Neuroimmunology Fellow Mark McDonald, MD

Mark McDonald, MD, is a neuroimmunologist focusing on multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diseases that affect the brain and spinal cord. His interest in artificial intelligence led to his research on using A.I. to detect neurological abnormalities.

I’m Mark McDonald. I’m a neuroimmunology fellow here at the University of Virginia. We study diseases like multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases that affect the brain and spinal cord.

I’ve always had a passion for the human body, the brain, and I love solving problems. For me, it was about using this ability to help people, to connect with people and to better their lives. And the ultimate intersection of these passions was medicine.

One of my research interests is in artificial intelligence, and I've spent the last two years using A.I. to try to detect abnormalities on video of patients doing basic exam maneuvers. And that's something that I hope to take to the management of patients with M.S., stroke and a variety of other neurological conditions.

The reason I think UVA is so special is the people. People here are from all over, from a variety of backgrounds, but what they share in common is a passion for their field, for creating new knowledge and for being exceptional with patient care. And I think that's what unites everyone here and that's what really sets us apart.