Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont Master Clinical Teaching Award: Karthik Bhandari, MD
Karthik Bhandari, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, is the winner of the 2025 Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont Master Clinical Teaching Award.
Established in 2001 and made possible by a gift from the DuPonts, the award recognizes and preserves the essence and quality of the master clinical teacher, reflecting McGovern Medical School’s top priority of quality clinical education.
“Winning this award is a tremendous privilege and a significant milestone in my career,” Bhandari said. “It profoundly validates my dedication to fostering an environment where students not only gain knowledge but evolve into capable, compassionate clinicians. This award reaffirms my commitment to continually refining my own approach to medical education as we prepare for the next generation of physicians.”
Bhandari said that he was surprised and humbled to receive the news of winning the award, and that it was an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the physicians he admires most like Jennifer Swails, MD; Philip Orlander, MD; and John Foringer, MD.
“To be recognized by my peers and the institutions for something I am so passionate about is a deeply rewarding experience, and I am beyond honored.”
Bhandari said his teaching philosophy is built around empowering each learner to reach their full potential. This allows him to meet learners exactly where they are in their educational journey and tailor instruction to each of their individual needs.
“Beyond simply conveying information, my most important aim is to ignite a genuine excitement for learning in my students — a passion that will fuel their growth and forward progress throughout their careers,” he said.
Bhandari, who also serves as the associate program director of the Internal Medicine Residency earned his medical degree from McGovern Medical School and remained at UTHealth Houston to complete his residency in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics. As a student he was a member of the AOA Honor Society and received the Hitoshi C. Nikaidoh Award for Humanism in Medicine.
Additionally, Bhandari is the 2023 recipient of the John P. McGovern Award as the exceptional clinical teacher.
He credited a trio of McGovern Medical School faculty as mentors who have shaped his development as an educator throughout his career. Bhandari mentioned that Swails has a genuine compassion for learners and her adept communication skills are qualities he strives to embody. Additionally, he mentioned Carissa Huq, MD, for her inspiration to the internal medicine residents and Rob Wesley, MD, who he has modeled his own attending style after.
Bhandari thanked his wife Sandra for her unwavering support and reminders to always be patient. He also thanked Peggy Hsieh, Med, PhD, and the entire team in the Office of Educational Programs.
“I am deeply honored to receive an award established by Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont,” Bhandari said. “To receive an award bearing the name of Dr. DuPont – whose commitment to medical education is woven into the very fabric of McGovern – is a profound privilege.”
Previous recipients of the DuPont Award are: Dia Waguespack, MD, 2024; Hilary Fairbrother, MD, MPH, 2023; Sasha Adams, MD, 2022; Katie Normand, MD, 2021; Robby Wesley, DO, 2020; Jennifer L. Swails, MD, 2019; J. Chase Findley, MD, 2018; Don Molony, MD, 2017; Erin Furr Stimming, MD, 2016; Gabriel Aisenberg, MD, 2015; Mark Hormann, MD, 2014; Mark Farnie, MD, 2013; John Foringer, MD, 2012; Pedro Mancias, MD, 2011; Phil Johnson, MD, 2010; Francisco Fuentes, MD, 2009; Cheves Smythe, MD, 2008; Eugene Toy, MD, 2007; John Sparks, MD, 2006; Victor Lavis, MD, 2005; Philip Orlander, MD, 2004; Ian Butler, MD, 2003; Patrick Brosnan, MD, 2002; and Frank Arnett, MD, 2001.