Dr. Sharon Sun: MT "Pepper" Jenkins Outstanding Medical Student Award in Anesthesiology and Pain Management
Dr. Sharon Sun did her best to keep an open mind throughout medical school, but before orientation even began, her heart was set on becoming an anesthesiologist. Her compassion, scholarly achievements, and leadership skills make her an ideal choice for the MT “Pepper” Jenkins Outstanding Medical Student Award in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. Her next achievement will be to complete a residency in this specialty at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.
What this award means: “It means so much to me to receive this award from people I admire in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Management because it shows that they recognize my work ethic and passion for the field. I’m truly humbled that they see so much potential in me and I will continue to strive for excellence going forward.”
Mentor comment: “Sharon exemplifies all of the attributes that defined Dr. Jenkins – in particular, compassion for her fellow man and a knack for leadership.” – Dr. Charles Whitten, Professor and Chair of Anesthesiology & Pain Management, who holds the Margaret Milam McDermott Distinguished Chair in Anesthesiology and Pain Management
Background and family: “I was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Houston. My parents are from Shanghai. Their unconditional love and support have been invaluable to me throughout this journey, and I am very proud to be the first doctor in my family.”
What led to your career path: “I came across anesthesiology during my gap years while deciding if I was suited for a career in medicine. Once I learned more about the tremendously broad knowledge base, rapid critical thinking, and procedural skill set necessary in a diversity of acute care settings along with the opportunity to provide long-term care to patients with chronic pain, I knew that anesthesiology would provide the intellectual challenge and variety I desire in a lifelong career. My experiences in medical school on clerkships and working with the wonderful faculty and residents here have confirmed that it is the ideal fit for me.”
College: “I double concentrated in biology, and in business, entrepreneurship, and organizations at Brown University. I wanted to explore many new ventures and was actively involved in a visual arts magazine, social entrepreneurship initiatives, technology commercialization, and multiple startups.”
UTSW activities: “I have been heavily invested in the Anesthesiology Student Interest Group, serving as an officer. It has been extremely gratifying to help connect students with anesthesiologists so that they can learn more about the specialty, regardless of their level of experience with anesthesiology or their stage of training.”
Surprising fact: “My favorite place in Dallas is the Katy Trail. I painted a scene of one of my favorite spots near Victory Park using oils and a palette knife.”
Future plans: “I plan to pursue a fellowship in pain management and hope to stay in academia, practicing both in the OR and clinic, with a focus on clinical research and innovation.”
About the award: The award recognizes students seeking careers in anesthesiology who excelled at UTSW Medical School, take an empathetic approach to patient care, and exhibit the characteristics of leadership, scholarship, and thirst for knowledge exemplified by the late Dr. M.T. “Pepper” Jenkins, who established and served as Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management from 1948 to 1981.