Jay A. Perman

Jay A. Perman, MD, is Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and has served as the sixth President of UMB since July 2010. A pediatric gastroenterologist by training, he continues to practice weekly in the President’s Clinic while spearheading university-wide initiatives in interprofessional education, community engagement, and urban renewal.

Education and Training

• BA, Northwestern University (1964–1968)
• MD with Distinction, Northwestern University (1968–1972)
• Residency in Pediatrics, Northwestern University Children’s Memorial Hospital (1972–1975)
• Research Fellowship in Pediatrics & Pediatric Gastroenterology, Harvard Medical School & Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Boston (1975–1977)

Research Interests

Dr. Perman’s scholarly work centers on pediatric gastrointestinal physiology and diseases, with landmark contributions to understanding sucrose malabsorption, bile-acid metabolism in children, and gastrointestinal manifestations of autism spectrum disorders. In parallel, his administrative scholarship explores interprofessional education, health-system integration, and the role of academic medical centers in community health.

Scientific Awards and Honors

• Ploner Scholar, Northwestern University Medical School
• Teaching Award, UC Pediatric Housestaff
• NICHD Research Career Development Award
• Murray Davidson Lifetime Achievement Award, NASPGHAN
• President’s Awards for Diversity, University of Kentucky
• Maryland’s Most Admired CEO, The Daily Record (2013)
• Consistently listed in Best Doctors in America and Top Doctors guides

Leadership & Community Engagement

As UMB President, Dr. Perman founded the Center for Interprofessional Education, the Center for Community-Based Engagement and Learning, the UMB Community Engagement Center in West Baltimore, and the UMB CURE Scholars Program. He co-chaired the UniverCity Partnership to revitalize Baltimore’s Westside and serves on numerous civic boards, including the Downtown Partnership, Greater Baltimore Committee, and Baltimore’s Promise.