David Roger Benavides

David Roger Benavides, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with a secondary appointment in Physiology. His clinical and research focus centers on neuroimmunology, autoimmune encephalitis, and neuroinflammatory diseases.

• B.S., Biology, St. Mary’s University (Summa Cum Laude)
• Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• Neurology Residency, Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Neuroimmunology Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Huganir Lab)

Dr. Benavides directs a translational research program investigating immune regulation of neuronal function, particularly in autoimmune encephalitis. His work combines cell culture models, animal studies, and multidisciplinary approaches involving pharmacology, proteomics, and molecular biology to identify novel therapeutic targets.

His research trends include:

• Autoimmune encephalitis mechanisms
• Anti-NMDAR antibody effects
• Signal transduction pathways
• Synaptic plasticity modulation
• Neuroinflammatory disease modeling
• Clinical treatment protocols

Scientific honors:

• 2023 Elected Fellow, American Academy of Neurology
• 2023 & 2020 Baltimore Magazine 'Top Doctor' in Neurology - Multiple Sclerosis
• 2022 Faculty Success Program, NCFDD

He holds board certification in Psychiatry and Neurology and contributes to clinical care through the Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research.