Growing up in Texas, Prajwal Gowda, M.D., eagerly awaited the summers he would spend visiting his grandparents in India. But when he was 10, his trip took a drastic turn that would shape his future in ways he couldn’t yet imagine.

“As soon as I got there, we went straight to the hospital to see my grandpa, who had just had major heart surgery,” Dr. Gowda said. “I was in shock, but also I was amazed by the people who were taking care of him.”

The experience piqued his interest in medicine and helping others.

“At the time, all I was concerned about was spending time with my grandpa,” he said. “But seeing how physicians could tangibly make a difference in saving his life was very inspiring.”

Watch: Prajwal Gowda, M.D. receives 2025 Ho Din Award

Years later, Dr. Gowda began studies at UT Southwestern Medical School, where his interest in treating vulnerable populations intensified. As a medical student, he served as Executive Director of the Patient Navigator Program and President of the Union Gospel Mission smoking cessation student-run free clinic. He also pursued research, investigating advancements in diagnostic technologies and examining challenges faced by liver transplant recipients.

In recognition of his excellence in academics, patient care, and community service, Dr. Gowda has received the Ho Din Award, the highest medical student honor given at UT Southwestern. The award, bestowed by Southwestern Medical Foundation, is presented annually to a recipient with the skills of a great physician. Established in 1943, it comes with a medal, certificate, and $20,000 scholarship.

This special award symbolizes the greatest standards of knowledge, understanding, and compassion in the medical field, said Michael T. McMahan, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation.

“Prajwal Gowda embodies the highest ideals of the medical profession through his exceptional intellect, compassion, and deep commitment to serving others. He joins a distinguished line of UT Southwestern students recognized with the Ho Din Award, which was established by Southwestern Medical Foundation more than 80 years ago. We are proud to honor his humanity and leadership as he carries this tradition forward.”

In a class that is replete with remarkable individuals, each of whom will make an impact on patients and the field of medicine, Dr. Gowda has distinguished himself, said Blake Barker, M.D., Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine.

“Prajwal stood out from the rest with his impressive record in all domains of academic excellence – skill at the bedside, scholarly achievements, and service to the community,” Dr. Barker said. “He truly embodies the ‘spirit of medical wisdom and human understanding’ that the Ho Din Award represents.”

Dr. Gowda, who also received the Dr. Richard Mays Smith Award acknowledging excellence in internal medicine, said he is humbled by the recognitions. He said it has been a privilege to train at UTSW alongside such inspiring mentors and peers.

“I’m really blessed and thankful to have had many mentors who taught me so much,” Dr. Gowda said. “I cannot think of a better place to have started my medical training.”

Seeing what a difference compassionate care, skill, and kindness made on his grandfather put Dr. Gowda on his own altruistic path.

While majoring in biochemistry at UT Austin, he tutored and mentored elementary through high school level students in the Austin area. At UTSW, he took on leadership roles in student organizations, serving as Test Committee co-Chair through student government, co-founding the Gastroenterology Interest Group, and acting as Curriculum Chair for the Healthy Living Initiative.

Given his dedication to excellence in all aspects of medicine, Dr. Gowda will no doubt contribute to the legacy of the Ho Din Award, said Angela Mihalic, M.D., Dean of Medical Students, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and Professor of Pediatrics.

“It makes us enormously proud to celebrate students like Prajwal Gowda who is a shining example of absolute dedication to academic excellence and scientific inquiry, compassion for the underserved and disadvantaged communities, and commitment to mentorship and guidance to underclassmen to ensure they have the skills and resources to follow in his footsteps,” Dr. Mihalic said. “Beyond that, Praj is incredibly humble, caring, and always goes above and beyond to advocate for his patients and ensure they have the highest level of care available.”

As the first physician in his extended family, Dr. Gowda expressed gratitude to his parents, first-generation immigrants. His partner Mai has also been a source of unwavering support.

Dr. Gowda, who matched at his first-choice internal medicine program, UCSF, said the institution’s focus on education, research, patient care, and public service appealed to him.

Following his residency, Dr. Gowda plans to pursue fellowships in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology.

He wishes his grandfathers, who have both passed, had lived to see him become a physician. His grandmothers, however, will be able to watch a recording of the graduation ceremony from their homes in India.

His grandfathers inspired Dr. Gowda in different ways. While one played a role in his decision to become a physician, the other motivated him to learn about the world and helped him develop a love for learning.

“I know they would be very proud,” Dr. Gowda said. “Whenever I see patients, their family members or caregivers, I’m always reminded of how my own family was once cared for.”