Parker Smith, M.D.

What this award means: It is an immense honor to receive this award from such a storied surgery program and medical school. I have been inspired by my mentors and role models here, seeing how they treat their patients with the highest level of care and respect. I hope to carry that legacy forward.

Mentor comment: Parker is an exceptional student who excelled in all aspects of his clinical work on the surgery clerkship and advanced surgical rotations. His professionalism and personal attributes reflect the essence of this award, which recognizes excellence in surgery. He will make an outstanding surgeon. – Rohit Sharma, M.D., Associate Professor of Surgery

Background and family: I am originally from College Station, Texas. My parents are physicians: My dad is a cardiovascular surgeon; my mom was a primary care physician and is now teaching high school biology and chemistry. My wife and I have been married a little over four years, and she works as an ICU nurse in Dallas.

College: I stayed in College Station to attend Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry with a minor in psychology. I graduated with honors after completing an undergraduate thesis studying breast cancer cell signaling. I also worked as a medical scribe in a medical oncology clinic, served as a member of my university’s honor council, volunteered at a local food pantry, and held several leadership roles on campus.

What led to your career path: I entered medical school intending to pursue a surgical career, and during my MS3 clerkship I found my place in general surgery. I was drawn to the field’s breadth and the balance between high-acuity medical decision-making and technically demanding operations. Additionally, the culture of general surgery made me feel immediately at home.

UTSW activities: I helped coordinate a student-led clinical research group and served as class secretary during the pre-clerkship years. I also led a premedical mentoring group assisting students with medical school application essays and MCAT preparation. Finally, I served as co-Chair of the Professional Development section for UTSW’s Alpha Omega Alpha chapter and volunteered at a local food pantry.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Challenging, rewarding, and formative.

One tip for medical school success: Seek support wherever you can find it. My wife, parents, and friends have been my most valuable resources during tough classes or rotations, and I am so thankful for their guidance.

Favorite way to relieve stress: My wife and I love walking near White Rock Lake or along the Katy Trail, and I have been playing as much tennis as I can during my fourth year.

Surprising fact: I love watching soccer. My favorite team is Paris Saint-Germain, and I saw them play for the first time in person last year before they won the Champions League!

Future plans: I have not yet decided on a subspecialty, but I have enjoyed my surgical oncology and vascular rotations the most. After residency at Emory School of Medicine, my goal is to pursue a career in academic surgery.

About the award: Established in 1979, the award is named for Dr. Lee Hudson, who served as Chief of Surgery at Parkland Memorial Hospital when UT Southwestern was founded in 1943, and for Robert Penn, Dr. Hudson’s brother-in-law.