southwestern Emergency Medicine Interest Group and research projects. He brings a humble and hardworking attitude to everything he does, will undoubtedly succeed during residency, and will have a positive impact on our field. We are delighted George will continue his training here at UTSW. – Mary C. McHugh, M.D., Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Clerkship Director

Background and family: I was born outside of Boston, Massachusetts. My father, Joel Elmquist, D.V.M., Ph.D., UTSW Professor of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Psychiatry, once ran a hypothalamic research lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, while my mother, Kristie Elmquist, worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). My father had the opportunity to move his lab to UT Southwestern in 2006 and since then my family has lived in the DFW area. My brother, Fredrik, and I graduated from Southlake Carroll High School where I played lacrosse and was recruited to play for the Fairfield University Stags in college. After graduating from college in 2021, I returned to Dallas where I worked as a lab technician in the Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research at UT Southwestern and earned my EMT-B certification during my gap year.

College: I completed a Bachelor of Science at Fairfield University in Connecticut.

What led to your career path: Growing up in a medical research family, I always had an interest in science and medicine. I knew I wanted to become a physician after receiving a lifesaving brain operation for a subdural hematoma when I was 12. During my EMT training in my gap year, I fell in love with emergency medicine. I kept an open mind to different specialties when I started medical school, but deep down, I knew the emergency department was the place for me. My experiences at UT Southwestern further solidified my passion for the field.

UTSW activities: I was an anatomy tutor and teaching assistant for pre-clerkship students. I also volunteered in the United to Serve health fair and served as Secretary of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Challenging and rewarding.

One tip for medical school success: There are two things you can control: your effort and your attitude.

Favorite way to relieve stress: Working out at the gym or running.

Surprising fact: I briefly worked in a lumberyard my senior year of college.

Future plans: I am very excited to start my residency here at UT Southwestern and take the first steps in becoming an EM physician.

About the award: The award is presented to a medical student who demonstrates excellence in emergency medicine, with special dedication to Texans who need emergency care.