The specialty of urology felt like a perfect fit for Dr. Shivani Gaitonde. This year, she is recognized with the John D. McConnell Award for Excellence in Urology for her commitment to the field.

Dr. Shivani Gaitonde

What this award means: I am honored that the Department of Urology selected me for this award. It means so much that my mentors recognize my potential and believe in me. Looking forward, I hope that I will continue to meet this standard of excellence throughout my residency training.

Mentor comment: Dr. Gaitonde exemplified the best of UT Southwestern. She was heavily involved in research activities in the Department over the last few years, which resulted in presentations nationally. During her clinical rotation, she distinguished herself as extremely knowledgeable and incredibly hardworking. She involved herself seamlessly in clinical activities and received universal praise from all of the Urology trainees. – Dr. Gary Lemack, Professor of Urology, who holds the Rose Mary Haggar Professorship in Urology

Background and family: I grew up in San Antonio. My older sister is also a UTSW graduate and both my parents are pharmacists. I have an uncle and many cousins who are also doctors. Graduating medical school this year, I am proud to finally join the long lineage of Gaitonde doctors in my family.

What led to your career path: Growing up in a family of health care professionals, I always knew a career in medicine was the only path for me. As a child, I remember listening excitedly as my uncle, a general surgeon, would tell anecdotes from the operating room, and my interest in surgery only grew as I continued through medical school. I discovered urology while on rotations, and immediately fell in love with the field.

College: I majored in biomedical science and psychology at Texas A&M University and received many academic recognitions including summa cum laude, university honors, and psychology honors. Outside of the classroom, I was the captain of Wreckin’ Raas, a co-ed competitive Indian folk dance team, and the President of the Indian Students Association.

UTSW activities: I am a Junior Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society member and have been involved with organizations including United to Serve, the Multicultural Week Committee, student government, and academic tutoring services.

Surprising fact: I trained in classical Indian dance throughout my childhood and have continued with my hobby through medical school by choreographing, organizing, and performing at our annual multicultural talent show.

Future plans: I am continuing my urology residency training at UT Southwestern. I am also considering pursuing a fellowship, and I hope to include both medical student and resident teaching in my career and become more involved with curriculum development.

About the award: The award honors Dr. McConnell, a former UTSW faculty member who once led Urology from a Division into a Department. He is now Executive Director of Wake Forest Healthcare Ventures in North Carolina, which develops and commercializes health care products and services.