Caroline Kernell, M.D.

What this award means: Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful because it represents the values that have shaped my path in medicine: curiosity, service, and a commitment to improving patient care.

Mentor comment: Caroline has been a dedicated and enthusiastic student who has been extensively involved in global oncology research during medical school, focusing on improving cervical cancer care and outcomes in Botswana and other low-resource settings. Through her longitudinal research efforts, she has contributed to multiple published studies, and she aims to advance treatment access, survivorship, and the implementation of cancer care programs in sub-Saharan Africa. She is most deserving of this award. – Mary P. Chang, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director of Global Health Education

Background and family: Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I grew up in a close-knit family with my parents and sister. I’ve always loved the performing arts, especially musical theater, dance, choir, and a cappella.

College: I attended Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology and a minor in religious studies.

What led to your career path: As I was being born, my mother experienced a life-threatening birth complication, and as I grew older, I understood how close my family came to losing her. That experience gave me an early appreciation for the impact that physicians can have on patients and families. When I turned 15 years old, I began volunteering at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where I was inspired by the resilience of patients and the dedication of the oncology teams there. I entered college on the premedical track, and through my academic experiences and research opportunities, my passion for oncology and global health grew.

UTSW activities: I served as President of the Medical School a cappella group, The Lymph Notes, through which I focused on building community and promoting wellness through the arts. I also have served as a mentor through the Southwestern Student Acclimation Liaison (SWAL) Pal Program and worked with high school students through the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program. In addition, I held leadership roles in student interest groups and participated in outreach efforts aimed at improving health education in local schools and communities.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Rigorous, service, purposeful, global, collaborative, and transformative.

One tip for medical school success: Don’t be afraid to rely on the people around you. Medical school is challenging, and there will be moments when things feel overwhelming or uncertain. Having a strong support system, whether that’s family, friends, classmates, or mentors, can make a tremendous difference in helping you stay grounded and moving forward. Success in medicine isn’t just about individual effort; it’s also about resilience, community, and learning to accept help when you need it.

Favorite way to relieve stress: Singing. Music has always been an important part of my life, and singing in an a cappella group has been a great way to stay balanced.

Surprising fact: I once dreamed of becoming either a professional ballet dancer or an Olympic field hockey goalie. I’ve always been drawn to activities that require creativity, discipline, and teamwork.

Future plans: After graduation, I will head to my residency training in radiation oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Long term, I hope to specialize as a gynecologic radiation oncologist with a focus on global health. I am passionate about improving access to high-quality cancer care and outcomes for patients with gynecologic cancers, particularly in underserved and resource-limited settings.

About the award: The Reynolds Award honors the late Dr. Reynolds, a UTSW alumnus and faculty member remembered as a gifted pathologist and generous person. The recipient is selected based on humanitarian qualities.