The daughter of primary care physicians, Dr. Smriti Prasad came to UTSW knowing she wanted to pursue a career in public and community health. She uncovered her passion for dermatology while volunteering at the Agape Clinic and is the recipient of this year’s Award for Excellence in Dermatology. She matched at Oregon Health & Science University for her residency.

Dr. Smriti Prasad

What this award means: “I’ve been interested in dermatology since my first year of medical school after volunteering at the Agape Dermatology Clinic. Since that time, my journey has led me to discover so many aspects of dermatology and research that I previously had little knowledge about, and through my mentors, I’ve completed and published work in public health and clinical research. This award feels like a culmination of my journey to this point and stands as a testament to the amazing guidance I’ve received here at this institution.”  

Mentor comment: “I have known Smriti since her first year of medical school. I am so proud of the enormous growth of this talented young woman. Simply put, Smriti combines an extraordinary work ethic with intelligence, compassion, and dedication to rural underserved communities. She will be a credit to our specialty.” – Dr. Heidi Jacobe, Associate Professor of Dermatology, who holds the James N. Gilliam, M.D. Chair in Dermatology

Background and family: “My parents and I are all first-generation immigrants from India. I moved to America when I was 3 years old. I have a brother who is eight years younger than me, but despite the age difference, is also one of my best friends. I consider my role as an older sister to be one of my most cherished responsibilities. (In fact, my brother is the maid of honor at my wedding!)”

What led to your career path: “I am from a small, isolated town in West Texas. Both of my parents are physicians, so from an early age, I grew up listening to their stories as primary care doctors in our town. I often heard about health care disparities and problems with access to care in our community. Originally, I was considering following my parents’ path in internal medicine, but after my experiences at the Agape Clinic, I quickly realized dermatology was a fertile field for me to pursue my interests. I’ve since worked to complete my M.P.H. and conducted a public health project that took me back to my hometown, where I was able to study the melanoma mortality gap between rural and urban communities through fieldwork.”

College: “I graduated summa cum laude with a BSA in biology from UT Austin and was part of a seven-year B.S.-M.D. Program with UT Austin and UT Southwestern."

UTSW activities: “I was a College Senator in Seldin College, President of the Dermatology Interest Group, a publicity officer in the V-Day student organization, a member of the GHHS Community Engagement Committee, a flautist in the UTSW student orchestra, a Pre-OP Counselor, a Colleges Peer Mentor, and a choreographer, photographer, dancer, and member of the Organization Committee of the Multicultural Show and Week.

Surprising fact: “When I came to medical school, I originally had no plans to pursue research. However, through my experiences and the mentorship I received, I’ve grown to love what I do, and can’t imagine not continuing the work I’ve started down the road!”

Future plans: “While in medical school, I’ve done work in public health and autoimmune skin conditions, and in residency, I hope to determine how best to apply my background to further define a niche for myself that will set up my career. Many years down the road, I hope to use my M.P.H. background to be involved in some policy work in health care.”

About the award: The award is given to a UT Southwestern graduating medical student who has advanced dermatological patient care, research, or teaching in a special way, or who shows promise for leadership in these areas. The recipient receives a certificate and $1,000.