Dawn Sears

Dawn Sears, M.D., is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a member of its Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases. She provides clinical service at the North Texas Veterans Administration (VA-North Texas) in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, specializing in veteran care and medical education. Dr. Sears has held leadership roles including Associate Program Director and Program Director of the GI fellowship at Baylor Scott & White Health, and served as interim chief of the Central Texas Veterans Administration. Her research focuses on disease prevention, particularly in gastroenterology and hepatology, with notable contributions to Hepatitis C screening protocols influencing national legislation.

Dr. Sears earned her bachelor's degree from Texas Women's University and her medical degree from Texas A&M University. She completed internal medicine residency and gastroenterology/hepatology fellowship at Scott & White Memorial Hospital. Her career emphasizes leadership development, having created mentorship programs for women in medicine and addressing physician well-being through anti-burnout initiatives. She has delivered over 100 invited lectures on topics including liver diseases, negotiation skills, and gender-specific physician issues, and serves as an executive coach for organizations like Scrubs & Heels (Women in Gastroenterology).

Her research spans non-invasive liver disease diagnostics, electronic screening tools for Hepatitis C, and the impact of parental leave policies on healthcare professionals. Though no specific awards are listed, she has received multiple grants for her work with physicians and led significant institutional projects such as a six-suite endoscopy remodel and expansion of VA gastroenterology services. Her involvement in education extends to executive coaching and leadership training for high-level healthcare leaders.