Prepared for Practice

How Dr. Troy Dawley’s Undergrad Experience Helped His Career

Troy Dawley doesn't take for granted the fact that his experience at The University of Texas at Tyler as an undergraduate chemistry major was different from the peers with whom he attended medical school or works alongside in his residency.

“The chemistry department at UT Tyler truly felt like a family to me,” said Dawley. “I had made so many connections with fellow classmates and with my professors, and it wasn't until I went to medical school and spoke to my classmates who had attended larger universities that I realized how special the experience I had was.”

After graduating from UT Tyler in 2010, Dawley went on to the complete his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at the University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas. He believes the opportunities he had at UT Tyler helped better prepare him for his career studying and practicing medicine.

“The interactions I had with my professors was incredible and what truly helped nurture the next steps I took in higher education,” Dawley said. “Most of the professors I had—if not all of them—were not only open to one-on-one teaching and taking the time to mentor us, but they also offered us research opportunities and helped us network, which not a lot of undergraduates have the opportunity to do, especially before medical school.”

Dawley is currently a neurosurgery resident through Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine and is affiliated with Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical System in Detroit, Michigan. He completed a fellowship earlier this year in New York in neuro-oncology and is considering a fellowship focusing on complex spine surgery after he completes his residency. His ultimate goal is to open a private practice.