As a child of Chinese immigrants, Dr. Calvin Geng appreciates the educational opportunities available in the U.S. He dove full force into academics, graduating with a degree in biology through a combined program between UT Dallas and UT Southwestern that afforded provisional acceptance to UT Southwestern Medical School. He aspires to practice in academics to have a hand in clinical care, research, and medical education.

Dr. Calvin Geng

What this award means: “I feel extremely grateful to have mentors and classmates who led by example and demonstrated the power of empathy, compassion, and intellectual curiosity. To be selected for this award from a class full of equally deserving colleagues is humbling and serves as motivation to continue to do the best I can for my patients.” 

Mentor comment: “Calvin’s intellect, curiosity, and persistence have helped him excel academically and in research at UT Southwestern and UT Dallas. However, Calvin truly stands out for his warm nature, effervescent enthusiasm for learning, and his gift for forming human connections.  I don’t think I have ever met a student who has as much fun learning and working in the clinical environment as Calvin. I have no doubt that Calvin will combine his considerable skills at the bedside, interest in research, and passion for education in a career in academic medicine.” – Dr. Stephanie Brinker, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Background and family: “I was born in Jinan, China, on Dec. 25, 1995. When I was 3, I immigrated to Lubbock, Texas, where my dad studied electrical engineering at Texas Tech University. We moved to Austin, Texas, when I was 5. Undoubtedly the best part of medical school was meeting my partner and best friend, Anna Jane, whom I couples matched with this year.”

What led to your career path: “As a child of first-generation Chinese immigrants, I have seen how personal sacrifice can lead to the betterment of others. My parents gave up so much when they immigrated to America to give me the chance for opportunities they never had. In high school, I made the decision to pursue a career in medicine after I realized the NBA was not in the stars. All joking aside, this decision was driven largely by seeing the difficulties my parents faced in navigating health care. As a soon-to-be resident physician, I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to give to my patients as my parents have given to me.”

UTSW activities: “I have enjoyed being one of the Social Chairs for my medical school class. In this role, I was able to meet many lifelong friends. I was also actively involved in a variety of research, ranging from the bench to clinical in the fields of burn physiology, head and neck cancers, and esophageal disorders. I continued to be involved in intramural sports, where I participated as both a player and a referee.”

Surprising fact: “I have a friendly cat named Baker whom I adopted during medical school. While he is not the sharpest tool in the shed, he is very compassionate, loves food, and watches birds fly by on the balcony.”

Future plans: “Anna Jane and I matched at the University of Virginia for our psychiatry and internal medicine residency training. I am currently interested in a career in gastroenterology, but will keep an open mind heading into my intern year. Ultimately, I want to practice in academics where I can strike a healthy balance of clinical duties, medical education, and research.”

About the award: The award is given annually to one or more graduating medical students who excel academically during clinical rotations and exhibit an interest in and compassion for patients.