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Nil Saez-Calveras, M.D.

Seldin Scholar, 2022

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

My experience at UT Southwestern has been outstanding. From the very beginning, I have been fortunate to receive exceptional guidance from both the program leadership and my mentors, who have always supported my goal of becoming a physician-scientist studying neurodegenerative diseases. Throughout my training, I have benefited from significant dedicated research time and internal grant funding, which have helped advance my scientific projects. The strong backing from both the Neurology and Internal Medicine departments has been instrumental in making this possible. This environment has placed me in an ideal position to launch my career as an independent investigator.

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

The Seldin Symposium was a transformative experience. Having the opportunity to present my research at this event allowed me to forge strong collaborations with researchers in Internal Medicine and Neurology, fueling a lot of the work I am doing now. It also strengthened my academic profile, significantly benefiting my applications for research funding and other training opportunities. More importantly, the symposium reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career as a physician-scientist conducting bench research.

What are your current research interests and goals?

My research focuses on validating rapid biosensor-based methods to classify tauopathies based on their structural characteristics—an approach I aim to translate into early diagnostic tools for these disorders. I am also working on the development of myeloid cell-based therapies targeting tau in Alzheimer’s disease. After completing my residency, I plan to pursue a fellowship in cognitive neurology and take the first steps toward establishing my own independent laboratory.

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

If you are committed to pursuing research, take full advantage of the opportunities available at UT Southwestern. Seek out mentors early who align with your research interests and can provide both scientific guidance and career support. UT Southwestern has a uniquely strong relationship between clinicians and basic researchers, making it an ideal place to conduct translational research and bridge the gap between the lab and patient care. Additionally, apply for the extensive internal research grant opportunities available, as these can provide crucial support and help secure external funding. Most importantly, stay persistent—bench research as a resident can be challenging at times, but the exceptional mentorship and institutional support at UT Southwestern will give you all the tools to build a strong foundation for a career as a physician-scientist

Representative Publications

"The symposium reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career as a physician-scientist conducting bench research."

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