Daniela Kopado, M.D.: Minnie Lancaster, M.D., Scholarship Award in Family Medicine
As a new doctor with parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, Dr. Daniela Kopado has a big heart for underrepresented minority students who wish to pursue medical careers. She aspires to provide primary care in an urban area with a significant Spanish-speaking population.
What this award means: It is a tremendous honor to be the recipient of an award that has a focus on community service. Giving back to my community is my primary motivation for becoming a physician.
Mentor comment: Daniela is already skilled at balancing her time between busy new mom, dedicated Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) student leader, and compassionate caregiver. She showed tremendous motivation for providing competent and compassionate care to her patients and used medical literature to support her treatment decisions. She will without a doubt become an exemplary family medicine physician. – Andrea Jochim, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine
Background and family: My parents immigrated to the United States from Guadalajara, Mexico. During medical school, I started my own family by getting married in 2019 and having my daughter in 2021.
What led to your career path: My parents always encouraged me to focus on my education as well as on serving others. Additionally, as a Latina, I am passionate about serving the Hispanic community and improving health care disparities.
College: I graduated cum laude from UT Dallas with a degree in biology as part of the UT-PACT B.A./M.D. program.
UTSW activities: I was involved in the leadership of the FMIG, Latino Medical Student Association, and the Global Health Interest Group. During my first year of medical school, I went on a medical service trip to Antigua, Guatemala. Through various organizations, I mentored high school, college, and medical students, particularly underrepresented minority students who are pursuing careers in medicine.
Surprising fact: I grew up only speaking Spanish at home, so I didn’t learn English until I went to school!
Ultimate career goal: I hope to develop long-lasting relationships with my patients and provide them with the most compassionate and high-quality care. I also hope to be a mentor and role model for other underrepresented minority students who want to pursue medical careers.
Future plans: I hope to be a primary care provider in an urban area with a significant Spanish-speaking population. After graduation, I am headed to a residency at UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
About the award: The award honors Dr. Lancaster and her husband, Dr. Edgar Lancaster, who in 1953 opened the Grapevine Clinic and Hospital, the first clinic in Grapevine and the forerunner of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center at Grapevine.