Dr. Keira McAfee’s humble upbringing brought to light the realities of what happens when medical care is not accessible or affordable. Hoping to minimize these disparities in the future, she aims to work as a rural family physician committed to expanding health care access.

Keira McAfee, M.D.

What this award means: It is an honor to be chosen for this award as it recognizes the importance of community service in medicine. Dr. Lancaster embodied the type of physician whom I strive to be through her dedication to serving and improving her community. I hope that I can use medicine to serve my community just as she did.

Mentor comment: Keira is an exceptional student whose impressive work ethic, outstanding bedside manner, and strong knowledge are matched only by her compassion and dedication to meeting the needs of her patients. She builds rapport easily with her patients and makes them feel comfortable disclosing their medical and social needs, which she addresses with empathy, thoughtfulness, and creativity. – Jared Morphew, M.D., Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine

Background and family: I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona, but moved frequently during my childhood. My family eventually settled in Tomball, Texas, where I graduated from high school and my mom still lives today.

What led to your career path: Growing up in a low-income household gave me an early understanding of how social determinants impact health outcomes. My family members often faced challenges from preventable illnesses that went undiagnosed and untreated because health care was not affordable. Witnessing these disparities firsthand ignited my passion for advocating for underserved populations and ensuring equitable access to health care as a family physician.

College: I attended the University of Pennsylvania, where I graduated with honors in biology and a minor in chemistry. There, I developed a passion for responsible community engagement while working at a Philadelphia-based nonprofit leading an after-school program for high school students focused on social justice. I was also involved in Penn First, an organization for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students, where I collaborated with administrators to advocate for resources to help FGLI students navigate the college experience.

UTSW activities: I volunteered at the student-run Parkland Financial Assistance (PFA) clinic that helps Dallas residents apply for financial aid. I also served as the President of the Interprofessional Student Collaborative and as the Interprofessional Education Representative for the Class of 2025. As co-Chair for the Clerkship Ethics Committee of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, I led didactic sessions on ethical topics for clerkship students on their rotations.

Surprising fact: I have a 16-year-old dog, Sasha, who has been with me since middle school! She and I love hiking at national and state parks, and we have been to over 30 state parks in Texas together.

Future plans: My ultimate career goal is to combine my passion for community engagement with my commitment to expanding health care access as a rural family physician. I am excited to receive full-spectrum training in residency that will prepare me to effectively meet the needs of the communities I will serve. I’m excited to also become a mentor to other first-generation and low-income high school and college students interested in medicine and advocate for rural and underserved communities at a state and national level.

About the award: The award honors Dr. Lancaster and her husband, Dr. Edgar Lancaster. In 1953 they opened the Grapevine Clinic and Hospital, the first clinic in Grapevine and the forerunner of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center at Grapevine.