Heather Vertin, M.D.

Heather Vertin, M.D., M.B.A., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern and a member of its Division of General Internal Medicine.

Originally from Dallas, Dr. Vertin holds a bachelor's degree in economics with a minor in medical humanities, which she received summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma in Norman. She earned a master's of business administration with a concentration in healthcare from the University of Texas at Dallas, where she was named a Scholar of High Distinction. She completed her medical degree and internal medicine residency training at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Vertin joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2025.

She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Texas Medical Association, and American Medical Association.

Dr. Vertin's research centers on improving clinical education, advancing assessment methods, and refining diagnostic approaches in medicine. Her work includes strengthening formative feedback during clinical clerkships, where she has analyzed student reflections, optimized feedback tools, and evaluated their impact on learning. Earlier projects explored ways to reduce unnecessary imaging by studying physician‑estimated depth as a screening method for pectus excavatum. She also has experience in molecular genetics, investigating the relationship between TM6SF2‑E167K and serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and has conducted health policy research on how personhood legislation relates to maternal and neonatal outcomes. Collectively, her publications, presentations, and research experience reflect a commitment to enhancing medical education, improving clinical decision‑making, and applying quantitative analysis to both clinical and population‑level questions.