Madeleine Marlar-Pavey, M.D., Ph.D.

What this award means: As an aspiring physician-scientist, it is an honor to be recognized for potential in my future career! It’s an exciting time to be in the field of neurology, with improving treatment options and promising research into diseases that we previously had a poor understanding about.

Mentor comment: Madeleine has demonstrated an extraordinary blend of intellectual rigor, research acumen, and genuine compassion for patients. In addition to her academic excellence, she stands out for her commitment to teaching, mentoring, and bringing others into the worlds of medicine and science. Madeleine is, without question, one of the most impressive students I have encountered in my academic career. – Jeff Waugh, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology

Background and family: I was born in San Antonio, and as an only child, I continue to be very close with my parents. I met my husband studying abroad at the University of Exeter in England. After three years of dating long distance, he moved to Texas in 2022 and we married. We are overjoyed to have just welcomed our first baby boy, Archie.

College: I went to UT Austin, where I received a Bachelor of Science and Arts in neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts in French. At UT Southwestern, I completed my Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology.

What led to your career path: I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. I loved going to the pediatrician as a child and coming home to play doctor with my stuffed animals, which I “treated” for a variety of ailments and injuries. My love for science came a bit later, starting in school as I discovered the microscopic world of the cell. In college I joined a lab and realized how much I enjoyed scientific discovery, leading me to apply for the combined M.D./Ph.D. program. The unique patient populations and lack of complete understanding of neurological diseases drove me to neurology. I can’t wait to learn more about these diseases that can be so devastating.

UTSW activities: I was a member of the Perot Family Scholars Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) grand rounds committee, organizing talks for current M.D./Ph.D. students. I also participated in recruitment for the MSTP program. In addition, I led summer journal clubs for medical students, helping demystify scientific literature.

What words describe your UTSW experience: Research, discovery, and growth.

One tip for medical school success: Find a study method that works for you and stick with it.

Favorite way to relieve stress: I love rock climbing, hiking, and being outside in good weather.

Surprising fact: I’m an avid reader of all genres. Every year I have a book goal. In 2023, I read over 100 books. Since returning to medical school post-Ph.D., I have kept a goal of about 30 books a year.

Future plans: I will be starting my residency soon at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor. As an aspiring physician-scientist, I hope to one day start my own lab and research the pathologies that I see in clinic, informing patient care.

About the award: The American Academy of Neurology Prize is presented to a graduating medical student who has promising career potential in neurology, as determined by faculty and residents.