Dr. Annie Abraham

Dr. Annie Abraham attributes her accomplishments to the support of family, friends, and faculty who have helped her achieve so much during her education at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Abraham grew up in Coppell, a suburb of Dallas. But her parents were born and raised in India before they immigrated to the United States, where they completed their educations and started a family. Her father works as a computer engineer and her mother, Soma Abraham, as a Senior Research Nurse in Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern.

“I appreciate that both of their careers are dedicated to serving the greater community, and I am continually grateful for the sacrifices they have made along the way,” Dr. Abraham said. “They have set a powerful example for my brother and me through their commitment, work ethic, and compassion.”

That example made an impact, leading Dr. Abraham to shine during her education at UT Southwestern Medical School. She is the 2018 recipient of the Kowalske Outstanding Medical Student in PM&R Award. Started in 2011, the award is named in honor of past Department Chair Dr. Karen Kowalske, who is now Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The award, which includes a plaque and a $250 gift certificate, recognizes a UT Southwestern medical student who demonstrates empathy, compassion, maturity, and inquisitiveness.

“I was greatly honored to hear that I would be receiving this award,” Dr. Abraham said. “I am sincerely thankful to the PM&R faculty, whom I admire and respect so much, for considering me for this distinction.”

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from UT Austin, Dr. Abraham began making her mark at UT Southwestern. She served as President of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Student Interest Group, where she more thoroughly explored the field of PM&R through informational meetings, shadowing, and service projects. Dr. Abraham also served as a coordinator for the medical education elective during her second year. She especially enjoyed working with RISE, an adaptive sports organization, and Rays of Light, a nonprofit dedicated to serving families with special needs children.

“I have a passion for medical education and mentorship, and I aim to incorporate these interests in residency and in my career,” Dr. Abraham said.

Of course, Dr. Abraham credits many others for their support, especially one of her mentors, Dr. Kelly Scott, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

“Dr. Abraham has shown impressive leadership qualities as the president of the PM&R Student Interest Group. She has always gone above and beyond, whether in her clinical rotations, research endeavors, or medical student activities. Her compassion and desire to improve the quality of life for her patients make her an ideal ambassador for our specialty,” Dr. Scott said.

Dr. Abraham said her brother and sister-in-law, who live in Dallas, also have been immeasurably supportive. “I also could not have gotten by without puppy therapy from their dog, Charlie,” she added.

What is it about PM&R that Dr. Abraham finds so fascinating? “The intersection of technology with medicine was a driving force in pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering and now completing medical school. I look forward to joining a specialty that adopts new innovations to profoundly impact the lives of patients. More than anything, I value its focus on moving forward and adapting after experiencing a setback. Physiatrists address very personal issues at vulnerable times and develop meaningful, long-lasting relationships with patients that allow them to witness the milestones in their lives. I eagerly anticipate a future in which I share such connections as these with my own patients.”

Dr. Abraham will begin her residency at UT Southwestern and looks forward to continuing to be a part of the PM&R family. She envisions pursuing a career in academic medicine and hopes to actively contribute to the growth of PM&R as a whole.

Dr. Kowalske holds the Charles and Peggy Galvin Professorship in Physical Medicine.