Kiersten Diercks, M.D.

What this award means: This award is meaningful to me because it was at the 2023 Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Annual Meeting that I solidified my interest in emergency medicine (EM). The organization has been pivotal in developing my interest in leadership, research, and understanding the specialty on a national level. 

Mentor comment: Kiersten received the award for her outstanding commitment to academic emergency medicine. Not only has she participated in multiple research projects resulting in successful publications, Kiersten has also been an advocate for her peers as part of a SAEM Residents and Medical Students (RAMS) Committee, becoming President of the RAMS board of directors for the next year. While her CV is impressive, Kiersten’s commitment to EM also extends to being an excellent clinician, with great clinical knowledge and a dedication to empathetic bedside care. – Mary C. McHugh, M.D., Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Clerkship Director 

Background and family: I grew up in Sacramento, California, and attended high school in Dallas. Medicine has long been part of my family – my sister is a second-year EM resident and my mother, Deborah Diercks, M.D., UTSW Chair of Emergency Medicine, is also an EM attending physician. Outside of medicine, my family enjoys spending time together skiing, traveling, and watching sports. 

College: I completed a Bachelor of Arts in business administration, cum laude, with a concentration in human resources management, from the University of Washington Foster School of Business. 

What led to your career path: Growing up, I was always on a team: ski, track, or soccer. Sports defined my childhood and still plays a prominent role in my free time as an adult. As I went through my core clerkships in medical school, I searched for that team atmosphere. I found it in the emergency department. There, physicians, nurses, technicians, and staff worked together seamlessly to triage, stabilize, and treat patients. I felt most energized in this fast-paced, team-driven environment where problem-solving was constant and every patient presented a unique challenge. 

UTSW activities: I served as President of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group and spent two years as a member of the Parking Appeals Committee. 

What words describe your UTSW experience: Mentorship, leadership, and growth. 

One tip for medical school success: Lean on your support system. My family and friends have been pivotal throughout my medical school journey. Because it can be challenging, find ways outside of school to recharge and stay grounded. 

Favorite way to relieve stress: Spending time with friends and family! 

Surprising fact: I’ve spent the past four years volunteering as a coach for an under age 6 soccer team, which has been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences outside of medical school.

Future plans: Following my residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Ohio, I will be pursuing a career in emergency medicine! 

About the award: The SAEM Award is given annually to a senior medical student for demonstrating excellence and commitment to emergency medicine.