Barriers and challenges never intimidated Dr. Amber Allen. The daughter of an ambitious single mom in West Texas who put herself through occupational therapy school, Dr. Allen had the perfect role model growing up. Her exposure to the many barriers faced by underserved communities led her to pursue a career as a physician, with a passion for family medicine in particular.

Dr. Amber Allen

What this award means: “I’m honored to be recognized by the faculty that helped develop my love for family medicine. My roots were planted in this Department and I’m grateful for their support as I grow through my career!” 

Mentor comment: “Amber is a very responsible, self-motivated, mature, and compassionate learner. She has always demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to family medicine. She earned her M.P.H. during medical school and has received a Bronze Presidential Service Award.” – Dr. Zaiba Jetpuri, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine

Background and family: “I grew up in Lubbock, Texas. I was raised by a young single mother in occupational therapy school who read anatomy textbooks to me. I’d like to think that is where my interest in medicine began. I am the second doctor of the family, following behind my cousin who is a doctor of physical therapy. Outside of medicine, I love dancing, Texas football, and my two miniature schnauzers.”

What led to your career path: “Through college and medical school, I was exposed to the many barriers that underserved communities face. This strengthened my interest in helping patients overcome these barriers, specifically through primary care. I chose family medicine because this field supported my passions of patient-centered care, zealous advocacy, and community service in all stages of a patient’s life. As an African American woman from West Texas, I did not know many people with a graduate degree who looked like me. My mentors through my education helped encourage and support me, and I hope to be a similar source of support for my patients, colleagues, and learners in the future.”

UTSW activities: “In the pre-clerkship semesters, I was Clinical Operations Manager of The Monday Clinic, co-President of Helping Augment Neonatal Development (HANDs), a PRE+OP Counselor, and a Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) mentor. Post-clerkship, I served as Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Vice President, FMIG Coordinator for the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP), a Colleges peer mentor, and a Social Determinants of Health Curriculum Reform Committee member. While attending medical school, I also graduated with a Master of Public Health from UTHSC Houston.”

Surprising fact: “Before medical school, I was a dance teacher who taught children and adults many genres – from ballet to ballroom dancing.”

Future plans: “I want to be a full-spectrum family physician who supports my patients no matter what age or stage of life. I would love to work with the underserved and use my M.P.H. to understand and integrate myself into my patients’ communities through service, advocacy, and research.”

About the award: Named after the Chair of Family and Community Medicine at UT Southwestern from 1984 to 1993, the Ross Award includes a $1,000 scholarship from the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians Foundation.