Dr. Ruchita Iyer has a heart for those less fortunate, whether it is a child with developmental disabilities or a patient with a medically complex condition. Her compassion has earned her honors as she now moves toward her goal of becoming an empathetic, approachable physician pursuing Med-Peds.

Ruchita Iyer, M.D.

What the awards mean: I am deeply honored to receive these awards, which reflect not only the amazing experiences I had on my rotations but also the invaluable support I received from residents and faculty. I am inspired to continue growing in these fields and caring for patients across the lifespan.

Pediatric Society Award mentor comment: Ruchita embodies the spirit of this award with her passion for advocacy. She is dedicated in her commitment to improving health care transitions for medically complex patients and is a leader in her community who continues to advocate for patients in innovative ways. – Rory Nicolaides, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine

Hemphill-Gojer Award mentor comment: Ruchita’s strong attributes include self-motivation, leadership, and a commitment to service. She has also been a student leader, acting as President of the Medicine-Pediatrics Student Interest Group and managing operations for a student-run clinic, while volunteering in several other community organizations. – Nicole Oakman, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine

Background and family: I grew up in Plano, Texas, with my mom, dad, little sister, grandmother, and pets. My parents are both engineers and amazing role models for me being compassionate and driven.

What led to your career path: I remember wanting to pursue medicine from a young age. Studying public health in college broadened my perspective to preventive health and developed my passion for working with underserved communities. I realized a career in medicine would not only combine my love for physiology and preventive health but also for building long-term relationships with patients.

College: I studied public health and biochemistry at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. (Go Blue!) I was a peer writing tutor, a staff photographer for the Michigan Daily, and co-President of a Best Buddies chapter, where I developed a passion for working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

UTSW activities: I established a medical school chapter of Best Buddies and a student interest group through the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. I also served as a free clinic manager and volunteer. As a part of my Distinction in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, I conducted a needs assessment to better understand patients’ and physicians’ needs during the health care transition process to inform the development of a new consultative model health care transition clinic.

Surprising fact: I love photography and especially enjoy capturing meaningful moments with family and friends!

Future plans: I am excited to start my Med-Peds residency at UT Southwestern. In my future career, I aim to be an empathic, approachable physician who takes a holistic approach to caring for patients. I am pursuing Med-Peds and look forward to caring for patients across the lifespan, with a focus on working with pediatric patients transitioning to the adult model of care.

About the awards: The Pediatric Society Award recognizes an outstanding graduate who has the personal character and dedication to serve children, as well as be an advocate for them. The Hemphill-Gojer Award, presented to one or more top medical students in internal medicine, was established by Ross H. and Anne Seymour Hemphill in honor of their son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Seymour Hemphill; their daughter and son-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Gojer; and Anne Hemphill’s parents, E. Clyde and Florine Allen Seymour. Drs. Hemphill and Gojer are both UTSW Medical School alumni.