The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery PGY-6 Neurosurgery Resident Dago Estevez-Ordonez, M.D., Ph.D., recently completed the UAB Graduate Biomedical Sciences program, earning his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in neuroscience.

Estevez completed his degree through the Advance Research training In SciEnce for M.D.s (ARISE-MD) Ph.D. program available at UAB as a physician-scientist training pathway. 

According to the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Physician Scientist Development Office, the ARISE-MD program was designed, “to prepare residents and fellows at UAB for the roles of researchers, scholars and leaders capable of making a substantive contribution to academic medicine.”  

Estevez is now the only UAB Neurosurgery resident to complete their Ph.D. while in the residency program. 

“I personally am grateful beyond adequate expression to all those who supported me with this undertaking,” said Estevez. “My wife Amy and my children for their support, encouragement and time sacrificed. Dr. Markert for his constant support and mentorship. His lab staff, Li Li, Sherry Alexander, Jennifer Clements and Renaldo, for their patience and willingness to teach. My co-residents, Travis Atchley and Nick Laskay, for supporting and encouraging pursuit of my career aspirations. Dr. Beverly Walters for her support and encouragement, and the department for the assistance to complete my degree. And many others who also contributed or supported me in many ways, allowing me to successfully complete this significant undertaking.”