By Remekca Owens

Dr. Rachel Brady

Dr. Rachel Brady’s international exposure to various cultures and a deep desire to empower women through education have shaped her career aspirations. Having moved throughout her childhood, she considers Jakarta, Indonesia, the closest thing to a hometown. Yet, it is these experiences that have molded her approach to patient care.

“After growing up overseas surrounded by different practices, languages, and cultures, I quickly developed a passion for treating patients at Parkland [Memorial Hospital]. I simply couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” said Dr. Brady, recipient of the Annelle M. Ahmed, M.D., Women’s Health Care Award for 2016.

The annual award is given to a student who demonstrates exemplary women’s health care, and honors Dr. Annelle M. Ahmed, a UT Southwestern Medical Center faculty member in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology who died of breast cancer at age 39.

Throughout her Medical School education, Dr. Brady prioritized her commitment to the United to Serve community health fair at T.J. Rusk Middle School in Dallas. She served as the event co-director for 2015-2016, as well as committee chair and committee member throughout her tenure by organizing, coordinating, and contributing to all aspects of the event, including the health fair, children’s education, fundraising, and outreach.

A summa cum laude graduate of Trinity University, Dr. Brady’s academic and clinical performance match her desire to serve.

“Rachel has impressed everyone with her quiet determination to learn, to improve herself, and most importantly, to care for her patients. She was co-leader in our MS2 pelvic training program and did it like a pro,” said Dr. Mary Jane Pearson.  “I knew Dr. Annelle Ahmed – she would be very proud to pass this award along to Rachel.”

Throughout her fourth year of Medical School, Dr. Brady participated in the UT Southwestern Academic Colleges program, which provided her the opportunity to teach second-year medical students how to perform pelvic exams, as well as help lead weekly teaching sessions for first- and second-year medical students clinical skills, ethics, and professionalism.

Dr. Brady sees her upcoming obstetrics and gynecology residency at UT Southwestern and Parkland Hospital as a wonderful opportunity to continue what she is most passionate about.

“I love being able to engage patients in intimate conversations and empower women through education,” she said. “The ability to work as a team, form lasting relationships with patients, and develop surgical skills, is the perfect combination for me.”

After completing her residency, Dr. Brady aspires to have a career in academic medicine that will allow her to continue teaching both residents and medical students.