The Southwestern Medical Foundation has named Dr. Priyanka Gaur as the recipient of the Ho Din Award, the highest honor bestowed by the foundation. It is given to a student who embodies the ideal values of a physician, and includes a $10,000 scholarship.
“Investing in medical students who not only gain medical expertise, but also have the capacity to provide thoughtful patient care, has always been a cornerstone of the Foundation and Medical School,” said James R. Huffines, Chairman of Southwestern Medical Foundation’s Board of Trustees via release. “It is with great pride that we present the Ho Din Award to Dr. Gaur, who has demonstrated the qualities of exceptional physicians and will no doubt lead tremendous progress in her field of work.”
Gaur earned a 4.0 GPA while at UT Southwestern, was President of the Future Residents of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and founded of the Health Advocacy Student Interest group (now called Student Patient Advocates for the Rights of our Communities or SPARC), which allows other medical student to learn more about the social and economic determinants of healthcare. She also played a role in the creation of a new childcare facility for Parkland patients receiving treatment, which is set to open this fall.
“It was a great surprise to receive the news that I would receive The Ho Din Award,” said Gaur via release. “Winning this Award and honoring its meaning will be a privilege I will treasure throughout my life. I look forward to carrying the Ho Din spirit in my daily interactions with patients, their families, and colleagues.”
“As we navigate the current pandemic crisis, communities and hospitals across the globe are recognizing the fundamental importance of care based on both compassion and science,” said Dr. Richard Hoffman who presented her the award and is trustee for the foundation. “Since its establishment in 1943, this Award has been presented to many remarkable students and teachers. Dr. Gaur is well-deserving to join the group of previous Ho Din Award winners. From the excellent academic achievements that she has accomplished during her time at UT Southwestern, to her already demonstrated leadership in public health, Dr. Gaur is a medical student capable of bringing improvement to the patients and communities she will serve.”
Gaur will plans of pursuing her residency in Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Hospital after graduation.
