Growing up in Bangladesh, Dr. Maishara Muquith saw with her own eyes the impact of limited health care access. This led her to become a doctor, committed to helping those in need. Her goal is to become a physician leader who takes on community health initiatives and advances medicine through research.

Maishara Muquith, M.D.

What this award means: This award stands as a testament not only to my dedication to medicine and to providing compassionate patient care, but also to the incredible mentorship I have received at UT Southwestern.

Mentor comment: Maishara is enthusiastic about community health and aspires to become a physician leader who directs large-scale community initiatives using evidence-based medicine to improve access. She has flourished in developing and implementing multiple community health programs and has published in more than nine peer-reviewed publications, all while excelling clinically. Maishara possesses a notable array of expertise, including an innovative mindset, resolute determination, and adept critical thinking. – Kehinde Odedosu, M.D., and Reeni Abraham, M.D., Associate Professors of Internal Medicine

Background and family: I was born in Bangladesh and moved to Houston as a child. As an immigrant, I witnessed my parents’ remarkable dedication, sacrifices, and resilience as we established ourselves in a new country. These experiences taught me the profound challenges and uncertainties individuals face, whether it’s grappling with a new diagnosis or adapting to a different culture. They’ve deeply shaped my understanding of what it means to be a caring physician.

What led to your career path: Growing up in Bangladesh, I witnessed firsthand the critical importance of health care access and the structural barriers that often hinder it. These experiences motivated me to pursue a career in medicine. I am specifically drawn to internal medicine because of its ability to address the multifaceted needs of complex patients while allowing for longitudinal relationships built on trust and compassion. It affords me the opportunity to not only diagnose and treat medical conditions but also to serve as an advocate for my patients, empowering them and ensuring they receive the comprehensive care they deserve.

College: I attended Rice University, where I majored in biology with a minor in sociology. I held leadership roles that included President of the Rice Program Council and Vice President of my residential college. Additionally, I served as Head Peer Adviser, assisted as a Teaching Assistant in immunology and sociology courses, and conducted research on a Chagas disease vaccine in a lab at Baylor College of Medicine.

UTSW activities: As part of my Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, I co-founded a student-run free clinic at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, started a diabetes self-management education program, and implemented a vaccine education and administration program. Inspired by my UTSW mentor, I also co-founded Project Momentum, an organization dedicated to empowering previously incarcerated youths. Fulfilling my deep passion for community service, I volunteered with the Patient Navigator Program and served as a Clinical Manager for the Smoking Cessation Clinic at Union Gospel Mission. In addition, I served as Vice President of the Oncology-Hematology Student Interest Group. I also engaged in research on tumor biomarkers and immune checkpoint inhibitors, which resulted in first-author publications in Nature Cancer and JAMA Network.

Surprising fact: I’m a huge foodie and an amateur food photographer.

Future plans: After graduation, I will stay at UTSW for my internal medicine residency. Ultimately, I aspire to be an IM subspecialty physician leader who spearheads community initiatives, advances medicine through research, and optimizes patient care using evidence-based medicine.

About the award: The Dr. Richard Mays Smith Award is given annually to one or more graduating medical students who excel academically during clinical rotations and exhibit an interest in and compassion for patients.