Margaret Vo, M.D.

What this award means: Receiving this award is a deeply humbling recognition of years of hard work made possible by the support of my mentors, classmates, and the Department of Internal Medicine. I am sincerely grateful to Dr. Smith’s family for their generosity and for continuing to uplift students like myself. This award affirms that I have found my place in internal medicine and reflects the mentorship and values that shaped my journey.

Mentor comments: Margaret distinguished herself through exceptional engagement, intellectual curiosity, and self‑directed learning. Her ability to engage patients with clarity and empathy reflects both clinical maturity and strong communication skills. With aspirations toward academic endocrinology, medical education, and equitable, longitudinal patient care, Margaret exemplifies perseverance, compassion, and excellence in internal medicine. – Reeni Abraham, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine, and Kylie Cullinan, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Background and family: I was born in El Paso, Texas. My younger brother and I were raised in a military family by parents who immigrated from Vietnam. My father served in the U.S. Army for 23 years, and together, my parents’ sacrifices and resilience shaped my upbringing. Their example instilled in me a deep sense of perseverance and gratitude for the opportunities I have been given.

College: I graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in English literature.

What led to your career path: Growing up in a military family, I spent my early years at White Sands Missile Range, where access to healthcare was limited and my family often traveled long distances for care. These experiences shaped my awareness of healthcare disparities early on. My mother, who trained in medicine in Vietnam and later completed an internal medicine residency in the U.S., now serves as a primary care physician at the Fort Worth VA Clinic. Watching her return to medicine and care for patients with compassion inspired my own path. I am deeply grateful to my mother for continuing to be my greatest role model.

UTSW activities: I served as a President of Heartstrings Orchestra, bringing music to patients and families in the hospital. I was a Course Director for the Health and Human Rights elective, integrating discussions of equity and social determinants of health into medical education. I also mentored students through Academic Colleges, participated in clinical research, and was part of the PRE+OP orientation week committee to welcome new medical students.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Grateful to learn and serve.

One tip for medical school success: Seek help early and often! Medicine is a team effort, and you are never alone.

Favorite way to relieve stress: I love getting lost in a good book.

Surprising fact: I can do a pretty good Elmo impression!

Future plans: I am honored to begin residency training in internal medicine at UT Southwestern and look forward to caring for patients in a community that has so meaningfully shaped my journey. I plan to eventually pursue subspecialty training in endocrinology.

About the award: The Dr. Richard Mays Smith Award is given annually to one or more graduating medical students who excel academically during clinical rotations and exhibit an interest in and compassion for patients.