Daniel Lam ’24 is determined to be a medical doctor, so of course he enrolled at the University of St. Thomas-Houston just like his three older brothers did before him. UST alumni, Duc Lam ’12, Quy Lam ’16, and Thanh Lam ’20, have either completed or are currently attending dental and/or medical school. Now, their youngest brother, Daniel, has been accepted into the prestigious UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine in Galveston, Texas. 

Expressing his pride, Daniel affirmed, “I am proud to be part of a UST legacy family!”

Taking on Medical School with a Buddy Alumnus

Adding to the excitement, Lam is delighted that his chosen medical school is so close to his hometown of League City. What makes this journey even more special is that one of his closest friends from UST is heading to the same medical school.

“George Fakes and I met at a biology club event on campus during our sophomore year, and we’ve been friends ever since,” Lam said. “We’ve collaborated on some amazing projects together, and I don’t think UTMB will be ready for us next year!”

Among the servant leadership projects led by the duo at St. Thomas were a 3D printing project that raised $20,000 for Giving Tuesday and a campus drive that collected 500 toys for patients at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Maia Larios-Sanz, Professor and Chair of Biology, said, “Both George and Daniel are great examples of successful students. Both found a way to achieve their goals by working hard and finding a balance between their academics and their extracurricular activities. Neither of them forgot about service to their community, either. We are very proud of their collective achievements, and they are a true testament to their parents and siblings. We expect amazing things from both of them and look forward to seeing what they continue to achieve in their lives. One thing is certain, they will be wonderful ambassadors for our STEM programs at UST.”

An Interest in Cancelling Cancer

While Lam is in no hurry to decide on his field of medicine, this biology major does have a current interest.

“A field that has piqued my interest is oncology,” he explained. “Leading a melanoma cancer research team at UST as well as volunteering at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center has opened my eyes to this field, and I hope I can continue to work in this realm of medicine one day.”

The UST Experience

Coming into his sophomore year after COVID, Lam recalled college being different from what he expected—better. And he seized every opportunity. 

Lam said, “I was eager and actively participated in as many different clubs as possible and connected with many students and professors. Over the years, I fell in love with the tight-knit community I met and undertook challenging projects that enriched my experience.”

Staying Curious

One of his key UST takeaways is to “always stay passionately curious” and to be proactive in exploring interesting opportunities. Looking ahead, Lam can see himself working in a specialty he loves or….

“Maybe I will choose to pursue a more academic route in medicine such as a teaching attending physician in a medical school hospital, or I may pursue a passion I have for business by owning a private practice.”

Lam is keeping his options open and savoring every minute on his exciting path.

Commencement 2024 When and Where

UST-Houston Commencement 2024 takes place Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m., at NRG Stadium, 8400 Kirby Drive. UST commencement celebrates the achievements of 684 undergraduates and 302 graduate students. The Baccalaureate Mass held on Friday, May 10, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the Commencement the following day will be livestreamed. View the livestream link here.