After reading the book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande in college, Dr. Valentina Harmjanz became fascinated by the field of geriatrics. Thus began a nearly eight-year journey volunteering with UT Southwestern’s Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) that now culminates in her graduation as a family medicine physician. Next, she looks forward to taking care of patients from birth to end of life.

Valentina Harmjanz, M.D.

What this award means: I am honored to receive this recognition and financial support for my efforts in the care of older adults. My philosophy is that every physician who treats adult patients should feel empowered to become an expert at treating older adults through the lens of their own specialty.

Mentor comment: Valentina volunteered with HELP at UTSW as an undergraduate and continued this work throughout medical school. She also completed several scholarly research projects related to geriatric care as part of the Archer Fellowship Program. She radiates joy for medicine, patient care, and life, which, combined with her intellect, will make her a superb primary care physician. – Jessica Voit, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Background and family: I was born as the oldest of three siblings in Germany to a Mexican-Lebanese mother and a German father, speaking both Spanish and German at home. In elementary school, my family spent four years in New Delhi, India, and we eventually moved to Denton, Texas. I met my wonderful husband, a Richardson native, at the start of my freshman year in college.

What led to your career path: While volunteering at an assisted living facility in high school, I discovered how much I enjoy spending time with older adults and hearing their stories. As an undergrad, I met Dr. Voit, a UTSW geriatrician with a plan to draw as many students as she could to the joyful work of geriatrics! She recruited me as one of the first volunteers for the HELP program. This experience was truly life-changing. We helped implement delirium prevention interventions at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital’s Acute Care for Elders Unit. Ultimately, my experiences at the JPS Health Network clinic with a wonderful Family Medicine mentor revealed my calling as a family medicine physician who takes care of the entire family, from cradle to grave.

College: I studied biochemistry at UT Dallas (Whoosh!) with Collegium V honors and also partially completed a high school and middle school composite science teacher certification.

UTSW activities: I was a leader in HELP and the Geriatrics Interest Group. I was a member of the Anti-Racism Action Subcommittee, and also greatly enjoyed helping with recruitment activities such as MS0 Day, free clinic volunteering, and peer mentoring.

Surprising fact: I have always been very interested in environmental science and preventing climate change. During college, I led my school’s chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, which seeks bipartisan solutions to climate change.

Future plans: I am pursuing a residency in family medicine to become an outpatient primary care physician. My passions include geriatrics, pediatrics, caring for the underserved (particularly the Spanish-speaking community), and assisting individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs. I hope to pursue a fellowship in geriatrics and receive additional training in developmental medicine at the Baylor Transitions Clinic in Houston to serve patients with special needs.

About the award: The Sulkin-Schein Award recognizes a medical student who has demonstrated compassion, keen interest, and commitment to the care of older adults. The award is named in honor of Mrs. Schein, a longtime supporter of UT Southwestern who bequeathed funds to promote geriatrics as a career path for medical students. She died in 2007 at the age of 89.