Marium Khan, M.D.

What this award means: This award is deeply meaningful because it represents values I strive to embody, such as excellence in clinical care and compassion for patients. It reminds me that human connection is the foundation for excellent medicine.

Mentor comment: Marium manages complex patients with sound clinical judgment and maturity. Her leadership extends beyond research to dedicated service to underserved populations. With a clear commitment to caring for the most vulnerable, Marium exemplifies the values of internal medicine and represents the future of compassionate, equity‑driven care.
– Nikki Oakman, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine

Background and family: I grew up in Pakistan and moved to the United States during high school. My earliest exposure to medicine came from my grandfather, a physician who worked at the forefront of humanitarian crises and advocated tirelessly for his patients despite limited resources. From him, I learned that medicine is not just a profession, but a responsibility rooted in service and activism.

College: I attended Duke University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in biology.

What led to your career path: I always knew I wanted a career centered on service. Initially, I explored public policy and political science. However, I didn’t feel the same sense of excitement that I did studying the sciences, particularly the human body. After volunteering at a free health clinic, I realized that medicine offers powerful opportunities for advocacy. In medical school, I consistently felt most energized during my time in internal medicine. Internists approach each case like a detective, and I found deep satisfaction in putting together complex clinical puzzles. Just as importantly, the field allowed me the time and space to build meaningful relationships with patients.

UTSW activities: I have been actively involved in the American Muslim Medical Students Association, student-run free clinics, the American Muslim Women Physicians Association, the Patient Navigator Program, and United to Serve. I taught CPR at community mosques and schools, helped manage student-run clinic operations, and participated in outreach initiatives to promote health awareness among middle school students and in refugee communities.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Enriching, humbling, and deeply meaningful.

One tip for medical school success: Avoid comparing yourself to others. Each of us comes from a different background, has different challenges, and brings unique strengths to medicine.

Favorite ways to relieve stress: Spending time with family and friends, playing board games, taking long walks, going on coffee dates, and having reflective conversations with loved ones are all ways I relax. Most importantly, my faith helps me stay grounded when challenges arise.

Surprising fact: I just learned how to ride a bike this year!

Future plans: First up is completing my residency at UT Southwestern. I am still exploring my ultimate subspecialty path, with strong interests in cardiology and pulmonary critical care. I envision myself in an academic setting, dedicating much of my career to serving patient populations like those I encountered at Parkland Memorial Hospital.

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.