Not many Olympic athletes forsake the fame of their beloved sport for a medical career, but Dr. Erica Ogwumike did just that. She participated in the Tokyo Olympics the first year of medical school but stayed firm to her true calling. For her, the skills she used as an athlete at Rice University translated into those needed as a physician: teamwork, drive, and preparation.

Erica Ogwumike, M.D.

What this award means: Since my first year of medical school, I’ve been profoundly inspired by the unwavering standard of excellence upheld by the Dermatology faculty and residents on a daily basis. From that point onward, my aspiration has been to emulate and contribute to this culture of excellence as I pursued my path to becoming a dermatologist. This award symbolizes the culmination of my dedication and, although my journey is just beginning, it reaffirms that I am on the right path. I am immensely grateful to every faculty member, resident, and staff member in the Dermatology Department for their invaluable support in reaching this milestone.

Mentor comment: Erica has the skills to be a leading clinician, researcher, and educator in dermatology. Clinically, she consistently goes above and beyond for her patients and creates a comfortable learning environment for her peers. She has been involved in dermatology research since her early medical school time and has published in JAMA Dermatology, among others, on topics ranging from structural competency in dermatology curriculum to atypical presentations of sarcoidosis. She is also an advocate for her peers, having mentored many students interested in dermatology and taking on leadership positions in the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). – Cristina Thomas, M.D., Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Internal Medicine

Background and family: I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I am the youngest of four girls. I am a first generation Nigerian American!

What led to your career path: My extensive background in sports has been instrumental in shaping both my upbringing and career trajectory. As a student athlete at Rice University, where I played on the women’s basketball team, and later as a participant in the Tokyo Olympics during my first year of medical school, sports imbued me with an innate drive, fostered teamwork skills, and taught me the importance of preparation. Attending Rice University, situated near the Texas Medical Center, provided me with opportunities to shadow physicians, an experience that solidified my desire to pursue medicine. In the realm of dermatology, I am particularly drawn to the emphasis on repetition and conceptualization in patient care, as well as the enduring nature of patient interactions, often spanning over years. Many of the qualities I honed through my athletic endeavors resonate deeply with the demands of dermatology, making it feel like a natural fit for me.

College: I graduated cum laude from Rice University, majoring in health sciences, policy studies, and Spanish.

UTSW activities: I served as President of the Dermatology Interest Group from 2020 to 2021, as SNMA Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) liaison from 2020 to 2021, and as Anti-Racism and Action Subcommittee President from 2022 to 2024.

Surprising fact: I (sort of) studied at a medical school before I went to actual medical school! During my college years, I studied abroad in Pamplona, Spain, where my institution collaborated with La Universidad de Navarra. While there, I took two courses taught by physicians at their medical school.

Future plans: After graduation, I am headed to a dermatology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. I aspire to become a highly skilled dermatologist, proficient in both basic and advanced dermatological pathologies, capable of effectively treating diverse skin types with confidence and expertise.

About the award: The award is given to students who have advanced dermatological patient care, research, or teaching in a special way, or who show promise for leadership in these areas.