Hannah Chang, M.D.

What this award means: After learning about Dr. Reynolds and his deep concern for the well-being of others, I feel humbled to receive this award. Throughout medical school, I have made a conscious effort to embody humanism in medicine by taking the time to learn each patient’s story. Outside of medicine, I am grateful for community and strive to give back, whether by organizing holiday gifts for our shuttle drivers and apartment staff or finding small ways to express appreciation. Showing kindness toward others is incredibly meaningful to me.

Mentor comment: I can think of no one both more deserving of and more representative of this award. When rotating with me in Parkland Memorial Hospital, Hannah exhibited consummate compassion and selflessness, often going out of her way to help meet patient needs. Her pursuit of excellence in all facets of medicine has resulted in a woman who is phenomenally prepared for her future career as a physician and is a role model for those around her. — Christiana S. Renner, M.D., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine 

Background and family: I grew up in College Station, Texas, in a music-filled Taiwanese household. As the first in my family to pursue a career in medicine, I am surrounded by engineers – my father, mother, brother, and husband! I am grateful to be married to my high school sweetheart, who has been one of my biggest supporters throughout this journey.

College: I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in economics and minoring in chemistry. During college, I served as President of Penn’s Undergraduate Economics Society and performed as a violinist in the Penn Symphony Orchestra.

What led to your career path: I did not plan to attend medical school. Growing up in a family of engineers, I began my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania in chemical and biomolecular engineering, yet soon grew tired of drawing process flow sheets and solving reactor material balances. I wanted greater human interaction and a more direct way of helping others. This motivation led me to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where I studied cognitive functioning in children with atopic dermatitis and fell in love with medicine and, more specifically, pediatric dermatology.

UTSW activities: I serve as co-President of UT Southwestern’s Heartstrings ensemble and am a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. I have also served as a free clinic manager of Agape Dermatology, finance lead for the Medical Center’s Patient Navigator Program, and coordinator for United to Serve’s sun protection booth.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Rigorous, joyful, and incredibly rewarding.

One tip for medical school success: Effective time management has been invaluable to me. When studying, conducting research, or working on a project, I strive to give it my full, undivided attention for a dedicated period of time. It is incredible how much one can accomplish when focused and distraction-free. 

Favorite way to relieve stress: I enjoy running and spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Surprising fact: I love board games – especially engine-building ones! Some of my favorites include Wingspan, Catan, and Azul.

Future plans: Following my dermatology residency at Stanford Health Care in California, I plan to pursue fellowship training in pediatric dermatology. I hope to become an excellent pediatric dermatologist who blends clinical care with research and teaching. There is a significant shortage of pediatric dermatologists nationwide, and I am excited by the opportunity to help bridge this gap! Ultimately, I hope to help build a more compassionate and equitable world for children living with skin disease.

About the award: The Reynolds Award honors the late Dr. Reynolds, a UTSW alumnus and faculty member remembered as a gifted pathologist and generous person. The recipient is selected based on humanitarian qualities.