Full Circle: From MD/PHD Student to Clinician Educator

As a medical student, David Savage, MD ’18, PhD ’18, found opportunities that would help shape both his career and his commitment to service—from conducting neuroscience research to serving Houston’s refugee community through the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. Today, the medical
oncologist and clinician educator remains actively engaged with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, mentoring future physicians and supporting the alumni community that helped launch his career.

What inspired you to become a doctor?

I was inspired by my parents. My mother was a career nurse, and my father was a biomedical technician. Growing up in hospitals, I developed a deep admiration for the independence and leadership of the physicians I encountered. To support my interest, my parents helped me become a “junior volunteer” during my teenage years, which provided invaluable early exposure to the healthcare environment.

Why did you choose McGovern Medical School for your medical degree?

My connection to the school began in the summer of 2006, when I participated in a research program at McGovern Medical School working with neuroscientist Dr. Neal Waxham. That summer convinced me that the Texas Medical Center offered unparalleled opportunities for training and discovery. Additionally, I was fortunate to be accepted into the MD/PhD program, which perfectly aligned with my career goals.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a medical student?

The camaraderie built during long hours of studying stands out the most. My core group of friends would take coffee breaks and spend weekends together, forming bonds that have lasted a lifetime. These friends, including Dr. Mark Cooper, a gastroenterologist in Michigan, and Dr. Zane Martindale, a family medicine physician in Manhattan, remain my closest McGovern Medical School connections today.

Who made the biggest impact on you at the school?

Rebecca Lunstroth in the Office of Educational Programs at McGovern Medical School had a profound impact on my path. Recognizing my aspirations for service, she encouraged me to apply for the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship during my third year. That transformative year where I learned about Houston’s refugee community eventually led me to serve as co-chair of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Houston-Galveston Board.

Why did you choose your specialty?

I am a medical oncologist. As a student, I fell in love with internal medicine and was fascinated by the rapidly evolving science and technology within oncology. After caring for several cancer patients during my internal medicine clerkship, I knew it was the field for me

Tell us about your career journey since graduating.

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico. My family and I moved to Albuquerque to pursue an opportunity for me to subspecialize in melanoma and sarcoma care. The move was also a homecoming of sorts for my wife, Elizabeth; we met in Houston while she was completing her MPH at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, but she actually grew up just two blocks from our current home

What’s one piece of advice you would give to recent graduates?

Life is short, so prioritize a practice model that truly makes you happy, whether that involves subspecializing, taking fewer calls, or adjusting your hours. If you find yourself in a position that isn’t fulfilling, remember that you are a highly trained, sought-after professional with the agency to make a change.

How did your experience at McGovern Medical School shape your professional path?

The school provided the rigorous training necessary to become both a skilled physician-scientist through the MD/PhD program and an empathetic clinician. Not a day goes by that I don’t use the fundamental skills I learned during my time there.

What inspired you to get involved with the Alumni Association?

I identify strongly as a clinician educator, and McGovern Medical School opened many doors for me in that realm. I believe alumni engagement is a shared duty. It strengthens the school’s reputation and supports the fundraising efforts that benefit future students.

Why do you believe staying connected to the university is important after graduation?

I benefited immensely from the mentors I met at McGovern Medical School. Staying connected is my was of paying it forward and supporting the next generation of physicians.

How do you like to spend your free time? 

I love spending time with my daughter, Penelope, who turned 2 this year. She is truly the joy of our lives.