Zaiba Jetpuri, D.O., Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine, recently received the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) 2025 Academic Exemplary Teaching Award. Presented Nov. 15 during TAFP’s Annual Session and Primary Care Summit in Addison, Texas, the award recognizes individuals with outstanding teaching skills who have developed and implemented innovative teaching models.

Nominators – who included colleagues and former residents – said Dr. Jetpuri’s inclusive teaching style makes students feel comfortable to ask questions and share their perspectives. Considered a mentor and role model by many residents who have trained under her, Dr. Jetpuri creates a safe space for students, residents, and colleagues, her nominators wrote.

“Teaching is the part of my work that fills my cup, so to speak, and helps push me through the tough days. So to be recognized by colleagues and learners is very humbling and energizing,” said Dr. Jetpuri, who also serves as UTSW Family Medicine Residency Program Director. “It reminds me why I chose academic medicine. I want to help shape future family medicine doctors who will care for me, my family, and our community with heart, equity, and skill.”

Dr. Jetpuri, left, receives her award from Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) Board Chair Lindsay Botsford, M.D., M.B.A. Photo credit: TAFP/Jonathan Nelson

Dr. Jetpuri developed the Family Medicine Residency Essentials Track, an innovative boot camp for fourth-year medical students, and she has had a role in many curricular efforts for the Family Medicine Residency involving Pediatrics, Culinary Medicine, and Grand Rounds. In 2024, she co-created the Department’s inaugural continuing medical education and alumni symposium – the UTSW Family and Community Medicine Golden Jubilee. She is also a member of the UT Southwestern Academy of Teachers (SWAT) and a Fashena College mentor.

Her teaching style is built on meeting learners where they are and ensuring everyone feels supported, heard, seen, and challenged.

“I try to set expectations early and create an environment that can make them feel encouraged and OK to ask all the questions that may be brimming in their heads,” Dr. Jetpuri said. “I also try to make sure I give timely feedback so they know how to improve.”

Enthusiasm, she said, is the key to effective teaching.

“If you are really excited about what you teach, it can be contagious and remind students that what they do really makes a difference,” Dr. Jetpuri explained. “I also think just being present and honest helps. Sometimes we don’t know all the answers as teachers, so it’s OK to have those discussions with your students and show them how to learn or where to find the solutions when you don’t have them.”

Dr. Jetpuri earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and business and an M.B.A. from UT Dallas, followed by a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. After completing her family medicine residency at UT Southwestern, she joined the faculty in 2013.