the torch Winter 2013, Issue 4 | Page 11

MEDED PROFILE M I K E H I TC H C O C K , M . D . Mike Hitchcock, M.D., is a second-year resident in the pathology department at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. After earning his master’s degree in biology at Stephen F. Austin State University, he had planned to teach high school biology, but instead was offered a position at the university where he taught anatomy and physiology to nursing students. It was this position that piqued his interest in medicine and led him to pursue his medical degree at UT Southwestern. Dr. Mike Hitchcock What brought you to Baylor? I specifically chose the pathology residency program at Baylor because of the quality of the pathologists with whom I would be working and the important collaborative environment between pathology and other departments. The medical excellence at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center coupled with the development of Med Fusion, a highend clinical laboratory with advanced diagnostic technology, made the opportunity to train at Baylor an open-andshut case. What impresses you about Baylor? I love that Baylor has a comprehensive and clear vision, committed to ensuring that I receive the best training to prepare for a career in pathology. What are your hobbies and interests? In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing piano and running. My wife, Melanie, and I serve as co-chairs on our church’s mission committee where we have the opportunity to be involved in various missions and work with nonprofit groups such as Alley’s House, Agape Clinic, Refugee Services of Texas and the North Texas Food Bank. It is a great opportunity to be involved in the community. What are your goals? which includes a strong emphasis on training, patient edu- I am still early in my career, and I am sure there are many cation, community outreach (from local to international), surprising twists my career path will take me. Still, I have research and best practices in health care. Baylor also values a passion for teaching, and I think that will always be a big education and supports a number of strong residency and part of my career. My goals include being a mentor and fellowship programs. As a physician-in-training, I feel I have educator throughout my career, playing a role in the devel- some truly outstanding physicians as mentors who care opment of new medical knowledge and technology, and deeply about my education and serve as valuable role mod- making a positive impact in the lives of the patients I serve els. The department and the institution are both very and the community in which I live. give.baylorhealth.com 11