real moms. RÉSUMÉ
Danika Franks loves helping her kids as they get older and come to her "with their real problems and real needs."
AGE 41 LIVES IN Fort Worth. “We recently bought a house and renovated it. So I have been enjoying my design skills. My mom gave me an appreciation for beautiful things in your space and how that can boost your well-being.” TRAINED IN Emergency medicine CAREER Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the TCU and UNT Health Science Center School of Medicine ALMA MATERS Midwestern State University; University of Texas Southwestern Medical School SIGNIFICANT OTHER Husband Chauncey, the TCU-FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Life & Character Coach KIDS Eli, 10, Eden, 9, and Elle, 6
STETHOSCOPE: NOUN PROJECT
mom next door /
DANIKA FRANKS the doctor is in
WORDS
ALEXIS PATTERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY
NICK PRENDERGAST
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ANIKA FRANKS HAS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS in many facets of her life. She grew up in a military family and had a chance to see a variety of countries and cultures; today she’s happily rooted in her Fort Worth neighborhood. And she followed her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor— then discovered an opportunity to combine her passion for medicine with her skills as an educator. Oh, and her interest in interior design? She’s been able to indulge that too through a home renovation, all while raising three thoughtful children with her husband Chauncey—amid a pandemic and a national conversation on race and justice. What drew you to medicine? When I was young, I didn’t love school. Then there was one week in third grade when my teacher gave us an overview of the human body. I remember showing up every single day and having this amazing fascination with what I dfwchild.com / september 2020
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