In college, Dr. Lisa Thiele spent time shadowing an Ob/Gyn and was entranced by that physician’s work. This experience led her to the same specialty as a career choice, with a focus on advocating for women’s rights.

Lisa Thiele, M.D., M.P.H.

What this award means: I am incredibly grateful to receive this award. It was wonderful to work with residents and faculty in the Department during research and throughout my rotations. Being recognized for my work is an honor.

Mentor comment: Lisa’s passion for obstetrics and gynecology was evident early in medical school. She actively participated in educational activities for students as well as research projects focused on anemia and the inclusion of pregnant and lactating women. Her first-author plenary presentation at this year’s Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, an international meeting, won the overall award for best research on Diversity/Disparity in Health Outcomes. – Catherine Spong, M.D., Chair and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

Background and family: I grew up in Coventry, Rhode Island, as the youngest of four siblings. After participating in a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, I knew that I wanted to be a doctor. I am the first person in my family to go to medical school.

What led to your career path: As an undergraduate, I shadowed an Ob/Gyn in the operating room and became instantly hooked. Throughout medical school and during my classes for my Master of Public Health degree, I realized that I wanted to center advocacy in my career. In my clerkships and my research projects, I saw all the ways that a career in Ob/Gyn would allow me to advocate for women’s rights, both on a legislative level and in my daily clinical duties.

College: I majored in health and exercise science at Wake Forest University. I was heavily involved in One Thousand Schools, an organization focused on raising money to build schools in Honduras and increase access to education for girls. I also tutored for general and organic chemistry.

UTSW activities: As co-President for the American Medical Women’s Association in my first and second year of medical school, I was able to help organize mentorship opportunities for medical students. I also participated in the Patient Navigator Program, which connects people experiencing homelessness with a team of Health Professions students who aid them in navigating barriers to health care.

Surprising fact: I foster animals for the SPCA. To date, I have fostered over 20 cats and dogs through the SPCA of Texas, and I would recommend fostering to any animal lover who feels like they aren’t able to commit to adopting a pet of their own.

Ultimate career goal: My ultimate goal is to make patients feel understood while advocating for my patients to have autonomy over their health decisions. Visiting the gynecologist can be a scary or intimidating experience for many patients, and I hope to help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their ability to advocate for themselves.

Future plans: I am headed to a residency in Ob/Gyn here at UT Southwestern next year, and I ultimately hope to pursue a career in maternal-fetal medicine.

About the award: The award is given annually to an outstanding UT Southwestern Medical School graduate pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology.