Dr. Amy Xia: Roland C. Reynolds Pathology Award
One of Dr. Amy Xia’s fondest memories is of making ice cream using liquid nitrogen from the lab where her parents worked at Caltech. Surrounded by exposure to science, it seemed inevitable she would follow a similar career path and ended up drawn to medicine. Her chosen field is pediatrics, with a residency starting soon at the University of Washington.
What this award means: “I am so honored to have been selected for this award celebrating the legacy of the late Dr. Reynolds. Knowing that this award represents service and care for the community, I feel humbled to be recognized for my passions and involvements during medical school!”
Mentor comment: “It is an honor to recognize Amy with this year’s Reynolds award. Dr. Reynolds led a life of service to others, both professionally and in his personal life, and Amy exemplifies these traits. Her long-standing educational background in community-based health and the social determinants of health are a tribute to her. Of note is her work as Hepatitis C Program Director in establishing a community health program at Calvert Place for hepatitis screening and organizing mental health screenings at Center of Hope.” – Dr. Kathleen Wilson, Professor of Pathology and in the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development
Background and family: “I am thankful for my family, friends, and my significant other for their continued support during my medical education.”
What led to your career path: “I grew up surrounded by science – both my parents studied at Caltech during my childhood. One of my birthday parties growing up involved making ice cream using liquid nitrogen from their lab! I was a very curious child and loved stories. As I grew older, I realized that I could learn about how the stories of science and human physiology take shape in individuals. This pushed me toward a career in medicine.”
UTSW activities: “At UT Southwestern, I was heavily involved in the student-run free clinic at Union Gospel Mission and co-developed a hepatitis C screening program for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship and UTSW’s Community Action Research Track (CART) provided me the foundation to implement community-based participatory research and initiatives. I helped expand our clinical nutrition education through implementing an elective, ‘Building a Food Foundation.’”
Surprising fact: “During our third year of medical school, my friend was walking his dog Biscuit and found a small black dog without a collar or chip. I adopted that dog and named him Raoul. Now we go on many adventures together!”
Future plans: “I will be starting my pediatrics residency at Seattle Children’s/University of Washington this summer and hope to work at a medical center to combine medical education, advocacy, and a community-centered approach into my academic career.”
About the award: The award, which includes $1,500, honors the late Dr. Reynolds, a UT Southwestern alumnus and faculty member remembered as a gifted pathologist and a generous person.