As the son of Chinese immigrants, Dr. Michael Li witnessed the struggles his parents faced learning a new language and accessing health care. For that reason, he has a passion for helping the less fortunate navigate all types of medical issues, although he is considering a focus on cardiology.

Michael Li, M.D.

What this award means: I am honored to receive this reward and continue the legacy of Dr. Smith, who embodied many of the aspects I aspire to emulate as a physician. I find special meaning in having received this award as a recognition of my efforts to treat patients with the utmost compassion and respect.

Mentor comment: Michael is self-motivated and driven by curiosity. He has been praised by faculty for his excellent clinical acumen and mature and humanistic approach to patient care. He also understands the importance of research. Overall, Michael is a natural internist, dedicated to his craft, demonstrating exemplary professionalism and superb clinical skills. – Jessica Campbell, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Background and family: I was born and raised in Katy, Texas, where I grew up with two older brothers and a younger sister. As my parents emigrated from Sichuan, China, I witnessed firsthand the struggles they encountered in a foreign country, including a language barrier and difficulty accessing health care. I gradually came to recognize how I could help them navigate these issues, and through that process, gained an understanding of how I might do so for my future patients as well.

What led to your career path: My initial plan was to become a biochemistry researcher, but my various experiences volunteering as part of Rice University’s EMS team helped me discover my passion for directly helping patients, leading to my decision to seek a career in medicine.

College: I graduated from Rice University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry. Throughout my time there, I was a member of the student-run Rice EMS (REMS) and volunteered as a counselor at Camp Kesem, a program for children with family members affected by cancer. I also worked as a teaching assistant for several biosciences classes and as an independent tutor.

UTSW activities: I served as the co-President of the Seldin Society for Internal Medicine and as a co-Director of the DFW Hepatitis B Free organization that provides free hepatitis screenings. I also was involved in COVID-19 vaccine clinics and the United to Serve Science Zone Committee, for which I helped create educational materials to share my passion for science with health fair attendees.

Surprising fact: I can whistle a range of three octaves, with the highest note being C8 (which is the highest note on a piccolo)!

Future plans: After graduation, I plan on building a strong foundation of clinical knowledge during my time as an internal medicine resident right here at UT Southwestern. Later, I want to pursue a fellowship in cardiology. I hope to help underserved patients as well as contribute academically to research important clinical questions.

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.