M.D., NFOSD Board Member
Dr. Palmer is Professor Emeritus of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHU SOM). Born in New York City, Dr. Palmer obtained his bachelor’s and medical degrees from New York University following initial studies in music at the Juilliard School. He completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Palmer has been a member of the JHU faculty since 1983. He achieved the rank of Professor of PM&R in 2002 with joint appointments at the rank of professor in Otolaryngology―Head and Neck Surgery and the Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution. He is now a member of the Academy of Scholars.
Dr. Palmer served as the Lawrence Cardinal Shehan Chair and Director of the
Department of PM&R at Johns Hopkins for 11 years. Under his leadership, Hopkins
established several research laboratories and academic divisions within PM&R, and
advanced subspecialty training programs in PM&R, PT, OT, speech language pathology,
and audiology. With Professor Eiichi Saitoh, he established a joint program in
rehabilitation research and education with Fujita Health University in Japan. The
department’s contributions to international collaboration in PM&R were recognized with
the Hiam Ring award from the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation
Medicine.
A distinguished physician-scientist and educator, Dr. Palmer is a preeminent authority on
the scientific basis for mastication and swallowing. His research has focused on the
anatomy and physiology of eating, swallowing, and breathing. Author or co-author of
more than 130 professional publications, he was research mentor for more than 50
scientific trainees, including 25 from Japan. His past mentees include five medical
school department chairs. Dr. Palmer is especially proud of his distinguished colleagues
from five continents.
A Past-President of the Dysphagia Research Society, Dr. Palmer served as Secretary of
the Association of Academic Physiatrists and is currently a board member of the
National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders and the journal Dysphagia. He has served
on the boards of eight scientific journals, including journal Dysphagia, where he was an
inaugural member. He continues to review articles and book proposals for the Johns
Hopkins Press, Springer/Nature, and many others. His honors include awards and
honors from the Dysphagia Research Society, the Association of Academic Physiatrists,
the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, and Fujita Health
University, where he served as a Distinguished Professor.
Dr. Palmer is now retired and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, as well
as reading, writing, music, genealogy, and participation in professional and community
service organizations.