Dr. Amy Kuprasertkul: John D. McConnell Award for Excellence in Urology
Women’s issues have always been close to Dr. Amy Kuprasertkul’s heart, whether through work or community service. She enjoys the combination of medicine and research, so much so that she aspires to become a compassionate urologist and surgeon with a special interest in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
What this award means: “I’ve been able to grow so much as a researcher and I am so grateful to Dr. Philippe Zimmern, Professor of Urology, and his research team for showing me the ropes. This award is meaningful to me because it recognizes three years of hard work in research, but it also feels special because the UTSW Urology Department will always be my first urology family.”
Mentor comment: “Amy demonstrated excellent clinical skills and a natural talent for interacting with patients. She was instrumental in several clinical research projects in the Department and co-authored a paper highlighting some of the challenges faced by women and underrepresented minorities applying for positions in urology. This work, no doubt, will have implications for urology programs as we collectively strive to improve the diversity of our workforce.” – Dr. Gary Lemack, Professor of Urology and Neurology
Background and family: “My parents were born and raised in Thailand but moved here for computer science job opportunities. Thus, I was born and raised in Texas, but my family still practices many customs of Thai culture.”
What led to your career path: “I had exposure to women’s health as an undergrad, so I found projects that I was passionate about by reading Dr. Zimmern’s research on female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. I’m excited to further my training as a physician-scientist, collaborating and bringing ideas to basic science labs.”
UTSW activities: “I was active with V-Day at UTSW, a global activist movement to end violence against women, and with Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a program to help underachieving students prepare for college.”
Surprising fact: “I rode an ostrich in Thailand once!”
Future plans: “I will be starting my urology residency next year at Washington University in St. Louis. I’m excited to take care of urological patients and start my surgical training. Additionally, I’ll be getting involved in research with a female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery specialist at Washington University.”
About the award: The award honors Dr. McConnell, a former UTSW faculty member who led Urology from a Division into a Department. He is now CEO Emeritus of Wake Forest Healthcare Ventures in North Carolina, which develops and commercializes health care products and services.