Zhu wins McGovern’s exceptional clinical teacher award
Michael L. Zhu, MD ’18, assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, has been named the 2026 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.
Zhu previously won the award in 2024.
“I was delighted to receive this award,” Zhu said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the medical school community that has been so supportive dating back to my own medical student days.”
Clinically, Zhu cares for adult and senior patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, and UT Physicians. He is particularly committed to helping bridge the transition between hospital and outpatient care to better support patients throughout their recovery journey.
For Zhu, teaching is rooted in creating an environment where learners feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute.
“During my medical training, my favorite teachers broke down the medical hierarchy by using gentle humor to help make learning fun while welcoming everyone’s ideas as valuable, including from the least experienced members of the team,” Zhu said. “In treating us as true partners, they taught me that we learn best when we know we are appreciated and that our contributions truly matter.”
Zhu said those experiences continue to shape the way he approaches medical education today.
“Learning gains so much more meaning when we feel empowered to use this knowledge to make a difference for our patients,” he said.
Among the many educators who influenced him throughout his academic journey, Zhu credits both undergraduate and medical school mentors for helping shape his teaching philosophy.
He highlighted Brett Iverson, PhD, one of his undergraduate professors, whose enthusiasm for teaching, humor, and compassion for students left a lasting impression. At McGovern Medical School, Zhu also drew inspiration from Sujith Cherian, MD, whose supportive approach in the LBJ intensive care unit helped make even challenging clinical days enjoyable for trainees.
“He created an environment where we felt safe learning to provide good patient care, while his hilarious stories made us laugh even as they imparted pearls of wisdom,” Zhu said.
Zhu received his medical degree from McGovern Medical School in 2018 before completing both is internship and residency training at UTHealth Houston in 2021.
Upon receiving the award, Zhu thanked those who supported him throughout his career and educational journey.
“I want to thank my parents for always encouraging me to pursue my dreams. Dr. Phil Johnson for mentoring me since my medical student days and recruiting me to join the medical school faculty. And of course, to my students and residents who inspire me every day through their enthusiasm for learning and commitment to taking great care of patients,” Zhu said.
Previous recipients of the award include: Gregory Hestla, MD, 2025; 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; Pedro Mancias, MD, 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; Herbert L. DuPont, MD, 1991; and Patricia Butler, MD, 1985.