Dr. Madison Bailey Argo, who happily grew up in a supportive household, sees art in the human anatomy. The Borger, Texas, native also loves science and lifelong learning, as well as using her hands. Dr. Argo’s diverse and intense skill set no doubt helped in her selection as the 2019 recipient of the Hudson-Penn Award.

Dr. Madison Bailey Argo

What this award means: “It’s an honor – and means even more considering the other excellent students who were nominated and who are equally as qualified and deserving. While this award is a wonderful culmination of my medical school career, I recognize that I have a long way to go in becoming the exceptional surgeon I want to be. I want to say thank you and promise I will continue to work hard to make all my teachers, my colleagues, and my family proud.”

Mentor comment: In 20 years of medical education, I have rarely encountered a student like Madison Argo. Unquestionably, Madison’s stellar academic record speaks volumes, but this is not her best attribute. Madison has an incredibly inquisitive mind with endless curiosity and a limitless drive for learning. Above all, she is an extraordinarily kind and warm individual with such humility that makes those involved in her medical education cherish what we do. – Dr. Sergio Huerta, Associate Professor of Surgery

Background and family: I’m from the Panhandle of Texas. My older sister and I were raised by our single mother. By the nature of a small family of four girls – my maternal grandmother, my mother, my sister, and myself – we all grew up extremely close. We are still four girls strong to this day.

What led to your career path: While completing a summer anatomy course at Johns Hopkins, and after walking out of the OR for the first time, I decided medicine – specifically surgery – was what I wanted to do every day for the rest of my life. I would not have been able to articulate this back in 2013, but now I see this choice has been coming to fruition for quite some time. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in biology as a 4.0 Distinguished Scholar. As I leave medical school, I am beyond excited to begin this journey and learn the skills needed to be a competent surgeon.

Surprising fact: I am obsessed with jigsaw puzzles and, unconventionally, complete the edges last.

Future plans: During the next phase of my career, I plan to dedicate time to research. Following my residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, I would love to continue my training through a cardiothoracic fellowship in hopes of becoming a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon someday.

About the award: The award recognizes a student who has demonstrated excellence in the surgical specialty, academic achievement, and a caring attitude toward patients. Established in 1979, the award is named after Dr. Lee Hudson, Chief of Surgery at the old Parkland Memorial Hospital when UT Southwestern was founded, and for Robert Penn, Dr. Hudson’s brother-in-law.