Mukta Panda, MD, professor and assistant dean for Well-Being and Medical Student Education in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Medicine Chattanooga, has been named Woman Physician of the Year by the Tennessee Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP). She was formally recognized with the honor during the organization’s virtual chapter meeting last month.
“We are so delighted to have Dr. Panda in our college,” said Scott Strome, MD, Robert Kaplan Executive Dean and vice chancellor for clinical affairs in the College of Medicine. “She is an incredibly thoughtful and compassionate leader who is a tremendous contributor to our educational efforts across our system and the state.”
The Woman Physician of the Year designation honors a woman physician with a distinguished career in areas of exceptional patient care, medical education, and/or research. The honor is part of the organization’s annual Chapter Awards. The awards recognize members of the Tennessee Chapter who have provided distinguished service to their chapter and community and upheld the high ideals and professional standards of the organization, according to organization’s website.
Dr. Panda has been a member of the ACP, a national organization for internists and physician specialists, since 1998. “I was surprised and touched to be honored by my chapter,” she said. “I have a great deal of respect for the ACP because it has allowed me to be and give my best as a physician, educator, and leader.”
Dr. Panda has served the ACP as a medical education student mentor and adviser. She has also been the recipient of other organizational awards such as the Chapter Laureate Award (2011) and the ACP Award for Outstanding Educator of Residents and Fellows (2016). Additionally, she earned the distinction of Mastership in 2017, and Fellow in the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) – London in 2018 which recognizes outstanding and extraordinary career accomplishments.
“The award truly belongs and represents a team that has supported me, many from the UTHSC College of Medicine campuses in Chattanooga and Memphis,” Dr. Panda said. “My work continues to challenge me and give me meaning, especially as I continue learning and working alongside our learners and future doctors, allowing them to shine their lights even brighter.”