When some family members suffered musculoskeletal injuries, Dr. Ravinderjit Singh witnessed the impact that good physical medicine and rehabilitation care can have on recovery. That experience drew him to the medical specialty. He aspires to make a profound impact on improving his patients’ functional abilities so they can continue with work and other activities they enjoy.

Ravinderjit Singh, M.D.

What this award means: I am deeply honored to receive this award named after Dr. Kowalske, a leader in our field. This recognition from the Department is meaningful because it is a reflection of the support and guidance I have received over the years from my family and mentors.

Mentor comment: Ravi has been excellent all around – he is friendly, engaged, and always eager to learn and help out. He has done a lot of research on topics related to spine pathology and will make an excellent interventional spine or musculoskeletal physiatrist one day. – Kelly Scott, M.D., Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background and family: I was born in the Bay Area of California after my parents emigrated from Punjab, India. We then moved to Austin, Texas, when I was 10. My father is a software engineer, my mother is a teacher, and my sister is a first-year resident in family medicine.

What led to your career path: Since high school, I knew I wanted a career in medicine, as I liked the idea of using science to heal others. My interests became more specific to improving patient function after several family members suffered musculoskeletal injuries and severe pain, which impaired their ability to work and do the things they love. This interest led me to physical medicine and rehabilitation, a field in which our training and expertise are so well-aligned with each patient’s specific goals.

College: I graduated summa cum laude from UT Dallas with a degree in biology and a minor in public health. I served as a Student Ambassador representing the Office of the President, worked as an MCAT tutor and spokesman for a national test prep company, and conducted research in a basic science lab in the Department of Biology.

UTSW activities: I worked as a medical student researcher in the UTSW Spine Center with publications analyzing health and disability outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment in patients with diverse spine conditions. I also served as a UTSW peer mentor to help first-year students transition to medical school.

Surprising fact: I love to dance! I began taking classes to learn Bhangra, a traditional dance originating from Punjab, at the age of 7. I enjoy choreographing team performances and teaching Bhangra to medical students and children in the community.

Ultimate career goal: My ultimate goal is to make a profound impact toward improving my patients’ functional ability and to empower them to keep doing the things they love for the rest of their lives.

Future plans: I am excited to start residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. I then hope to work in an academic setting as a clinician-scientist so that I can treat patients in the clinical setting while also helping to advance the field of musculoskeletal and rehabilitation medicine.

About the award: Started in 2011, the award is named in honor of the Department’s past Chair, Dr. Kowalske.