When Dixon Xu enrolled in DMU’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (CPMS), he embraced its many opportunities in global health, community volunteerism and research. His engagement and enthusiasm are reasons why CPMS faculty nominated him for the Michael L. Stone Outstanding Professional Conduct Award, which he received during the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons scientific meeting, Feb. 27-March 2. Dixon was one of only nine podiatric medical students from across the nation to receive the annual award, which is presented to graduating students who exemplify the highest standard of professionalism, deportment and ethics in interactions with peers, patients, professors and staff.
Dixon was a student leader for a DMU global health service trip to Biloxi, MS. He also was lead author on two research papers published in Cancer Letters, “The role of IL-11 in immunity and cancer” and “Unveil the mysterious mask of cytokine-based immunotherapy for melanoma.”
“I am definitely thankful for my education and academic experience at the college and the University. DMU is a great institution, and we truly have many opportunities here,” Dixon says. “I would recommend students to get involved early in their academic career at DMU and take advantage of the volunteering, global health and research opportunities we have here. And of course work hard, be professional, and you will get your dream residency program.”
Dixon landed his number-one choice of residency programs with Scripps Mercy-Kaiser Sacramento. He’ll spend the first two years rotating at Scripps Health hospitals, the Naval Medical Center San Diego and the University of California-San Diego. During his third year, at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento, he’ll be exposed to many trauma and reconstruction cases. He then plans to do a fellowship to obtain further training in foot and ankle surgeries.
“I am super-excited for the move to ‘America’s Finest City,’ San Diego,” he says, “and I will still be close to my family and friends in Los Angeles.”
Congratulations, Dixon!
