Priya Sarlashkar, M.D.

What this award means: I am incredibly grateful to receive this award. I feel fortunate to have learned from inspiring faculty mentors, residents, and peers who have motivated me to grow and to serve my patients with compassion and dedication.

Mentor comments: Priya consistently exemplifies excellence, professionalism, and intellectual curiosity. Her dedication to patient care is matched by a strong commitment to service and leadership, including meaningful contributions to student-run free clinics, leadership of the Patient Navigator Program, and scholarly work aimed at improving patient education. Guided by a deep commitment to health equity, Priya combines clinical excellence with advocacy and inquiry. – Kylie Cullinan, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and Rachel Bonnema, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine

Background and family: I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. My parents, electrical engineers, immigrated from India decades ago. I also have a younger sister who is an engineer. My family has always emphasized curiosity, hard work, and taking care of my community – values that shaped my decision to pursue medicine.

College: I attended UT Austin, where I earned my undergraduate degree in neuroscience as part of the Dean’s Scholars Honors Program.

What led to your career path: I initially thought I would pursue research. While I loved the science, I also wanted direct interaction with the people it impacted. Through volunteering and shadowing, I discovered that my greatest interest was getting to know patients’ personal stories and building relationships with them. During my clinical rotations, I came to appreciate the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of internal medicine.

UTSW activities: I served with the Patient Navigator Program, helping lead the Parkland Financial Assistance Clinic and supporting clients at the Center of Hope Women’s Shelter. I also was a Clinic Manager for Brother Bill’s Helping Hand women’s clinic, served as a booth coordinator at the United to Serve community health fair, and volunteered at several student-run free clinics. In addition, I participated in research projects on rheumatic skin diseases and oncodermatology.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Mentorship, growth, curiosity, community, and friendship.

One tip for medical school success: Make time for rest and restoration. Taking time to recharge is essential.

Favorite way to relieve stress: During medical school, I started going on runs with friends. Running with them even motivated me to train for and complete several half marathons over the past few years!

Surprising fact: My grandfather was a surgical oncologist who helped develop the field of uro-oncology in India. Growing up, I would watch videos of his surgeries – while it didn’t convince me to become a surgeon, it remains a very fond memory!

Future plans: After graduation, I will start my residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. I hope to pursue a career in academic internal medicine where I can combine patient care, teaching, and continued learning.

About the award: 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.