Runa D. Watkins

Runa D. Watkins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, specializing in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. She leads the Celiac Disease and Gluten Related Diseases Center, the only state-wide center in Maryland for adults and children, and expanded its services to the mid-Atlantic region.

• Undergraduate: Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida (2000)
• Medical Degree: American University of the Caribbean (St. Maarten)
• Residency: Memorial University Medical Center (Savannah, GA)
• Fellowship: Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami (2012)

Her research focuses on Celiac Disease, Nutrition, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, with recent publications analyzing vaccine responses in IBD patients, diagnostic methodologies for Celiac Disease, and autoimmune disorder presentations. She has contributed to clinical trials on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy and safety in IBD cohorts.

Scientific awards include:

• Baltimore Magazine Top Doctor (2018-2023)
• Above & Beyond Award for patient care (2019, 2020)
• Excellence in Clinical Care (2017-2020)

Dr. Watkins collaborates with the PREVENT-COVID Study Group and has participated in media outreach via CNN, Reuters, and Facebook Live sessions. She is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology.