David T. Fernandes Cabral, MD

  • Assistant Professor

David T. Fernandes Cabral, MD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery at UPMC Mercy in July of 2024 after completing a seven-year residency at the University of Pittsburgh as well as a enfolded skull base fellowship. He received his medical degree from the José María Vargas School of Medicine at the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela where he graduated at the top of his class. While in medical school, Dr. Fernandes was a teacher assistant in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroanatomy, as well as a research assistant at the Department of Pharmacology.

After graduating from medical school, David completed two years of mandatory service in a rural community in Venezuela where he served in a leadership role at the health center and was actively involved in teaching medical students during their rural rotations.

Dr. Fernandes has been invited to lecture in white matter connectivity of the human brain at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychology, and is currently in charge of teaching the practical sessions in the surgical neuroanatomy course for fourth year medical students at the university.

During his free time, David enjoys cooking, travelling, biking, watching movies and spending time with his family and friends

Specialized Areas of Interest

Skull base surgery, cerebrovascular surgery, surgical neuro-oncology, diffusion-MRI fiber tractography, microsurgical anatomy, traumatic brain injury, spine trauma, and teaching.

Hospital Privileges

UPMC Mercy
UPMC Presbyterian
UPMC Shadyside

Professional Organization Membership

American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Medical Association
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
North America Skull Base Society

Education & Training

  • MD, Universidad Central de Venezuela, 2017
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship, High-Definition Fiber Tractography, University of Pittsburgh, 2017
  • Enfolded Skull Base Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh, 2023-24
  • Skull Base Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh, 2024
  • Residency, Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 2024

Honors & Awards

  • Joseph Maroon Aequanimitas Award, University of Pittsburgh, 2024
  • Best Resident Teacher, Department of Neurological Surgery, 2024
  • Best Clinical Research Poster, Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves Session, Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, 2023
  • Cover Call Competition Winner, Nature Reviews Neurology, 2017
  • Best Poster Presentation, Venezuelan Neurosurgery Society, 2012
  • Research Assistant of the Year, Universidad Central de Venezuela, 2011
  • Teacher Assistant of the Year, Department of Anatomy and Neuroanatomy, Universidad Central de Venezuela, 2010