Donald Wesson, M.D.

Donald E. Wesson, M.D., M.B.A., FASN, is a Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a member of its Division of Nephrology.

Originally from St. Louis, Dr. Wesson holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he also completed internal medicine residency training. He then obtained advanced training through a fellowship in nephrology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He also holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to joining the UT Southwestern faculty in 2024, Dr. Wesson held an array of academic and administrative roles at prominent institutions throughout Texas. He served as President of Baylor Scott & White's Health and Wellness Center, after having served as Chief Academic Officer for Baylor Scott & White Health. He was also a longtime member of the Baylor College of Medicine faculty before being named Nephrology Division Chief at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Later, he chaired the school's Department of Internal Medicine before being named Vice Dean of Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine in Temple.

An accomplished researcher, Dr. Wesson's investigations over four decades have focused on kidney function and disease processes. He has translated his basic science studies examining the role of nutrition in population health and the kidney protective benefit of nutrition. In recognition of his accomplishments, the American Society of Nephrology named a research fellowship in his honor. 

He has published more than 120 peer-reviewed articles, five books, and 18 book chapters. Additionally, he has been actively involved in leadership positions for a number of professional organizations, including the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, Association of Professors in Medicine, and the American Association of Physicians.