Today we’d like to introduce you to Pooja Prabhakar.
Hi Pooja, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My first introduction into orthopedic surgery was the summer after I graduated high school in Katy ISD, when I shadowed Dr. Valerae Lewis at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Getting people back to their level of functioning after an injury or arthritic issues or tumor, getting to know many diverse people on a deep level daily, and getting to use my hands- all these aspects drew me into orthopedic surgery. I went to medical school at UT Southwestern in Dallas, followed by a rigorous orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, and then specialized training in foot and ankle surgery at the Baylor University Medical Center Foot and Ankle Fellowship in Dallas. I then joined Baylor College of Medicine in Houston as assistant professor in orthopedic surgery.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to becoming a physician and orthopedic surgeon requires discipline and sacrifices. Starting out with being pre-med in undergrad itself is a challenge! I had some struggle along the way, but luckily I had a great support system in my family and friends. One struggle in particular to highlight is going into a surgical subspecialty as a women can be daunting as there were many detractors along the way, in and outside of medical school. What kept me going is knowing that the people who didn’t think that I wouldn’t be a good fit in orthopedic surgery due to small stature or gender, just weren’t knowledgeable that many orthopedic surgery skills are about technique, not brute force as previously thought.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle problems. A common misconception is that orthopedic surgeons only do surgery, and don’t offer nonsurgical treatments- however, we always offer the best treatment for each person based on their issue- whether that is nonsurgical or surgical. I’m most proud of being able to help people in my community and around the world, with my knowledge and training over the last few decades.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
My introduction into orthopedic surgery during my summer research program at MD Anderson had a bit of luck in that I randomly was assigned to my mentor, Dr. Valerae Lewis, chief of orthopedic oncology. Had I not been randomly assigned to her, I may not become interested in orthopedics, and may not have even gone to medical school.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bcm.edu/people-search/pooja-prabhakar-201061
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WRKjBw8K5t2GqkNZ6
