Persephone Tian, M.D., M.P.H.

What this award means: To me, this award will serve as a reminder to continue dedicating the care needed to work toward innovation and reshaping our current health system into one that focuses on value-based care and equitable health outcomes for all.

Mentor comment: Persephone has distinguished herself through her outstanding commitment to public health and improving access to care for our patients. Her work on childcare barriers and healthcare utilization transpired because of her ability to combine her analytic skills with a compassionate understanding of patient needs and she will be presenting her work at the national level. She is proactive, collaborative, and deeply engaged in every aspect of her training, and incredibly deserving of this award. – Robert B. Martin, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background and family: I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, in a family of curious learners. My parents’ confidence in voicing their morals motivates me to continue to advocate for my values.

College: I attended the University of Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in biological sciences with a minor in history, philosophy, and social studies of science and medicine. My interest in clinical research began at the Kovler Diabetes Center, where I focused on the quality of sleep among children with neonatal diabetes mellitus.

What led to your career path: After moving to the South Side of Chicago, I was shocked to learn about the 10-year difference in life expectancy between North and South Sides of that city. As a Mandarin interpreter for the student-run Bridgeport Free Clinic, I saw my patients experience barriers to healthcare that included transportation, lack of coverage, and immigration status. By the end of college, I wanted to pursue a dual M.D./M.P.H. degree to learn more about the social drivers of health and develop analytical skills for conducting public health research aimed at improving care. I am grateful that UTSW’s dual degree program allowed me to concurrently receive my M.P.H. degree alongside my M.D.

UTSW activities: I served as co-President of the Future Residents of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FROGs) and we hosted monthly arts and crafts activities for women on the antepartum unit. I also volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission student-run free clinic, developing a clinic protocol for point-of-care HbA1c testing. Through the Center of Innovation and Value at Parkland (CIVP), which empowers patients through innovations in patient care, resource access, and technology, I conducted research both on childcare barriers and patients’ access to attending appointments as well as patients’ beliefs and sources of information surrounding vaccines during pregnancy.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Being more comfortable with uncertainty and change.

One tip for medical school success: Keep an open mind and try everything! Everyone you interact with in medicine can teach you something.

Favorite way to relieve stress: I try to ground myself in activities that remind me how challenges that feel unattainable will pass and that I can do hard things. It could be sweating during yoga, making a meal from scratch, or finding a new arts and crafts activity.

Surprising fact: I lived in Beijing, China, from second to fifth grade. Our family had a lot of fun exploring different cities, eating regional cuisine, and celebrating Chinese holidays.

Future plans: I will be starting my Ob/Gyn residency training right here at UT Southwestern! By providing empathetic clinical care, creating community-based interventions for barriers to healthcare, and increasing recognition of health disparities through public health research, I will continue working toward a more equitable future for all.

About the award: Administered by the U.S. Public Health Service Physician Professional Advisory Committee, the Excellence in Public Health Award recognizes medical students who have positively impacted public health in their communities.