Joseph M. Savitt

Joseph M. Savitt, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland. He joined the faculty in 2016 as a member of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, where he specializes in treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease, cerebellar ataxia, dystonia, and essential tremor. His clinical expertise includes botulinum toxin therapies and deep brain stimulation. Previously, he served as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University after completing his residency and fellowship there.

Education and Training:

• B.A. with distinction in Biology/Chemistry from Cornell University (1982-1986)
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of Maryland School of Medicine (1987-1994)
• M.D. Summa cum Laude from University of Maryland School of Medicine (1987-1997)
• Internal Medicine Internship at University of Maryland (1997-1998)
• Neurology Residency (Chief Resident) at Johns Hopkins University (1998-2001)
• Fellowship in Neurodegenerative Disease at Johns Hopkins University (2001-2003)

Research Focus: Dr. Savitt's work spans molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, clinical trials for movement disorders, and neuroprotective strategies. His research employs biochemical, genetic, and clinical approaches to investigate Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis, autophagy dysfunction, and cerebellar ataxia. He maintains active collaborations in neurobiology and therapeutic development.

Publications: His recent articles (2012-2015) emphasize Parkinson's disease modeling, autophagy mechanisms, sensory neuron signaling, and clinical trial design. Earlier work includes foundational studies on neurotrophic factors and protein topographies.

Awards and Honors:

• American Parkinson Disease Association Cotzias Fellowship (2005)
• Passano Physician-Scientist Award (2003)
• Herbert Friedberg Parkinson Disease Fellowship (2003)
• Preziosi Award for Clinical Excellence (2001)
• Summa cum Laude, Alpha Omega Alpha (1997)
• Lange Medical Publications Award (1997)
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (1994)
• Cornell B.A. with Distinction (1986)

Clinical & Leadership: Dr. Savitt directs a movement disorders practice focusing on complex therapeutic interventions. He serves on advisory boards including the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (2010-2016) and contributes to the Parkinson Study Group. His team collaborates on national clinical trials exploring neuroprotective agents and biomarkers.