Dr. Anthony Dao: MT “Pepper” Jenkins Outstanding Medical Student Award in Anesthesiology and Pain Management
Considering he can solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded, there probably isn’t much Dr. Anthony Dao cannot do. He has been a go-getter from the start, excelling academically and pursuing leadership roles in student and community organizations while also devoting time to research. He wants to pursue a fellowship in cardiothoracic or critical care, eventually practicing at an academic institution.
What this award means: “This award is a reflection of all the hardships and imperfections I have worked on during medical school, and I am incredibly honored to be recognized for this. I am very appreciative to all the welcoming faculty and residents who have challenged me to grow into the best possible version of myself.”
Mentor comment: “Anthony is a natural leader with a servant’s heart. He stood out early in his medical career through his leadership in the Anesthesiology Student Interest Group, among others, and has participated in multiple research projects. Beyond all of this, Anthony embodies a true spirit of service. He has volunteered countless hours to many organizations across UT Southwestern and was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award.” – Dr. Amy Woods, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Management
Background and family: “I was born in Delaware and raised in Houston. My parents and sister have always been supportive, and I am very grateful for all the love and encouragement they have provided on this journey.”
What led to your career path: “My first experience with anesthesiology was shadowing during high school, although it was not until I did my anesthesiology rotations that I was able to appreciate what I loved about the field. I enjoyed the mix of translating clinical knowledge into actionable treatments, seeing patients get better within seconds, and caring for patients during some of the most critical times of their illnesses, such as during surgery or in the ICU.”
UTSW activities: “I served as an officer of the Anesthesiology Student Interest Group and loved sharing my experience in anesthesiology. I also was a manager at The Monday Clinic and a Director of the HepBFree Project.”
Surprising fact: “A lot of people already know that I can solve a Rubik’s Cube, but not many know that I can do it blindfolded.”
Future plans: “I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in cardiothoracic or critical care, or both. I hope to practice at an academic institution where I can work in quality improvement and teach medical students and residents.”
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.