Dr. Maraki Samuel’s motivation to pursue medicine stems from witnessing the challenges of accessing health care in Ethiopia, where limited medical resources often impact patient outcomes. She is passionate about internal medicine for its ability to address complex cases and serve diverse patient populations.

Maraki Samuel, M.D.

What this award means: The award is especially meaningful to me because it reflects the core values I aim to uphold: exceptional clinical care, a deep compassion for patients, and a commitment to understanding and advocating for those under my care.

Mentor comment: Maraki embodies the qualities of altruism, clinical excellence, and grit. A biomedical engineer, she counts collaborating with a group of engineers to develop a more effective valvulotome (a device used in bypass procedures for the treatment of peripheral artery disease) as an undergraduate as one of her most exciting accomplishments. She recognizes that her own success needs to be perpetuated, so she has reached back to bring others up. – Stephanie Brinker, M.D., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine

Background and family: I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and moved to Houston, Texas, at age 7. I was raised by a single mother, along with the support of close family and friends.

What led to your career path: Growing up in Ethiopia, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of an underdeveloped health care system struggling to meet basic medical needs. My family’s experiences with inadequate care, including misdiagnoses due to limited resources and poor infrastructure, inspired me to pursue medicine. This deepened my understanding of challenges faced by underserved populations and solidified my commitment to ensuring every patient receives high-quality, compassionate care. I was drawn to internal medicine because it allows me to address complex cases, care for diverse patient populations, and contribute to academic medicine.

College: I graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in biomedical engineering. As part of my capstone project, my team and I designed a valvulotome. I was also involved in a community service initiative called The Big Event and was a member of the First-Generation Engineering Students Mentoring Program, assisting first-generation college students.

UTSW activities: As a member of Healing Hands for Guatemala, I participated in two medical mission trips to improve health care access in rural areas. I served as a peer mentor for the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP), the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program, and Academic Colleges. Additionally, I was a member of the United to Serve Donations and Prize Committee and helped establish and served as Secretary for the Refugee Women’s Health Student Interest Group.

Surprising fact: I have a background in biomedical engineering and speak fluent Amharic.

Future plans: I plan to complete my residency in internal medicine at UT Southwestern and pursue a subspecialty in cardiology. I hope to contribute to research, medical education, and global health initiatives to improve health care access for underserved communities.

About the award: The Dr. Richard Mays Smith Award is given annually to one or more graduating medical students who excel academically during clinical rotations and exhibit an interest in and compassion for patients.