Zhu wins John P. McGovern Award
Michael L. Zhu, MD, ’18, assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, is the 2024 recipient of the John P. McGovern Award as the exceptional clinical teacher.
The John P. McGovern Award is given annually to the outstanding clinical faculty member as chosen by the senior class. The award is made possible by an endowment from the McGovern Foundation.
“I was surprised and delighted (to win the award),” Zhu said. “It’s very meaningful as I’m passionate about teaching. Many of the past award recipients are physicians I’ve admired since my medical student days, so I am deeply humbled and grateful to be in their company.”
Clinically, Zhu cares for adult and senior patients both inpatient at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital as well as outpatient at UT Physicians. He is committed to bridging the inpatient and outpatient gap to empower his patients, especially those on their post-hospitalization journey.
In the classroom, Zhu uses his own experiences as a learner to help teach the current students at McGovern Medical School. He said he hopes that by reminding himself of the struggles he faced as a student and resident, he can share these experiences to encourage today’s learners to overcome their own challenges.
“I strive to be empathetic and approachable to learners,” Zhu said. “It is important to learn from your students as they come with such a variety of backgrounds and interests. Understanding them helps me shape information in a way that’s more meaningful to them.”
Zhu had a variety of teachers throughout his educational journey, from elementary school until today, that he sees as teaching mentors, including his undergraduate professor, Dr. Brent Iverson, who displayed a joyful enthusiasm for teaching and compassion for students that left a positive impact on Zhu. Additionally, at McGovern Medical School, Zhu drew influence from Bruce Kone, MD, professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, who was a role model for patient advocacy and the science of medicine while never taking himself too seriously and using hilarious stories to impart pearls of wisdom.
Zhu received his medical degree from McGovern Medical School in 2018. He completed both an internship and residency at McGovern in 2021.
Upon receiving the award, Zhu thanked his parents for always encouraging him to pursue his dreams, as well as his mentor, Phil Johnson, MD, who helped him in his medical school days and then recruited him to join the McGovern faculty.
“Of course, I also want to thank my students and residents who inspire me every day through their enthusiasm for learning and commitment to taking care of our patients,” he said.
Previous recipients of the award include: Karthik Bhandari, MD, 2023; Jennifer Swails, MD, 2022, 2017; J. Chase Findley, MD, 2022, 2019; Saher J. Rabadi, MD, 2021; Steven B. Eisenberg, MD, 2020; Gus Krucke, MD, 2018; Rukma Govindu, MD, 2016; Pedro Mancias, MD, 2015; Gabriel Aisenberg, MD, 2014, 2012; Mancias, 2013, 2009; Eugene Toy, MD, 2011, 2002; Octavio Pinell, MD, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995; Alberto Puig, MD, PhD, 2007, 2005; Frank Arnett, MD, 2003, 2000; Edward Yeomans, MD, 1998; John F. Donnelly, MD, 1996, 1993, 1990; James T. Willerson, MD, 1994; John M. Passmore, MD, 1992; and Herbert L. DuPont, MD, 1991; Patricia Butler, MD, 1985.