As a child, Dr. Avery Young always seemed to be in and out of emergency rooms, from visits for a broken arm to a cut on her scalp. She always felt safe, a sentiment that drew her to the field. Now she hopes to pay it forward, providing excellent care to future patients in need of emergency treatment.

Avery Young, M.D.

What this award means: The faculty and residents who staff the Emergency Department at UT Southwestern are witty, flexible, and incredibly approachable. It feels incredibly promising to know that a group of physicians that I personally hold in high esteem also reciprocate the warm sentiment.

Mentor comment: Avery represents the giving spirit of the emergency medicine physician. In addition to her volunteering excellence, Avery has a strong record of teaching excellence, including being an Advanced Anatomy course director in her last year of medical school. She has excellent clinical skills and an upbeat and friendly demeanor that will continue to serve her and her patients well. – Mary McHugh, M.D., Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

Background and family: I was born and raised in Plano, Texas, with an older sister. I am closest with my father, who relocated to Maryland nearly a decade ago. Additionally, I am the proud owner of a 13-year-old dog named Louie, who is simultaneously the highest maintenance relationship of my personal life and my greatest source of daily joy.

What led to your career path: Long before I became an EM-bound medical student, I was just a kid with a proclivity for impulsive choices and bad luck. As an infant, I experienced febrile seizures; as a toddler, I required stitches on my scalp; in elementary school, I discovered how easy it is to break your arm while skiing. I can think of nearly a dozen instances where I have required emergency medical attention, and in hindsight, I am sure of two things: The first is my parents never had trouble meeting their insurance deductible, and the second is I have felt safe and reassured in the company of emergency medicine physicians since I was a child. It’s a feeling I hope to recreate for my own patients.

College: I graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University, where I majored in molecular and cellular biology. I split my time between research in a bacterial genetics lab and discovered a passion for teaching as a microbiology TA. 

UTSW activities: I was a student course director for four enrichment electives as well as an anatomy TA for first-year students. I was honored to be chosen as a member of the Gold Humanism Society, but I am most proud of the volunteer work I did for the local domestic violence women’s shelter, Brighter Tomorrows.

Surprising fact: My dad is an avid golfer and has been asking me to join him on the course for years now. I have golf lessons planned so I can secretly master the basics and surprise him on the course during my next visit home!

Ultimate career goal: I want to be the best emergency room physician I can possibly be.

Future plans: I will be headed to an emergency medicine residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. I am still undecided in regard to pursuing a future fellowship. I plan on simply remaining curious and enthusiastic during my time in residency, and I am open to wherever my career as an emergency medicine physician leads me.

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.