By Harriet Blake

Dr. William Lian

Dr. William Lian, the only child of immigrants from China, has a talent for climbing, be it out of challenging circumstances, up a vertical wall, or mastering a medical specialty.

The latter has been evident throughout his educational journey, including the past four years while enrolled at UT Southwestern Medical School. As a result of his talents, involvement, and efforts, Dr. Lian has been named recipient of the Kowalske Outstanding Medical Student in PM&R Award for 2017.

Dr. Lian said he is humbled and honored to receive the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation recognition. The Kowalske Award is given to a UT Southwestern medical student who demonstrates empathy, compassion, maturity, and inquisitiveness. It is named after the Department’s past Chair, Dr. Karen Kowalske, Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and was first awarded in 2011.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

Dr. Lian, whose residency will be at UT Southwestern, said he could not have achieved the honor “without the wonderful support of the PM&R family here.” PM&R faculty mentors and supporters included Dr. Benjamin Nguyen and Dr. Fatma Gul, both Professors, Dr. Kelly Scott, Associate Professor, and Dr. Kim Barker, Assistant Professor, as well as current PM&R resident Dr. Charles Taylor.

Dr. Lian was an exemplary student and champion of PM&R, Dr. Scott said. “He helped to expand and lead the Student Interest Group, coordinating many opportunities and lectures,” she said. “He was always the first to respond for calls for volunteers and has been extremely helpful in advising junior students. Will represents the best of physiatry – a caring leader who is passionate about helping to improve the quality of life for his patients.”

For his part, Dr. Lian said his parents provided examples of perseverance. “We had very little when I was growing up, but it helped me appreciate the little things in life and allowed me to see what my parents were able to achieve through hard work and dedication.”

His father, Cheng Lian, and mother, Xiaoyin Zhang, are now accomplished artists. His father’s oil paintings can be seen in fine art galleries and private collections worldwide.

Dr. Lian graduated at the top of his class with honors from The Woodlands High School, where he also participated in track and field. At Texas A&M-Commerce, he was enrolled in the Honors College and graduated summa cum laude while majoring in biology and chemistry.

He was active in extracurriculars, starting and leading the school’s first health care interest group. He also served as President of Tri Beta (Biological Honors Society) and was a biology and chemistry tutor. And as a member of the A&M-Commerce climbing team, he established two indoor rock-climbing Guinness World records.

About halfway through his second year of Medical School, he attended a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation lunch lecture, which “opened my eyes to a field that contained many elements that I enjoyed, such as a focus on the neuromuscular system and continuity of care.”

During clinical rotations, he said, “I loved the great teamwork with medical staff during inpatient rehabilitation. What left the deepest impression on me was the patient-centered approach and how appreciative patients were as a result.”

He said the focus was not only on diagnosing, treating, and discharging patients, but also putting oneself in the patients’ shoes to see what was distressing them and what they wished to achieve in terms of their treatment outcomes and functionality. “Growing up as an introverted child who had experienced bullying, I find it easy to relate to those who are in the underdog position,” Dr. Lian said. “I feel that being able to relate to and wanting to help those who are in need is what led me to medicine and, ultimately, PM&R.”

While at UT Southwestern, Dr. Lian has been co-President of the PM&R Student Interest Group and served as class Vice President for two years. He also was involved with United to Serve and TMA/AMA and served as medical staff at Camp Sweeney, a summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes.

When he’s not studying or practicing medicine, Dr. Lian enjoys working out and staying active. He travels frequently and has been to 25 countries so far.

Dr. Lian says he is looking forward to exploring the field of PM&R on a deeper level, both through research and helping patients. “I also hope to continue being an active proponent for the field, as I believe there are many who would benefit from PM&R treatments but are just not aware of the field.”

Dr. Kowalske holds the Charles and Peggy Galvin Professorship in Physical Medicine.