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Karim Seif El Daham, M.D.

Foster Fellow, 2024

What stood out about your research experience at UT Southwestern, and how did it shape your career?

I worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Digestive & Liver Diseases at UT Southwestern under the mentorship of Dr. Amit Singal. Our research focused on improving early-stage detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and stratifying patients to identify those who would benefit most from HCC surveillance and targeted therapies. What stood out most about this experience was the supportive and prolific environment fostered by my mentor and colleagues, as well as the opportunity to develop strong research skills, lead multiple high-impact research projects, and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and training levels—an experience that was both fulfilling and instrumental in my growth as a researcher.

How did participating in the Seldin Symposium impact your research path?

Participating in the Seldin Symposium was a valuable opportunity to present our research to a broader audience and to connect with peers. It was especially enriching to learn about the diverse research projects happening across departments at UT Southwestern. Being selected as a Foster Fellow and getting to present our work during the Internal Medicine Grand Rounds elevated this experience even further—it allowed me to gain great exposure and receive insightful feedback from inspirational leaders in the field. This experience reinforced my passion for academic medicine and collaborative research.

What are your current research interests and goals?

My experience at UT Southwestern has ignited my passion for research on HCC surveillance, with a particular focus on precision screening, consisting of selecting a specific surveillance strategy based on individual risk and test performance. My goal is to contribute to research on HCC in a way that drives meaningful advancements in early detection, risk stratification, and treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

What advice would you offer current Internal Medicine trainees about pursuing research?

There can sometimes be pressure to pursue research, which can feel overwhelming. Find a dedicated mentor and focus on a specific research area that interests you rather than spreading yourself too thin. This approach will allow you to build expertise and expand on your work in a meaningful way. Most important, enjoy the process—take advantage of opportunities to collaborate, connect with peers at national and international meetings, and learn from others in the field.

Representative Publications

"Participating in the Seldin Symposium was a valuable opportunity to present our research to a broader audience and to connect with peers."

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