At first, Dr. Parker Davis thought of becoming a scientist, but then family medical issues turned his attention to a new career opportunity. He decided becoming a doctor provided the best of both worlds – science involving the human body and compassionate interactions with patients to improve health care.

Parker Davis, M.D.

What this award means: I explored rheumatology through rotations in my third and fourth years. I greatly enjoyed learning about the field, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet many amazing patients living with autoimmune conditions. It is an honor to be selected for this award.

Mentor comment: Parker was one of the best medical students I worked with on rheumatology consults. His history-taking and physical exam skills were superb, and he was very thorough. He carried some of the patients on his own and was performing at the level of an intern. – Nishah Panchani, M.D., Clinical Fellow in Internal Medicine

Background and family: I’m a Texas lifer: I was born and raised in San Antonio, attended undergrad in Austin and medical school in Dallas. My family is small but close-knit, and my parents and brother have been incredibly supportive of my medical education journey.

What led to your career path: My love of science fully developed near the end of high school. I wanted to study biology, but family medical issues introduced me to the world of health care. It quickly became clear to me that medicine was the perfect marriage between my interests involving the science of the human body and the personal side of connection with patients. My experiences volunteering in a local ER and working in a basic science lab cemented my desire to pursue medicine.

College: I graduated from UT Austin with a B.S. in microbiology.

UTSW activities: I volunteered at various free clinics in Dallas, including Agape and Brother Bill’s Helping Hand. The last three years, I helped run a bike safety booth at the United to Serve health fair. I have also served as President of the UTSW Chapter of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and as medical student representative to the TMA Board of Councilors, a position that has enabled me to lend a medical student voice to issues of health care policy at the state level.

Surprising fact: I have a weenie dog named Sammy who contributes to my well-being more than he is able to comprehend.

Future plans: I am excited to start my residency in internal medicine at UT Southwestern this summer. I look forward to meeting wonderful colleagues and mentors and to improving my skills as a physician. My goal is to continue working in health care advocacy and medical education; I hope to contribute meaningfully to these areas and work toward building a health system that is more beneficial to patients and their physicians.

About the award: The Goldings Award, presented to the most outstanding medical student in rheumatology, is named for Dr. Eliot A. Goldings, a former Division of Rheumatic Diseases faculty member who died in 1988.