Welcome two new faculty members to the Department of Medicine and UMMC!

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John Lewis, MS

Division: Genetics and Genomics

Tell us about yourself. I am from Houston, Texas and earned my bachelor’s degree in Genetics at Texas A&M University (Gig ’em Aggs!). I began my career in cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Wanting a more patient-focused role, I went on to complete my master’s degree in Genetic Counseling at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and playing video games.

What are you most looking forward to working at UMMC? I’m excited to bring my previous experience to UMMC while continuing to grow as a genetic counselor. I look forward to working with patients and supporting them with respect, genuineness, and empathy, helping ensure they feel understood and empowered in their decision-making, particularly in the context of cancer genetics.

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Amruta Panwala, MD

Residency: University of Connecticut

Chief Residency: Yale New Haven – Waterbury

Division: Hospital Medicine

Tell us about yourself: I came to the United States from India in 2013 with a deep passion and determination to build a career in medicine—and it has been an adventurous and fulfilling journey ever since. After completing my training in New England, I had the opportunity to work as an academic hospitalist at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. During this time, I also served as faculty at both the University of Tennessee and the University of Cincinnati.

I live with my husband and our one-year-old daughter, who keep life joyful and busy. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, entertaining, travelling, playing board games and badminton, biking and exploring interior design.

What are you most looking forward to working at UMMC?

What drew me to UMMC is the opportunity to gain valuable experience by caring for higher-acuity patients and managing a wide range of complex clinical pathologies. I find it especially rewarding to serve a patient population facing significant health challenges, and I’m motivated by the chance to make a meaningful impact.

I bring with me prior experience as a chief resident and academic hospitalist, which has equipped me with strong clinical, leadership, and teaching skills. I’m eager to contribute to the education of medical students and residents, and to be part of a team that values both clinical excellence and academic growth.

In addition, I see UMMC as a great environment to pursue clinical and quality improvement research, which will allow me to keep the researcher in me engaged and thriving. Apart from work,  I’m excited to embrace the warm weather, rich history, and vibrant cultural experience that Mississippi has to offer.