Dr. Rachel Thomas has an intellectual curiosity that sparked her interest in science and medicine at a young age. That trait helped her excel at UT Southwestern Medical School and earn a prestigious honor that recognizes her promise in the field of neurology.

Dr. Rachel Thomas

What this award means: It is an immense honor to be recognized for my passion regarding the care of patients with neurologic conditions and commitment to neuroscience research. I am extremely grateful for the knowledge that I have gained and the wonderful opportunities provided through the Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics at UT Southwestern.

Mentor comment: IRachel is a highly motivated, intelligent, focused, and sincere student with all the right attributes of a great work ethic, intellectual curiosity, compassion, hard work, and great team spirit. There is no doubt that she will be an outstanding neurology resident and will fit well into any program. – Dr. Shilpa Chitnis, Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics

Background and family: I grew up in Northwest Arkansas and graduated summa cum laude in biochemistry from the University of Arkansas. I completed a Ph.D. in neuroscience at UT Southwestern, earned a P.E.O. Scholar Award, and received research funding via training grants from NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) and NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse). My inspiration came from the caring nature of my grandmother, who was a registered nurse with ambitions of attending medical school but lacked the financial means. In addition, my parents nurtured my love of science at a young age with endless trips to the public library to let me check out every book in existence about dinosaurs.

What led to your career path: Many factors have influenced me to pursue a career in neurology. Foremost in my mind was my grandfather’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. This inspired me to be a source of support for families coping with neurologic disorders and work toward developing therapies to help them. My interest was further fostered by Cognitive Neuroscience and Philosophy of Mind classes that I enrolled in during college; this blended with my background in biochemistry to make a career in neurology and molecular neuroscience a perfect fit.

Surprising fact: I love a good adventure and I am passionate about rock climbing, primarily bouldering (no free soloing!). I found out the hard way that you don’t stay out past sunset in the Fontainebleau forest – wild boars are almost as fast as a person on a bike.

Future plans: I am headed to a residency in neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, with an interest in neurocritical care. I plan to apply for an R25 grant during residency with the hope of pursuing research related to traumatic brain injury. I plan to pursue a career as an academic neurointensivist, blending a clinical career in the neuro ICU together with conducting basic or translational TBI research.

About the award: The award is presented to a graduating medical student who has promising career potential in neurology as seen by their institution’s faculty and residents.