Dr. María Mercedes Pérez is a distinguished figure in the field of psychiatry and neuroscience, making significant contributions to research, medical education, and mentorship at Mount Sinai. Holding multiple key positions, including Director of the Medical Student Clerkship for Psychiatry and Medical Director of the Critical Connections Psychosis Research Program, Dr. Pérez is deeply involved in shaping the future of psychiatric care and research. Her dedication extends to various roles such as Associate Director of Medical Student Education for Psychiatry, Assistant Training Director for Research for Psychiatry, and Co-Chief of the Social Cognition Section at the Center for Affective Neuroscience.
Dr. Pérez’s research, generously supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD), the VA MIRECC, and various industry collaborations, delves into the neurobiological roots of vulnerability and resilience to psychosis spectrum disorders and trauma-related conditions. Her work particularly emphasizes the role of cognition and social cognition in these complex disorders. The central aim of Dr. Pérez’s laboratory is to utilize neurobiological insights into cognitive and social cognitive impairments to develop and rigorously test innovative treatments for psychosis spectrum and trauma-related disorders.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Pérez has an impressive publication record, having authored or co-authored over 100 publications. This substantial body of work includes more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 book chapters, underscoring her expertise and influence in her field.
Beyond her research accomplishments, Dr. Pérez is passionately committed to medical education and mentorship. As Assistant Training Director for Research and Director of the Medical Student Clerkship, she plays a pivotal role in educating and guiding medical students and residents at Mount Sinai, nurturing the next generation of medical professionals. Furthermore, she co-directs several prestigious training programs at Mount Sinai, including the T32-supported program for Training the Next Generation of Clinical Neuroscientists, the R25-supported Combined Psychiatry Residency and PhD Program, and the Physician-Scientists Psychiatry Residency Research Track. Her dedication to fostering physician-scientists has earned her a distinguished appointment to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Committee on Creating a Physician-Scientist Training and Career Development Home.
Dr. Pérez’s commitment to excellence is further recognized through her affiliations as a Friedman Brain Institute Research Scholar and a Faculty Scholar at Mount Sinai’s Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs. This latter role highlights her dedication to promoting diversity within the clinical and research workforce. Professionally, Dr. Pérez is a Fellow Member of the American Psychiatric Association, a Member of the American College of Psychiatrists, a Member of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), and an elected member of the board of directors of the American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry, demonstrating her leadership and respected standing within the psychiatric community.
