Dr. Nathan McCammon: Vernie A. Stembridge Scholarship Award in Pathology
Dr. Nathan McCammon went his own way in a family heavily skewed toward a different kind of science. “My parents have often said that they have no idea how I got into medicine as opposed to engineering, but they are happy to support me.” Dr. McCammon, set to begin his residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals, is the 2020 recipient of the Vernie A. Stembridge Scholarship Award in Pathology.
What this award means: “This award is meaningful to me because it is an affirmation that I have chosen the right specialty. I have sought out as much experience as possible, and I attempted to vary this experience and supplement it with research within the field. It is humbling to be recognized for my passion, and I hope that I can carry this passion on through residency.”
Mentor comment: “Nathan McCammon has demonstrated a long-standing interest in pathology and translational medicine. He has had a distinguished performance in a number of research projects, including working in therapeutic oncology to determine the effects of specific gene knockouts on downstream proteins and in hematopathology on a medical review of specific hematolymphoid neoplasms and their associated gene mutation. The Pathology Department is proud to recognize him as the recipient of this award.”– Dr. Kathleen Wilson, Professor of Pathology
Background and family: “I am the second son of two engineers. My mother got her first degree in petroleum engineering and returned to college for a degree in computer science. My father got his degree in electrical engineering. My older brother got his degree in computer science. My wife is finishing up her Ph.D. in counseling psychology and should graduate this coming August. We also added two puppies to our family during medical school.”
What led to your career path: “I came into medical school without knowing what I wanted to specialize in. Throughout my clerkships, I tried to keep an open mind and explore each option. After being exposed to a pathology elective, I could not find any other specialty that compared to it. Every additional elective within pathology after my first was simply confirmation that it was the field for me.”
College: “I graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in neuroscience. I also participated in the University Honors and Liberal Arts Honors programs. Extracurricular activities included being Treasurer of the pre-health fraternity Delta Epsilon Mu and President of the Psychology Club. ”
UTSW activities: “I have been actively involved in research since my second year of medical school. Since I have worked with Assistant Professor of Pathology Dr. Flavia Rosado, I have been involved with two different projects that are nearing submission for publication. I presented one of these projects as a poster at USCAP, a national pathology conference.”
Surprising fact: “I have been a vegetarian since fifth grade.”
Future plans: “I plan to explore the various subspecialties pathology has to offer. Most residents in pathology today seek one or two fellowships after residency. I am a blank slate at this point and am simply looking forward to exploring my options in residency.”
About the award: The award was established by friends and colleagues of Dr. Stembridge, the former UTSW Pathology Chair who died in 2000. The $1,500 award is given to the most outstanding medical student whose performance in the sophomore pathology course was exemplary and who is interested in a pathology career.