Kaylee Grant, M.D.

What this award means: It is an incredible honor to receive this award. Dr. Jenkins was a giant in the field, and I hope to emulate even a fraction of his enthusiasm and leadership. I am deeply grateful for the guidance I have received from numerous faculty members in the Department as I close this chapter of my training.

Mentor comment: A planner by nature, Kaylee was a lot of help in the operating room, arriving early to set up, reviewing patient charts, and carefully considering contingency plans to make sure we were ready for patients. She impressed faculty and residents with her ability to think on her feet and apply her knowledge. Kaylee will be the warm smile that patients need to see on the day of surgery, the steady, silent captain of the ship behind the drapes, and a colleague that surgeons will have confidence in. – Amy P. Woods, M.D., Associate Professor of Anesthesiology & Pain Management

Background and family: I am the second of four children in my family from Keller, Texas. I have always been very close with my family, who have had a profound influence on my values and outlook. My parents instilled in me and my siblings the importance of giving our best effort in everything we do and trusting that the outcomes would follow. This mentality guided me throughout my education and my path toward medicine.

College: I attended Princeton University for my undergraduate education and received an A.B. in public and international affairs. I also competed as a Division I student athlete on the Princeton softball team, winning two Ivy League Championships and competing in the NCAA tournament twice.

What led to your career path: Growing up, I was always interested in the sciences and had a general interest in medicine. I knew I wanted a service-oriented career to make a meaningful impact. In college, I initially planned to pursue public service through policy work. However, a series of softball injuries and surgeries helped me recognize the profound impact that direct patient care could have on people’s lives, prompting me to pivot toward medicine. In medical school, I was drawn to anesthesiology for its combination of structure and unpredictability, the opportunity to apply physiology in real time, and its unique team-based environment.

UTSW activities: Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my activities throughout medical school. I served as an MS0 committee member, helping orient incoming medical students; as a Southwestern Acclimation Liaison (SWAL) Pal mentor; as an MS4 peer mentor through the Academic Colleges; and as a volunteer with the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program. I also served as co-President of the UTSW Anesthesiology Interest Group and am a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Transformative, fulfilling, and joyful.

One tip for medical school success: Choose an attitude of appreciation! There are so many uncontrollable factors throughout medical school, but you can always control your mindset.

Favorite way to relieve stress: I enjoy watching sporting events, running, and spending time in the sun. Also, FaceTiming my nieces and nephew is always heartwarming and a great reminder of what is important in life.

Surprising fact: I am the appointed trip planner for family and friends – I love working through travel logistics and developing an itinerary that suits everyone’s needs.

Future plans: After I finish my anesthesiology residency at Duke University Medical Center, I hope to work in an academic setting where I can actively shape medical education and make a positive impact on residents and medical students through thoughtful teaching and mentorship.

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.