Dr. Priyanka Kadari says nothing brings her more joy than assisting others at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, a low-cost health care clinic in Dallas. For that reason, it’s no surprise that she chose to become a family medicine physician, dedicated to supporting the underserved.

Priyanka Kadari, M.D.

What this award means: Both Dr. Minnie Lancaster and her husband, Dr. Edgar Lancaster, embodied everything I aspire to be, both as a physician and a member of my community. They practiced full-spectrum medicine and contributed greatly to the community of Grapevine. It is an honor to be a part of their legacy!

Mentor comment: Priyanka jumped in with both feet into the world of a future family physician. She studied the social drivers of health and felt drawn to helping the underserved, a passion that persisted in many projects throughout her time in medical school. She has also been active in student leadership, including serving as President of the Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG). We are proud to have been part of her learning experiences at UTSW and are confident that she will continue to do amazing work in the field. – Tamara McGregor, M.D., Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine and Internal Medicine

Background and family: I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and my family became Texas transplants while I was in college. I have two siblings – a brother and sister. I also have a wonderful cat named Coco and my significant other from the DFW area.

What led to your career path: I like to say that I was always a family medicine physician but just didn’t know it. From a young age, my dad encouraged service opportunities such as fundraisers or volunteering. He told me I should always look to help others, no matter where I went. When I arrived at UTSW, the fact that my nights working at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand clinic made me the happiest spoke volumes, and ultimately, that became the reason I pursued family medicine.

College: I majored in medicine, health, and society – literally the definition of community health – at Vanderbilt University. I also took the courses Social Determinants of Health, Health Policy and Economics, and Designing Healthy Publics, in addition to patient-centered classes on autism and HIV. I served as founder and President of Project RISHI (Rural India Social Health Improvement), Moneythink (financial mentorship for college students), and the South Asian Cultural Exchange.

UTSW activities: I was Manager and Director for the Brother Bill’s Helping Hand General & Women’s Health Clinic, a counselor for the Pre-Registration Education and Orientation Program (PRE+OP), FMIG President, and a council and commission member for the American Academy of Family Physicians and Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

Surprising fact: Most people would be surprised to know I also love to write blog posts, and I share my experiences on my medical Instagram account, @pknarratesmedicine.

Future plans: As a future family medicine physician, I plan to practice full-scope care with obstetrics and speak loudly about the problems that must be solved. I would love to participate in advocacy for patients, physicians, practices, and public health at the local and national levels.

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.