Sanjna Bhatia, M.D.

What this award means: It represents recognition from the very community that shaped my growth as a future pediatrician and reflects not only clinical excellence, but also service, leadership, and dedication to children’s health: values that are central to why I chose pediatrics.

Mentor comment: We believe Sanjna is a perfect fit for this award due to her focused vision for merging clinical medicine with strategic interventions to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery. She’s transformed personal experiences into a professional calling by leading community-based culinary medicine classes and providing outstanding leadership in delivering culturally sensitive care to underserved children and families. – Rory Nicolaides, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine and Assistant Dean for Clinical Undergraduate Medical Education

Background and family: As a first-generation Indian American growing up in Plano, Texas, I have been deeply influenced by my parents’ journey as immigrants. I have traveled to India almost every year to visit my extended family, and these experiences have broadened my worldview and helped me appreciate the social, cultural, and economic factors that shape people’s lives.

College: I attended UT Austin, where I earned a dual degree in human development and family sciences and Spanish. It deepened my understanding of child development, family dynamics, and social factors that influence health and strengthened my ability to serve diverse patient populations.

What led to your career path: In college, I volunteered as a preschool teacher and loved working with children. As I moved through medical school, I became increasingly drawn to the advocacy-centered nature of pediatrics as well as the preventive focus of the specialty.

UTSW activities: I volunteered in our Culinary Medicine Program and served on the board of the Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility, an organization focused on environmental health advocacy and education. I was lead volunteer for the Refugee Free Clinic, supporting care for refugee patients. My first year of medical school, I served as President of a student-run free clinic. As a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, I served on the Ethics Committee focused on humanistic care in medicine.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Service, community, advocacy, nutrition, and environmental health.

One tip for medical school success: Follow your passions! In medical school, it’s easy to get caught up in doing what everyone else is doing. But trusting your instincts and pursuing the work that genuinely excites you will serve you far better in the long run.

Favorite way to relieve stress: Schedule your joy. For me, the best stress relief has been running with friends.

Surprising fact: I enjoy discovering new restaurants and writing reviews. I’m proud to be a Yelp Elite member!

Future plans: Although I’m still exploring my long-term plans after pediatrics residency at Boston Children’s Hospital, I’m considering pursuing fellowships in gastroenterology, emergency medicine, or pediatric primary care. Ultimately, I would love to be involved in a culinary medicine program where I can teach cooking classes to pediatric patients and their families, empowering them with practical skills to support lifelong wellness.

About the award: 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.