Trisha M. Parekh, DO, MS

Clinical Biography

Trisha M. Parekh, DO, MS, is a board-certified pulmonologist in UT Health Austin’s Pulmonology Clinic. She specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and bronchiectasis. Additionally, Dr. Parekh is an assistant professor in the Dell Medical School Department of Internal Medicine at The University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Parekh earned her medical degree from The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth and her master’s degree in public health at The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health. She completed a residency in internal medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch and a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Parekh has successfully led or contributed to multiple externally and internally funded projects totaling, emphasizing community-focused interventions and mechanistic studies of COPD and related health disparities. This work has been supported by competitive federal, industry-sponsored, and institutional awards. As a behavioral scientist, she designs and tests patient- and community-level interventions to assess and address social and environmental factors affecting lung health. She is also interested in how chronic stress influences health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. Her research is funded by the National Institutes of Health through a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award and her work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals. Her approach to pulmonary care is holistic, patient-centered, and grounded in trust and understanding. She works closely with patients with chronic lung disease to understand not only their symptoms, but how their condition affects their daily lives. By partnering with each patient, she develops individualized treatment plans that align with their goals and values. In addition to evidence-based medical therapies, she incorporate stress-reduction and mindfulness techniques to help patients manage symptoms, improve breathing, and enhance overall well-being. Her goal is to empower patients with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to breathe easier and live fuller, healthier lives. In addition to her clinical and research work, she enjoys teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows to help them achieve their long-term career goals.