Although Dr. Lizzie Cochran followed a winding road to medical school, she long had a desire to help others as a medical professional. In recognition of Dr. Cochran’s dedication and giving nature, she has been named recipient of the 2019 Rolland C. Reynolds Pathology Award.

Dr. Lizzie Cochran

What this award means: It is such an honor to have been selected for this award. I am incredibly humbled, especially considering all the incredible work my fellow students have done. It means so much to me to have the opportunity to make my own contributions to the legacy of service that has been created by the award’s previous recipients.

Mentor comment: It is an honor and privilege to acknowledge Elizabeth Cochran as this year’s Reynolds Award recipient. Dr. Cochran exemplifies the spirit and intent of the award as embodied by Dr. Reynolds: academic achievement, demonstrated capacity for caring about and giving to others, and a commitment to service to the community. Her strong academic background both during medical school and during her undergraduate studies at Columbia University, as well as her significant health-related leadership and service, including her work with pediatric cancer patients in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, merited this recognition. – Drs. Kathleen Wilson and Dennis Burns, Professors, Department of Pathology.

Background and family: I am a Dallas native. I have two awesome brothers, Jimmy and Johnny, and two wonderful parents, Jill and Jim. I can’t begin to adequately express my gratitude for their seemingly limitless patience, support, and encouragement. I also owe a tremendous thank you to my fiancé and fellow medical student, Chris McElrath, who is the most amazing study partner, cheerleader, and best friend anyone could ask for.

What led to your career path: My undergraduate education was focused on theater and history, but I always saw myself becoming a doctor. I hope that my background in the arts and humanities will allow me to be a physician who connects with patients on a personal level.

College: At Columbia University, I founded Miracle Players Foundation, a nonprofit that brings arts programming to children’s hospitals and raises funds for pediatric cancer research, and was a creative arts program leader and cabin counselor at Double H Ranch, a summer camp for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

UTSW activities: I was the founder of Epidemia Designs, an athletic apparel company that features prints created from microscopic images of human cells. A portion of the proceeds from sales was used to provide summer camp and after-school programming to young girls interested in science through the organization Girlstart. I also was a co-founder of the Return the Favor Committee, a group within student government that provides personalized gifts to those who have contributed to our medical school experience.

Surprising fact: My fiancé, Chris McElrath, and I met at a party I had at my parents’ house just before we started medical school and we are getting married at the end of May!

Future plans: I will be starting my general surgery residency at UTSW in July and hope to pursue a career in pediatric surgery.

About the award: The award is presented to a graduating medical student whose actions demonstrate care and giving. Honoring the late Dr. Reynolds, a UT Southwestern alumnus and faculty member remembered as a gifted pathologist and a generous person, the award includes $1,500.