Dr. Trey Bowen’s primary goal is simple: to be the best advocate for his patients. Known for his compassion and kindness by faculty and peers alike, he is a recipient of the Dr. Richard Mays Smith Award.

Dr. Trey Bowen

What this award means: As I looked back on all of the students who have been given this award, I came across so many names of people I truly admire, and it is so humbling to share this honor with them. As I enter residency, I hope to emulate their passion and commitment to their patients, community, and colleagues.

Mentor comment: Trey is an inspiring role model and leader in every aspect of his life. Trustworthy and compassionate, he is continuously striving to better himself. His commitment to always do the right thing and better the world around him motivates me to be a better clinician, teacher, and citizen. – Dr. Reeni Abraham, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Co-Director of the Internal Medicine Clerkship

Background and family: I grew up in Amarillo, Texas, the middle of three boys. My wife of three years, Ally, and I both grew up in the same church, but we did not start dating until 2013 when we were set up by mutual friends. We have a precious 1-year-old named Ellis.

What led to your career path: After graduating from high school, I shadowed an emergency physician, and I instantly fell in love with the combination of critical thinking with relationship and the opportunity to use such a career to serve in so many different ways. During medical school, I began to see how my interests aligned with those of primary care while on my ambulatory rotation: walking alongside patients in their medical journeys, managing a variety of medical problems in the outpatient setting, and reaching out to those with limited access to care.

College: While a biomedical engineering major at Texas A&M University, I led Bible studies and conversational English classes for international students through the Baptist Student Ministry, participated in a medical mission trip to Honduras, and was treasurer of the Texas A&M Chapter of Cure International.

UTSW activities: I was a teacher for the smoking cessation class at Calvert Place Men’s Shelter, a Union Gospel Mission clinic manager, and a VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) medical student summer fellow. I also was a member of the Southwestern Christian Fellowship student group, Gold Humanism Honor Society Community Engagement Committee, and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Surprising fact: Although we are a bit out of practice, my wife and I love to sing duets together while I play guitar. We even got to sing at a coffee shop near our hometown on the night of our engagement.

Future plans: I will begin residency at the Yale-New Haven Hospital Primary Care program in Connecticut. After residency, I hope to return to my hometown as an academic general internist.

About the award: The annual award is given to one or more graduating medical students who excel academically during clinical rotations and who exhibit an interest in and compassion for patients.