Paul S. Fishman

Paul S. Fishman, M.D., Ph.D., is a Clinical Professor of Neurology and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is a dually trained neurologist and neuroscientist specializing in translating novel therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. His leadership includes founding the University of Maryland's Alzheimer’s clinical program, co-founding its Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) initiative, and establishing the botulinum toxin treatment program for movement disorders. He previously served as Chief of Neurology at the VA Maryland Health Care System.

Education & Training

• B.A. from Johns Hopkins University (1971)
• Ph.D. in Biology from Yale University (1975)
• M.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (1978)
• Neurology Residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center
• Fellowship in Neurology/Anatomy at Columbia University

Research Focus

Dr. Fishman’s work spans:

• Neurodegenerative Therapies: Pioneering DBS and focused ultrasound (FUS) for Parkinson’s and essential tremor, including FDA-approved FUS thalamotomy.
• Drug Delivery Systems: Engineering tetanus toxin peptides for neuronal targeting and magnetic nanoparticle-enhanced stem cell delivery.
• Disease Mechanisms: Investigating mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s models and botulinum toxin reversal strategies.

Awards & Leadership

• Best Doctors in America (Honor)
• Past Chair: University IRB, School Promotions Committee, VA Parkinson’s Research Group
• Founding Member: Stem Cell Consortium, FUS Center of Excellence
• Active Grant Reviewer: NIH, VA, FDA, FUS Foundation