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Beatriz MacDonald Wer, Ph.D.

Beatriz MacDonald Wer, Ph.D.

Titles and Appointments

Assistant Professor

School
Medical School
Department
Psychiatry | Pediatrics

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For more information on the doctor and patient care, please visit the clinical profile.

  • Biography

    Beatriz MacDonald Wer, Ph.D., received her undergraduate degree in psychology with high honors (Magna Cum Laude) from Harvard University. She went on to earn her doctorate degree in clinical psychology at the University of Denver. During that time, she received training at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center for her clinical internship. She then completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of New Mexico Hospitals.

    Dr. MacDonald Wer joined UT Southwestern in 2022 and co-leads the Developmental Neuropsychology Emphasis Track for the joint UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health neuropsychology fellowship. She also serves as faculty for the Clinical Psychology Graduate Program at the UT Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Her roles include supervision, teaching, training, and research mentoring for graduate students, residents, and fellows.

    Dr. MacDonald Wer’s clinical focus is pediatric neuropsychology, with a particular interest in neurodevelopmental disorders and complex medical conditions. As a certified dual language provider (English/Spanish), she specializes in culturally and linguistically informed care.

    Dr. MacDonald Wer's research complements her clinical work, exploring cultural/linguistic factors, neurodevelopment, bilingualism, and health access in neuropsychology. Her contributions include numerous publications and awards recognizing her efforts in access, training, and mentorship.

  • Education
    Internship
    University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry (2014), Clinical Psychology
    Graduate School
    University of Denver (2014)
    Fellowship
    University of New Mexico Hospitals, Center for Neuropsychological Services (2016), Clinical Neuropsychology
  • Research Interest
    • Bilingual (Spanish-English) and Cultural Issues in Neuropsychology
    • Central Nervous System Disorders
    • Genetic Disorders
    • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in Young Children
    • Pediatric Neuropsychology
    • Teaching and Education
  • Publications

    Star Featured Publications

    Featured Featured Featured Featured Featured Featured
    H - 56 Culturally-Responsive Neuropsychological Evaluations: Two Case Studies Demonstrating the Application of the ECLECTIC Framework in Pediatric Medical Populations.
    Costello R, Jordan LL, Papadakis JL, MacDonald B, Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023 Oct
    H - 17 Neuropsychological Assessment in Rare Pediatric Neurogenetic Disorders: Considerations for Clinical Research.
    Dorsman KA, MacDonald B, Messahel S, Horton D, Edgar VB, Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023 Oct
    The Measurement of Acculturation in Neuropsychological Evaluations of Hispanic/Latino Individuals across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review of the Literature.
    Medina LD, Henry S, Torres S, MacDonald B, Strutt AM, Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023 Apr 38 3 365-386
    Neurodevelopmental Implications on Urological Self-management Among People Living With Spina Bifida: A Practical Guide for Urology Providers.
    Gandy K, Castillo H, Kelly M, Bradko V, MacDonald B, Thibadeau J, Queally J, Castillo J, Urology 2023 Mar 173 17-25
  • Honors & Awards
    • WINNers Box Award
      Women in Neuropsychology, Division 40 Society of Clinical Neuropsychology, American Psychological Association (2024)
    • Mentorship in Cultural Neuropsychology Award
      Hispanic Neuropsychological Society (2023)
    • Outstanding Mentor
      UT Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (2023)
    • Distinguished Professor
      Universidad Del Valle de Guatemala (2020)
    • Tony Wong Diversity Award for Outstanding Work Related to Diversity as an Early Career Professional
      National Academy of Neuropsychology (2018)
    • Teaching Award
      University of Denver, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (2014)
    • Graduate Studies Dissertation Fellowship
      University of Denver (2013)
  • Professional Associations/Affiliations
    • American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology
    • American Psychological Association
    • American Psychological Association, Division 40, Society of Clinical Neuropsychology
    • Hispanic Neuropsychological Society
    • International Neuropsychological Society
    • National Academy of Neuropsychology
    • Society for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics