Runa Watkins

Dr. Runa Watkins, MD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and serves as the Division Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Dr. Watkins specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as Celiac Disease. Her clinical and academic work is dedicated to improving outcomes for children living with complex gastrointestinal disorders. Dr. Watkins is actively involved in advancing research on pediatric IBD and celiac disease, with a focus on personalized care and evidence-based treatment strategies. Dr. Watkins was a part of a national collaboration studying the efficacy of the Covid vaccine in those receiving biologic therapy, which has resulted in several presentations and publications. She has also coauthored a Nutrition & Short Gut Syndrome chapter in two different editions of Surgery for Crohn’s Disease text book. Dr. Watkins is also deeply engaged in medical education and mentoring the next generation of pediatric gastroenterologists, as she is the Associate Program Director of the fellowship program. Dr. Watkins is a respected voice in national collaborative research efforts and professional societies, contributing to shape the future of pediatric GI care.