Smithville Native Receives National Outstanding Medical Student Award

A Smithville medical student has received the National Outstanding Medical Student Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association (EMRA).

Ashley Dailey is studying emergency medicine at Lincoln Memorial University’s DeBusk College of Medicine. She is only the second Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine to receive the award.

“Medical school is really hard and it’s really hard to understand unless you’ve been through it yourself,” Dailey said. “Everyone really struggles with self-confidence and wondering if you’re good enough. So at the surface, the award is a really nice confidence boost and a reminder that I am capable and good enough.”

Dailey said that as someone from Smithville, she understands the rural aspects and needs in the Upper Cumberland. She said that serving in a rural community is something that’s important to her.

“Unfortunately I do have some personal experience with lacking access to appropriate healthcare, whether it be myself or family members,” Dailey said. “And I don’t think I’m going to fix the problem, but I definitely hope to come back to the area and practice medicine for what’s hopefully a long and healthy career.”

Dailey said that she attributes her success on her path to medicine to the unwavering support of those in her community.

“For me it’s my family and my husband and my church back home, Smithville Church of Christ, and just everyone in Smithville,” Dailey said. “Thankfully Facebook makes it easier to stay in touch, so I always have someone reaching out offering their prayers and their support and encouragement.”

Dailey matched with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Nashville for her residency.