The struggles and sacrifices that Dr. Anthony Han’s parents made as immigrants to the U.S. so that he could have a good education imprinted on him the desire to help others. This led to his interest in becoming a physician, and emergency medicine in particular.

Anthony Han, M.D.

What this award means: I am excited to enter my career in medicine and have channeled that into activities and efforts as a student. I’m honored that others have noticed my passion and are recognizing me for it.

Mentor comment: Anthony has been an excellent student with superb clinical skills, but stands out through his involvement in teaching and advocacy – from simulation interest groups to teaching CPR at health fairs, to leadership in our school’s student Texas Medical Association (TMA) chapter. We expect him to become a leader in his future residency program. – Christine Kulstad, M.D., Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine 

Background and family: I am an only child and first-generation American, immigrating to the U.S. when I was 3 years old with my parents. I was raised in Arlington, Texas, and attended James Martin High School. My father teaches aerospace engineering at UT Arlington.

What led to your career path: I grew up with immigrant parents who instilled the value of hard work in me from an early age. Like many other immigrant parents, I watched mine save every penny, turning down chance after chance to purchase things for themselves, so my education might not be limited by financial burdens. As I grew older and realized the scale of that sacrifice, I felt compelled to use it to positively impact as many others as possible. I love working in the ER, as I can treat the most acute, sick patients, and be the first line in their care on their worst days.

College:   I attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, majoring in biomedical engineering. A cellist, I played musical gigs part time during college while also serving as a resident adviser and volunteer at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

UTSW activities:  I co-wrote, co-produced and acted in the senior movie. Other activities included serving as instructor for a student-run simulations elective, Stop the Bleed, and Texas Two Step CPR programs; co-manager of the Agape student-run musculoskeletal clinic; vice president of UT Southwestern’s TMA student chapter; volunteer for United to Serve and COVID-19 vaccine efforts; and MS1 orientation counselor.

Surprising fact: In my free time, I train in Brazilian jiujitsu and boxing at the GracieOne Academy in North Dallas. Additionally, I do West Coast swing dance with my fiancé.

Future plans: I will continue my training in emergency medicine here at UT Southwestern. I have an interest in EMS, event medicine, and ringside medicine, so I hope to be involved in those areas to some capacity.

Ultimate career goal: I believe we in medicine have the privilege to tangibly better the lives of those in our community, and in doing so create a ripple effect of good. As an emergency physician, I’d like to take people on days they are sick or frightened and be the first step in turning those days around.

About the award: The award is presented to a medical student who demonstrates excellence in emergency medicine, with special dedication to Texans who need emergency care.