Thursday, December 15, 2022
Dr. Priya Bui has been with HSC's Department of Pediatrics and Women’s Health since 2014 and has been the clinical chief of pediatrics since 2017. In May 2022, the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth named Dr. Bui Chair of Pediatrics and Women’s Health. She is the first female chair of the department. Dr. Bui has been recognized countless times as the Pediatric Teacher of the Year. She has also been named a Top Doctor by Fort Worth Magazine and DFW Magazine for many years. Priya accepted the “Mom Approved Award” from Fort Worth Child Magazine in 2017 and 2021.
Q&A
How long have you worked in the UNT System, and what do you do?
I have been here since the summer of 2014 for over 8 years. I am a pediatrician who practices medicine, an educator for TCOM medical students and a leader for the department in directing our clinical services, scholarly activity, academic initiatives and community outreach and projects.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I absolutely love taking care of children in my clinical practice, but the most rewarding aspect is inspiring students to be the best they can be.
Can you share any ongoing work or news on the Department of Pediatrics and Women’s Health?
The Department is very excited to start the work for integrating Behavioral Health into the practice. This is something that will impact the community and teaching. We have started this work by welcoming a new faculty member, Dr. Shalice McKnight, who is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. We are also excited with our relationships in the community and school district with the work we do with the Pediatric Mobile Unit which is sure to continue and expand its great work.
What led you to study healthcare?
I was driven to medicine due to the challenging and creative nature of the field. My joy in working with others led me to want to be a physician. During my medical school rotations, right here at TCOM, when I was a student, I was pleasantly surprised when I fell in love with Pediatrics while working alongside pediatricians and working with parents and children.
Do you have any new favorite interests regarding your research that you’d like to explore more or continue with your current studies?
A favorite area of discovery for me, is aligning our community and scholarly work with teaching. The more our learners are exposed and integrated into some of this work, the more they will contribute to further it. One example is through work with the Pediatric Research Program that connects Clinicians and Scholars with students to work on research during their early medical school career. Another is through work with Healthy Start, where MPH students can work in the filed alongside community workers and scholars supporting pregnant and new mothers.
What do you see next as the most exciting developments regarding the present and future impact of these emerging technologies?
I think this creates a new generation of health professionals who are in tune with the complexity of Health.
Do you have any favorite or memorable experiences connected to your time as a pediatrics specialist?
I have started to have mother’s return to the clinic who were once my patients and now are bringing in their own babies. That is the best compliment.
What is your proudest work moment?
My proudest work moments are when students thoughtfully choose pediatrics for their future careers, just as I did. The idea of being a part of their journey and that of all students is my proudest work.
What is your proudest nonwork moment?
I grew up taking classical Indian Dance classes and was able to have an “Arangetram” which is somewhat of a graduation and a solo performance. I am proud of the discipline and work ethic it took especially at that time. These days as a busy mom of three, I am proud every day when we get each child asleep and in bed after a busy day.
Do you have any recommendations that you would like to share?
Finding the intersection of your skills, goals, and the needs of others is extremely rewarding, but takes continued alignment and growth. Don’t be afraid to try something new to grow in this way and to continue to help others.
What is a fact about you that may surprise your colleagues?
I am outgoing and like large events and public speaking, but my ideal quality time is quiet and with small groups.
What is your favorite ...
Book?: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini , I love historical fiction which can transport you to that place and time, and this was just that kind of book.
A place to visit?: The ocean. It is immediately soothing for me to see the ocean.
Restaurant?: Hatsuyuki! It has the best sushi with the freshest inventory of fish and ingredients.