Benji Popokh, M.D.

What this award means: I am deeply committed to the mission of broad-scope family medicine, aiming to provide continuous and comprehensive care to individuals across their lifespans. This award is a meaningful affirmation of that mission and supports my goal to deliver high-quality, longitudinal primary care.

Mentor comment: Benji is a true leader. Whenever there is a cause, an initiative, or a new pathway forward in medical training or to volunteer for others, people look to Benji to lead the way. I know he will make a meaningful impact on the field of family medicine. – Amit Khera, M.D., M.Sc., Professor of Internal Medicine and Clinical Chief of Cardiology

Background and family: My family immigrated from Ukraine to Plano, Texas, before I was born. I attended Plano West Senior High School, then went to UT Austin for my undergraduate degree. I am the first of my family, within recent memory, to pursue a medical career.

College: I completed a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and a Bachelor of Science and Arts in biology at UT Austin.

What led to your career path: Someone very close to me passed away from brain cancer when we were very young. I am grateful for the physicians who helped him fight to stay alive. Between his resilience, the impact of his illness on our whole family, and the power of his healthcare team, I found my drive toward medicine.

UTSW activities: I am founder of the Southwestern Running Club and former President of the Family Medicine Interest Group, Wilderness Medicine Interest Group, and Oncology-Hematology Medical Society. In addition, I was volunteer coordinator for the Pediatric Interest Group, Senior Advisory Board Chair, Interprofessional Collaboration Chair, and volunteer for the student-run free clinics, and board member of the Mental Health and Wellness Committee. I also volunteered with UT Southwestern STARS (Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern), American Conversation Partners, and Future Doctor Pathways and helped as a graphic designer for Future Doctor Pathways and for UT Southwestern’s Home and Abroad Global Health publication.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Transformative, inspiring, curiosity, growth, opportunity, and camaraderie.

One tip for medical school success: Regardless of how busy your schedule gets, make sure to exercise daily. Your physical health is fundamental for your mental and emotional health, so treat exercise as a necessity, however you like to stay fit.

Favorite ways to relieve stress: Running, writing, reading, and playing guitar.

Surprising fact: I am a huge fan of etymology: the study of the origin of words. I developed a medical etymology elective, and I have conducted research into the impact of etymologic training on medical student learning. I look up the origin of any word I come across.

Future plans: First up is completing my residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. I then hope to practice full-spectrum family medicine, ideally in a rural setting early in my career. Then, I will see what path life leads me down. I’d also like to stay involved with academia, major medical centers, and organized medicine.

About the award: The Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) Outstanding Graduate Award is given by the Dallas Chapter to one student annually.