Dr. Suntha leads the University of Maryland Medical System, the largest health system in Maryland with 11 hospitals and over 150 other care locations. He has consistently championed the tripartite academic medicine mission of patient care, research and education, ensuring that the system’s clinical scale strengthens rather than dilutes the academic enterprise. A physician by training and a tenured professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Suntha has deepened the partnership between the system and the School of Medicine to expand teaching, research and innovation opportunities across both academic and community hospitals. He has also emerged as a nationally respected advocate for value-based care, serving as a leading voice in Maryland’s unique all-payer model and a key health system partner in advancing the state’s “AHEAD Model,” working closely with state and federal leaders to align quality, equity and cost containment. He advocates for health systems acting as anchor institutions, leading significant investments across Baltimore and Maryland in workforce development, food security, economic empowerment and neighborhood revitalization. Beyond his role within the system, Dr. Suntha serves as chair of the Greater Baltimore Committee, where he brings together business, civic, academic and nonprofit leaders to advance inclusive economic growth across the region. He has been a frequent fixture on the Baltimore Business Journal‘s “Power 100” list and received the Boy Scouts of America Baltimore Area Council’s “Distinguished Citizen Award” in 2024.
