Natasha Corbitt, M.D., Ph.D.

Advice to the Next Generation

Dr. Corbitt used to worry about standing out as a woman of color. With experience, she realized that “not seeing someone who looks like you in your field does not mean you don’t belong there. You belong.” She used this mindset to become the first female African American pediatric surgeon in the U.S. to hold a medical degree and a doctorate. She earned both at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Corbitt values the inspiration that her story provides to the next generation of clinicians and scientists.

“I love when young girls see me and recognize that they can become a pediatric surgeon too!”

Contributions to STEMM

Dr. Corbitt is dedicated to discovering the pathogenesis of biliary atresia as a pediatric surgeon, scientist, and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern. Specifically, “as a pediatric surgeon, I perform different kinds of surgery on children to better their lives,” she said.

“Performing pediatric surgery is really fulfilling because I get to make early impactful changes in the health of young children.” 

As a scientist, “I do research on liver diseases that affect children so I can help take care of them better. Pediatric surgery research gives me even more reach to help improve the care of children I haven’t even met yet,” said Dr. Corbitt. Dr. Corbitt’s research interests range from hepatobiliary diseases to complex pediatric wounds. She studies these topics in the Zhu lab, alongside Hao Zhu, M.D., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. 

*Dr. Zhu holds the endowed title of Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D., Distinguished Professorship of Pediatric Research