Dr. Wesley Smith: John D. McConnell Award for Excellence in Urology
Dr. Wesley Smith credits sage advice from a family member as a guiding force throughout his academic life – and life in general. “My grandpa used to say, ‘The one thing you can always control is outworking everyone in the room.’ I have applied this principle to everything I do.” Dr. Smith is the 2020 recipient of the John D. McConnell Award for Excellence in Urology.
What this award means: “I am deeply honored to receive this award and grateful for all the UTSW Urology faculty. I have pursued excellence in whatever I do, and the McConnell Award embodies this concept. After meeting Dr. McConnell on the interview trail at Wake Forest, it is truly an honor.”
Mentor comment: “Wes was a truly stellar student in a fantastic group this year from UTSW. His tremendous work ethic, ability to integrate smoothly and effortlessly into the clinical team, and his dedication to putting patient care above all else make him an outstanding choice for the McConnell Award.” – Dr. Gary Lemack, Professor of Urology and Neurology
Background and family: “My parents are both math teachers, and I have two brothers. Some of my favorite memories include family reunions with 100-plus individuals showing up. My parents and grandparents taught me that you should always work your hardest, stay humble, and respect others. I want to thank my wife, Lynnsee, and my family for their continual support and helping me follow my dream.”
What led to your career path: “Upon entering college, my goal was to become a professional soccer player. But Nebraska Wesleyan University required classes in all subjects, and I fell in love with science. It was not until my junior year in college, after having a heart surgery, that I was introduced to the field of medicine. I was impressed by the intellectual demand and the emotional intelligence that medicine required. Also, the team in the operating room felt like a soccer team. Upon entering medical school, I did not know much about urology, but after being exposed in my third year, I knew it was the right choice for me.”
College: “I graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan with a degree in biochemistry. I also served as a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Blue Key honor societies and as captain of the soccer team for three years. In addition, I was president of the Pre-Health Club and an advocate on the Student Athletes committee.”
UTSW activities: “I served as president of the PIG Health Club and as AOA Committee chair for Step Up to Step 1. I also was a Texas Pediatrics Society Medical Student advocate, a SASS tutor, a United To Serve website committee chair, and a soccer player on the Men’s League competitive team.
Surprising fact: “I love woodworking and renovating houses. I plan to buy a house with my wife before residency and renovate it before my internship starts. One goal I have is to build a house from the ground up.”
Future plans: “I have been accepted as a Urology resident here at UTSW and I am excited to work at UTSW for the next five years. As of now, a fellowship in oncology or endourology is interesting to me.”
About the award: The award honors Dr. McConnell, a former UTSW faculty member who once led Urology from a Division into a Department. He is now Executive Director of Wake Forest Healthcare Ventures in North Carolina, which develops and commercializes health care products and services.