Profiles in Success: Shalini Thomas, MD, MHA, MBA
Learn more about the journey from medical school to career success as a practicing physician and healthcare leader.
Today, we highlight the journey of Shalini Thomas, MD, MHA, MBA, who graduated from SMUSOM in 2016 and has since gone on to both practice medicine and earn the role of Regional Vice President of Next Level Urgent Care in Houston, Texas.
While recounting her eventful and fulfilling journey in this informal interview, Dr. Thomas provides invaluable insights for aspiring medical doctors, shares tips about how to succeed in medical school and highlights what’s possible in the field of medicine for passionate practitioners.
We thank Dr. Thomas for her participation and hope her answers help you along your own pathway to career success.
Can you share your earliest memory of wanting to become a doctor, and talk about any activities you were involved in over the years that helped you solidify your decision to go into the medical field?
I always joke that while the other little girls were pretending to be princesses, I was pretending to be a doctor princess. Even at a young age, I had this strong instinct to help people – it was just in me. My grandmother lived with us growing up, and she had multiple chronic conditions. I saw firsthand how difficult it was for her to manage everything – appointments, medications, just daily life. I wanted so badly to understand what was happening to her and how to make it better.
That shaped my perspective early on. Over the years, I volunteered in clinics, joined health-focused community service organizations and eventually worked in patient care roles. Every experience just reinforced that this was the path I was meant to take.
Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies. Did you ever have any doubts about being able to successfully get into and through medical school, and if so, how did you overcome those concerns?
Absolutely. I think anyone who says they never had doubts is probably not being honest. I had my share – especially when I saw peers getting into U.S. schools while I was looking into international options. But I reminded myself that everyone’s journey is different. I focused on my “why” and leaned heavily on discipline, routine and the belief that if I gave it my all, the outcome would follow. Having a strong support system – family, mentors, and later, classmates – also really helped drown out those self-doubts.
When considering medical schools, what do you see as some of the personal and academic benefits of attending an international option?
One big benefit is resilience. Being in a different country forces you out of your comfort zone. At St. Matthew’s University, I learned to adapt quickly – not just to academic rigor but also to a new culture and way of life. The class sizes were smaller, which meant more one-on-one time with professors, and we built a tight-knit community. Also, the path might not be traditional, but many Caribbean schools have strong clinical rotation partnerships in the U.S., which sets you up for real-world experience.
Can you talk a little bit about the relationships you built while attending St. Matthew’s University? Did you receive support from your faculty and fellow classmates? Do you still have those connections today?
The relationships were everything. We were all in it together – away from home, working through an intense program. That kind of pressure can bond people quickly.
Faculty were approachable and invested in our success. They knew us by name, which made a huge difference. I’m still in touch with several classmates – some are practicing all over the United States now – and we still reach out to each other for advice or just to catch up. It’s like an extended family.
Please describe the feeling you had when you received your MD diploma. What was that moment like for you and your family?
It was surreal. There was this quiet moment right after I walked off stage, diploma in hand, when it all hit me. Every late night, every exam, every doubt – it was all worth it.
For my family, it was emotional. They had sacrificed a lot to support me, and in that moment, it felt like a shared victory. I saw tears, laughter and a sense of pride I’ll never forget.
Thinking about your current position. Can you talk about the difference you and everyone at Next Level Urgent Care are making in the local community? How rewarding is that for you?
At Next Level, we’re reimagining what urgent care can be. We’re not just a walk-in clinic – we’re part of the healthcare fabric of the community. From providing quality, affordable healthcare to being available after hours when people need us most, we’re filling a critical gap. What’s most rewarding is seeing the tangible impact: shorter ER lines, patients who leave smiling and parents who trust us with their children’s health. Being part of that is incredibly fulfilling.
What are a few things you wished someone had told you about applying to medical school, or attending medical school, that you would like future students to know? What advice would you give?
I wish someone had told me that where you start doesn’t define where you finish. If you’re passionate, determined and willing to work hard, you can succeed – regardless of where you go to med school.
I’d also say: don’t let imposter syndrome stop you from applying or thriving. Own your journey, ask for help when you need it and don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. Focus on becoming the best doctor you can be.
When did you transition from a practicing family physician to an urgent care facility vice president, and how did you prepare for and manage this major change?
The transition happened gradually. I started getting involved in clinic operations early in my career – helping with workflow, staffing models and even patient experience initiatives. I realized I loved solving problems on a systems level, not just one patient at a time.
I then pursued additional training in healthcare management and leaned on mentors who helped me develop leadership skills. It was a leap, but a natural one. Now, as a VP, I still use my clinical background daily – it just looks a little different.
More About St. Matthew’s University
As Dr. Thomas highlights in her insightful responses and commentary, at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine we are proud to provide aspiring physicians with the comprehensive medical education and supportive community they need to achieve their dreams of earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
If this is something you aspire to, we encourage you to learn more about our MD program and begin your journey to becoming a successful SMUSOM alum, like Dr. Shalini Thomas!
To help you get inspired, check out what it’s like to walk across the commencement stage as a brand-new MD:
Then contact us to learn more about getting started or jump right in and begin your application today!