After receiving numerous awards in college, Dr. Jordan Franklin took on inborn errors of metabolism and breast imaging research at UTSW. She now aspires to work in internal medicine, eventually pursuing a cardiology fellowship.

Jordan Franklin, M.D.

What this award means: I am deeply honored to receive this award, especially from faculty I greatly respect. I appreciate that it embodies both clinical excellence and compassionate care, core traits of the incredible physicians I have worked with and learned from.

Mentor comment: Jordan is an independent thinker with a passion for knowledge. Her steadfast commitment to research has earned her numerous accolades both at the undergraduate level and in medical school. Jordan’s future in academic medicine is bright, impelled by her unfettered enthusiasm for learning and her enduring work ethic. – Ahmad Anshasi, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Background and family: I grew up in The Woodlands, Texas. My main influences and support were my mother and brother, who is now an interventional and structural cardiologist.

What led to your career path: I was always drawn to medicine from personal experiences with illness and through my research, appreciating the critical thinking, opportunities for innovation, and ability to make an immediate positive difference in patients’ lives. I found my experiences with the Department of Internal Medicine and the Division of Cardiology deeply fulfilling and knew that pursuing a career path in these fields would sustain and excite me for the rest of my life.

College: I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in human developmental and regenerative biology from Harvard College. I worked in labs at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute all four years, completing a thesis on cancer epigenetics in the laboratory of Alex Meissner, Ph.D. I was awarded several of the most prestigious academic and research prizes at Harvard, including the Hoopes Prize, John Harvard Scholar distinction, Harvard Stem Cell Institute Internship, and Harvard College Research Program awards. I was also the co-Director of a social services initiative at MGH Revere Pediatrics.

UTSW activities: I was extremely fortunate to work in the laboratory of Ralph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D., where I investigated inborn errors of metabolism in a cohort of 27 children and was able to diagnose two children with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria. I also worked on breast imaging research, with my most recent project proposing new screening guidelines for breast cancer survivors. I am graduating with an M.D. with Distinction in Research. Additionally, I was co-President of the Radiology Interest Group and a member of Women in Radiology.

Surprising fact: I really enjoy basketball and rap/hip-hop music

Ultimate career goal: I am passionate about continually enhancing my knowledge base and clinical acumen but also take great pride in being an advocate for my patients, educating them on their conditions, and supporting them through their journeys. I also hope to contribute to advancement in medicine through teaching, mentorship, and meaningful research output.

Future plans: I am excited to start my residency in internal medicine at Duke University Medical Center and plan to pursue a fellowship in cardiology.

About the award: The Dr. Richard Mays Smith 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.