From the minute he began medical school, Dr. Jeremy Aymard has gotten involved. His classmates say that fits his personality precisely since he has a servant’s heart. For his selfless efforts, Dr. Aymard was selected by his classmates for the Iatros Award based on attributes that embody the ideal physician, including patient care, clinical ability, leadership, and community service.

Jeremy Aymard, M.D.

What the Iatros Award means: When I was announced as the winner of this award at our Senior Banquet, I was completely speechless. For the past four years, I have been surrounded by the most brilliant and kind classmates I could have ever asked for. To be selected by them is a feeling I can’t put into words.

Class of 2023 student comments: Jeremy is exceptionally kind, respectful, and thoughtful to both his peers and patients. He is the core of what it means to be a physician who genuinely cares and wants to give back to his community.  … Always very thoughtful of patients and other students, he is as kind, hardworking, and intelligent as a future physician could be expected to be. … I knew from the first interaction that he is a naturally empathetic and brilliant student dedicated to fostering a warm sense of support in every interaction he has with people. He listens with his full attention and empathizes with his whole heart.

What the Ross Award means: The faculty in the Department of Family and Community Medicine have been phenomenal mentors to me. They have been my role models since I was a first-year medical student. I’m honored that they chose me for this award among many of my deserving classmates.

Mentor comment: Jeremy truly has a servant’s heart. Like other students, he was determined not to let COVID-19 stop him from finding a way to participate and make an impact in the community and the school. Wherever Jeremy lands in residency and afterward will be a place that will be impacted by his involvement and wonderful caring attitude. – Cathy Day, Community Action Research Track Program Coordinator, Department of Family and Community Medicine

Background and family: I grew up in San Francisco, California, raised by my loving mother and father. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for them. My dad is a software engineer, and my mom is a kindergarten teacher’s aide. My little brother, Ryan, is a corporate attorney in Los Angeles. I married the love of my life, Maddie, in April 2022. She is an executive assistant at a recruiting firm in Dallas.

What led to your career path: Growing up, I never thought I would become a physician. With the help of mentors in college, I realized that medicine was a field that would allow me to serve others in a very meaningful way. After graduating from Abilene Christian University (ACU), I worked as a medical assistant at a pediatric clinic. When I was a first-year medical student, I met the inspiring upperclassmen and faculty advisers of the Family Medicine Interest Group, where I quickly discovered that family medicine was the best path for me.

College: I graduated summa cum laude from ACU and majored in biology. I loved being active in the biology department, serving as a teaching assistant and tutor. The biology faculty and staff graciously nominated me for the Honor Man Award, which I received at graduation. I also loved being a part of the men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi, where I formed some of the most amazing memories and friendships.

UTSW activities: I took on several leadership roles within the Family Medicine Interest Group (President, Vice President, and Procedures Manager). I also served as President of Southwestern Christian Fellowship. Other activities I enjoyed included the Lymph Notes (our school’s a cappella group), the MS0 Weekend Planning Committee, and student panels for medical school interview weekends.

Surprising fact: I like to sing and play the acoustic guitar.

Ultimate career goal: My ultimate goal is to build relationships with patients that last a lifetime. I want my patients to know me as their trusted primary care physician.

Future plans: I hope to practice full-scope family medicine, which is a style of family medicine resembling that of the old general practitioner – seeing adults and children in the clinic, taking care of them in the hospital, and providing maternity care. I can see myself being really happy in academic medicine, teaching medical students and residents. I’m excited to train at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, known for training family doctors who do it all.

About the award: The Iatros Award was established by the UT Southwestern Medical School Class of 1984 to honor a graduate who most emulates the complete qualities of a physician. The Iatros Award carries a cash prize provided by the Alumni Association. Named after the Chair of Family and Community Medicine at UT Southwestern from 1984 to 1993, the Ross Award includes a $1,000 scholarship from the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians Foundation.