Ava E. Pierce, MD

Dr. Pierce is a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she serves as associate vice chair of outreach and engagement and co-director of the Joint Admission Medical Program.

She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine at Shreveport and completed her emergency medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine. She also completed the Medical Education Research Certificate Program and the AAMC Healthcare Executive Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program.

Dr. Pierce’s research focuses on medical education, health equity, and cardiac resuscitation. She is committed to implementing innovative changes that enhance excellence in health care and strengthen a diverse workforce dedicated to providing high-quality medical care.

She has been an active leader within the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), particularly in the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM), where she has served as development officer and president. In recognition of her impact on student and resident academic success, ADIEM awarded her the 2016 Outstanding Academician Award. She has also served on SAEM’s Membership Committee, Ethics Committee, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and as an elected member-at-large on the SAEM Board of Directors.

Dr. Pierce is also a member of the National Medical Association and the AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion, as well as a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. In 2022, she was appointed as holder of the Michael P. Wainscott, MD, Professorship in Emergency Medicine.