A Profound Passion for Patient Care

Emily Schmitt MDx’26 discovered her passion for chemistry in high school and pursued dual degrees in chemistry and biological chemistry at the University of Chicago. During college, Emily’s father was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, inspiring her to research epigenetics and volunteer at a cancer center. These experiences sparked her commitment to both cancer research and providing exceptional patient care.

After graduation, Emily worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Medical College of Wisconsin, gaining valuable investigative skills. She also volunteered at an inpatient hospice facility, where she was deeply moved by the physicians’ dedication to improving patients’ quality of life. This experience solidified her desire to practice medicine with empathy and intention.

Now a medical student at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Emily was drawn to the school’s emphasis on group learning and public health. She plans to specialize in oncology, combining her scientific interests with her commitment to patient-centered care.

Emily is the 2023–26 recipient of the Victor W. Gieschen MD and Barbara Gieschen Great People Scholarship, which was established in 2009 as a part of the Great People Match. The children of Victor ’52, MD’55 and Barbara ’54 created this fund to honor their parents and celebrate their father’s medical career.

“As I begin clinical rotations,” Emily says, “I continue to keep an open mind to find a specialty that best fits my strengths and personality. My goal is to support the quality of life of my patients in every encounter.”

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