Yukta Sunkara, M.D.

 

What this award means: When I think about the qualities embodied by this award, I am reminded of the mentors who have exemplified the traits I aspire to cultivate. I am deeply honored to receive this award, as it reinforces the kind of physician I will continually strive to become.

Mentor comments: From the outset of her clinical training, Yukta distinguished herself through intellectual rigor, compassion, and poise. Recognized for her humanism, service, and academic excellence, Yukta embodies the highest ideals of medicine, uniting clinical excellence with altruism and leadership in service of others. – Reeni Abraham, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine, and Kehinde Odedosu, M.D., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

Background and family: I was born in India and immigrated to the United States at the age of 3. Although I am the first physician in my family, my parents instilled in me from an early age the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness – principles that shaped their own journey from small villages in India to careers as engineers.

College: I attended UT Austin as part of the Polymathic Honors Program in the College of Natural Sciences, where I earned a dual degree in biochemistry and human development and family sciences.

What led to your career path: I was drawn to medicine for its fundamental purpose of helping others. I came to appreciate the field’s complexity and its unique balance of intellectual rigor and humanism, which is exactly the kind of career I envisioned for myself. I quickly found my calling in internal medicine, where continuous learning and critical thinking are essential to supporting patients through some of their most vulnerable moments.

UTSW activities: One of my most cherished activities during my time at UTSW was participating in the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, a yearlong community service program through which I developed educational materials to support healthy child development for parents from underserved backgrounds. I have also been actively involved with the Best Buddies chapter at UTSW, fostering connections between students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a member of the GHHS Humans of Parkland Committee, I helped organize social history visits for pre-clerkship students. I also participated in United to Serve, the MS0 committee, tutored pre-clerkship students, and served as a peer mentor.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Inspiring, empowering, and transformative.

One tip for medical school success: Remind yourself of the reasons you chose this profession, on both good and difficult days.

Favorite way to relieve stress: A walk or run in nice weather is my best way to relieve stress.

Surprising fact: I am an avid fan of the Dallas Mavericks! One of my core childhood memories was watching Dirk Nowitzki lead the team to victory in the 2011 NBA Finals.

Future plans: I am excited to begin my internal medicine residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I have been particularly drawn to caring for critically ill patients and am considering pursuing subspecialty training in cardiology or pulmonary and critical care medicine.

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.