Luke Coffman, M.D.

What this award means: I am honored to receive this award because teaching and mentorship are a core part of why I chose to pursue a career in medicine. I have been deeply impacted by previous teachers and mentors, and I find great meaning in helping others achieve their goals. Serving as a peer tutor lets me share my passion for medicine in creative ways and join alongside others as they progress in their own educational journeys.

Mentor comment: Luke consistently exceeded expectations. Whenever a student required additional assistance, he willingly made time to meet and provide individualized support. Students valued Luke’s careful organization, insight, and ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and approachable manner. In the words of one of his students: “Luke is so awesome!” – Kehinde Odedosu, M.D., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

Background and family: I grew up largely in West Tennessee, playing soccer and spending time outdoors. I get my passion for teaching from my mom, who has made an excellent career as an elementary school teacher and reading interventionist. My dad is a newspaper editor and reporter. His inquisitive nature has rubbed off on me. I often use that side of myself when interviewing patients.

College: I graduated from UT Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in Spanish before beginning medical school at UTSW.

What led to your career path: A passion for teaching and mentorship, a love of physiology, a fascination with people and their stories, and a desire to build a career that would allow me to pursue all those things while making a difference in the healthcare system.

UTSW activities: I am the pianist for the UTSW student jazz band, the President of the Disc Golf Club, former President of Southwestern Christian Fellowship, a prior student leader in the Patient Navigator Program, a DFW Albert Schweitzer Fellow, prior leader of the GED Foundations tutoring organization (see below), and a candidate for an M.D. with distinction in quality improvement. Apart from my position as a peer tutor, I also served as a GED tutor for individuals experiencing homelessness through the program GED Foundations, which I created during my time as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Well-rounded, growth, collaborative, community-centered, opportunity, and leadership.

One tip for medical school success: Treat your education like a job. Be intentional about how many hours you devote to studying and try to make those as efficient as possible. Then, go do things that fill your cup, spend time with loved ones, and don’t let yourself feel guilty about doing so.

Favorite way to relieve stress: I love being in the outdoors and take every chance to ride my bike and go hiking with my wife.

Surprising fact: I still am overwhelmed by the “big city” of Dallas after living here for almost eight years.

Future plans: I am pursuing a career in internal medicine and pediatrics and look forward to exploring future career paths during residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

About the award: The Vanatta, Hesser, Schmalstieg Excellence in Tutoring Award recognizes graduating medical students who have made outstanding contributions to serve fellow medical students in need of academic assistance.