For a decade, Dr. Ava Wilson trained as a competitive gymnast. She learned how to reconcile a demanding schedule with academics, skills that suited her perfectly for becoming a physician. Today, Dr. Wilson envisions a career in internal medicine that combines clinical practice with a passion for women’s health and improving medical care in underrepresented populations.

Ava Wilson, M.D.

What this award means: I am honored to receive this award. Dr. Salomon’s tenacity and resilience in finishing medical school with an uncurable cancer diagnosis will serve as a reminder to work hard for my patients, commit to lifelong learning, and pursue medical breakthroughs to improve patient care and outcomes.

Mentor comment: Ava has this insatiable curiosity for knowledge and solving problems that will benefit her patients, particularly marginalized patients. She is always looking for new ways to integrate her love for research, extracurricular activities, and patient advocacy work. Ava will be an incredible leader and asset to the field of internal medicine. – Kehinde Odedosu, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine 

Background and family: I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I grew up alongside my older sister, Tara, who is also my role model and best friend. My grandmother, a family medicine practitioner; mom, a neurologist; and dad, a cardiologist; all serve as role models for a career in medicine. As a third-generation female physician, I hope to make them all proud.

What led to your career path: During my undergraduate training, I discovered a passion for reproductive health advocacy and basic sciences that led me to pursue medicine. At UTSW, I fell in love with the clinical challenges of internal medicine in combination with the purpose I felt working alongside patients to understand their diagnoses. When thinking about my future career, I envision not only challenging myself academically but also serving a larger purpose of advocating for people.

College: I received my Bachelor of Arts in medicine, health, and society from Vanderbilt University, graduating with honors.

UTSW activities: I helped lead the Women’s Health Enrichment elective and volunteered with the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program. I also worked on gender-affirming care research. During my last year of medical school, I served as a peer mentor and worked on the Gold Humanism Honor Society Humans of Parkland Committee.

Surprising fact: I was a competitive gymnast for over 10 years. I am so thankful to the sport for teaching me invaluable lessons in discipline, determination, and dedication. 

Ultimate career goal: My goal is to constantly push myself to find ways to best advocate for my patients, lead with empathy, and uplift and support members of the care team.

Future plans: This summer, I will start my residency in internal medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I plan to pursue my interests in cardiology, women’s health, and gender-affirming care. I aspire to work hard for my patients and look forward to taking on additional responsibilities in patient care.

About the award: The award recognizes a medical student who demonstrates excellence in internal medicine. It is named after Dr. Salomon, who graduated from UTSW in 1967 and died shortly thereafter.