Mercedes Paredes, MD, PhD, is an associate professor in the UCSF Department of Neurology and in the Neuroscience, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, and Biomedical Sciences graduate programs. A native of Los Angeles, CA, she received her undergraduate degree in biochemical sciences from Harvard University and then joined the UCSF Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). She completed neurology residency and postdoctoral training at UCSF, where she studied the development and survival of cortical inhibitory neurons. Her lab focuses on identifying features of neuronal progenitor proliferation and migration that are unique to the gyrated brain, such as in humans, with an emphasis on the perinatal period. She is a practicing neurologist who serves epilepsy patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and is passionate about mentoring  underrepresented in medicine (UIM) individuals in careers in medicine, STEM, and neurology.

Diversity within the Department of Neurology is an important mission for Dr. Paredes. As co-chair of the Diversity Committee for the department, she worked to promote awareness and education regarding diversity issues in neurology clinical care and diversity among the staff of the department. Her lab offers teaching sessions to local San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) high schools to enhance neurology awareness and potentially recruit new diverse members for the future of neurology and neuroscience. With this expertise, she is working with the Neuroscience program on longitudinal outreach efforts. She serves on the MSTP Council to offer mentoring and support and serves on speaking panels at the yearly Chicano Health Education Dia De Los Muertos Conference run by the Latino Medical Student Association. Lastly, Dr. Paredes serves on admissions committees for the neurology residency program and the MSTP Council, granting her the opportunity to meet future clinician scientists and promote applicants of diverse backgrounds.

Learn more about Dr. Paredes here.