Dr. James Sutton has long had dual interests in science and the outdoors – so, naturally, it didn’t take long for him to realize that emergency medicine was a perfect fit. Further confirmation that he made the right choice is his selection as recipient of the 2019 Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Award.

Dr. James Sutton

What this award means: This award is particularly meaningful because it comes at a time of life when there is an enormous amount of change. It causes me to reflect on all the support that I have had over the past four years. UT Southwestern has been an unbeatable medical school to attend and has offered many fantastic academic opportunities and mentors. On a personal level, the support of family, friends, my fiancée, and my dog, Nala, have been nothing short of vital along this journey.

Mentor comment: James has demonstrated overall excellence as a medical student bound for an outstanding career in emergency medicine. He has demonstrated leadership as an officer in the Emergency Medicine Interest Group and the Wilderness Medicine Society, as well as a peer mentor in Colleges. His research career is off to an impressive start, demonstrated by his work in the Department of Emergency Medicine on how health literacy affects patients presenting with chest pain and those with complications of diabetes. This research led to his presentation at a national EM scientific meeting. – Dr. Christine Kulstad, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine

Background and family: I grew up in Littleton, Colorado, prior to moving to Bozeman, Montana, to complete my undergraduate degree. I then made my way to Texas for medical school, following the lead of my sister, who is a professional civil engineer in Austin.

What led to your career path? I attended college in Montana and volunteered as an EMT ski patroller at Big Sky Resort while also volunteering in the Emergency Department of the local hospital. This experience offered a window into the world of emergency medicine and allowed me to combine my interests in science and the outdoors. At this time, I also was working in a basic science research lab, and the contrast of these experiences quickly led me to the realization that I was best suited for a very active profession. Ultimately, as I progressed through medical school, I found that no other discipline provided the same fulfillment as caring for every patient who walks into the Emergency Department. I had an inescapable feeling that I had ‘found my people’ in the Department of Emergency Medicine.

“I had a cubicle at the Kennedy Space Center for two weeks when my lab sent an experiment to the International Space Station in 2014.”

Surprising fact: Fly fishing and river rafting are two of my favorite activities. Also, I had a cubicle at the Kennedy Space Center for two weeks when my lab sent an experiment to the International Space Station in 2014.

Future plans: I plan to complete my residency in emergency medicine at Denver Health Medical Center in Colorado and practice in the Western United States. I hope to contribute with research and leadership, and I have interests in wilderness medicine, emergency medical services, and medical education.

About the award: The award is given annually to a senior medical student for demonstrating excellence and commitment to emergency medicine.