Meet Dr. Maria de Los Angeles Perez

As long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a pediatrician. Some kids buy toys at garage sales. I looked for medical textbooks.

During my medical school years, I spent summers as a camp counselor for pediatric diabetes and hemophilia camps, and I loved every minute. When I was an intern at Texas Children's Hospital, I met two special children with lupus and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Those children had a joy for life and never let their disease slow them down. They taught me that I need to be the kind of pediatrician who empowers patients to be anything they want to be, despite having a chronic disease. A?s a result, I extended my training for three additional years to specialize in pediatric rheumatology. Today, I am one of only 350 pediatric rheumatologists in the U.S.

I spent the next 21 years at Texas Children's Hospital and served as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Training Director. In 2011, Cook Children's Medical Center invited me to start a Rheumatology Clinic. Now, that clinic provides care for children all across north Texas, helping our patients have the best possible quality of life in partnership with their families. I love seeing our patients grow up over the years with an unlimited quality of life.

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family traveling, spending time at the Kimbell Museum or enjoying a local festival. We love being in Fort Worth, being part of this community.

I met two special children with lupus and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Those children had a joy for life and never let their disease slow them down. They taught me that I need to be the kind of pediatrician who empowers patients to be anything they want to be, despite having a chronic disease. – Dr. Perez

Services

  • Pediatric rheumatology specialist
  • Persistent arthritis/joint pain care
  • Autoimmune disease treatment

Reviews

Average rating:

4.9
Questions were addressed
4.9
4.9 (64)
Provider explained things clearly
4.9
4.9 (64)
Likelihood of recommending this provider
4.9
4.9 (64)
Trust/confidence in physicians
4.9
4.9 (64)

What our families say

  • September 25, 2025

    Everyone very friendly

  • September 25, 2025

    I arrived late because I got lost and they first helped me how to get there and also waited for me after the time of my visit I was very lucky for that opportunity since I was traveling from far away.

  • August 22, 2025

    We didn't not have any bad experiences while bringing our child here the staff was always kind and went out of their way to get us answers and take care of our girl.

  • August 22, 2025

    Doctor Maria Perez I am so beyond thankful to her for not only caring for my child as her own but for also educating me along this journey over the past couple years we are forever grateful to her.

  • August 09, 2025

    Excellent service

  • July 17, 2025

    The visit was fantastic from beginning to end. Thank you!

  • July 17, 2025

    Dr. Perez was amazing and we appreciate how thoroughly she assessed and addressed all concerns. I would definitely recommend her to friends and family.

  • July 04, 2025

    Miss dr Perez and the nurse and front staff they are wonderful

  • July 02, 2025

    Dr Perez was incredible. She is very wise in her field and FINALLY someone who could give a name to my son's joint issues and explain it. Very through. But also the conversation about school and future plans such as college was just amazing.

  • June 25, 2025

    Amazing experience all around

  • June 10, 2025

    Everyone we came in contact with while there was great. All were helpful and welcoming.

  • June 10, 2025

    I really feel like our doctor is going above and beyond to help us figure out what is going on with our son and we appreciate that so much!

  • May 30, 2025

    Dr Perez was kind and informative.

  • May 16, 2025

    The doctor was absolutely amazing!

  • May 16, 2025

    The entire experience was wonderful. Customer service was top notch.

  • May 03, 2025

    Dr. Perez is wonderful! She is very kind, knowledgeable, and thorough.

  • April 23, 2025

    They're all good

  • April 14, 2025

    Very good experience every time we meet.

  • April 14, 2025

    Miss Perez she is outstanding excellent in her job

  • April 12, 2025

    Everyone from cleaning staff, cooks, tech, nurses and providers are professional.

  • April 12, 2025

    From the time we stepped into cooks everyone was helpful and compassionate. Doctor Perez took a lot of time and did extensive assessment of my daughter. She is very passionate and knowledgeable, she explained everything to us from assessment to medication to even showing us best place to park. The nurses [...] were the best, they took their time and answered all the questions that we had without feeling rushed. I will highly recommend anyone who has child health needs to this hospital.

  • April 02, 2025

    Dr Maria Perez is absolutely amazing. She cared about finding answers and didn't run us through like cattle.

  • April 02, 2025

    I wish all medical places would try half as hard as Cook's to be friendly and helpful. The compassion everyone shows is so uplifting.

  • March 20, 2025

    The phlebotomy that worked with [...] was absolutely wonderful! Everyone we encountered on our visit was amazing. However, [...] is terrified of needles and having blood drawn, and this particular person was so incredibly patient and caring that she didn't even flinch. Thank you for caring for my child!

  • March 18, 2025

    Dr Perez makes us feel like she's taking my child's issue seriously. I'm very confident she will help her and figure out what's wrong.

  • March 03, 2025

    Everyone, they'll very nice and helpful.

  • March 03, 2025

    Everything went well for our first visit. No complaints.

  • February 26, 2025

    Dr. Perez was absolutely amazing! I do feel like she will be the doctor that can finally help my daughter.

  • January 30, 2025

    Dr Perez was very knowledgeable & took her time to listen to us & answer all our questions & concerns.

  • January 10, 2025

    The nurse that drew my daughter blood, she was very sweet, attentive, understanding and carful, she was also encouraging.

  • January 10, 2025

    Dr. Perez was amazing! Literally spent an hour with us examining and discussing diagnosis/treatment plan!

  • December 21, 2024

    We love Cooks Rheumatology!

  • December 21, 2024

    Dr. Perez is amazing!

  • December 15, 2024

    We live in Amarillo, TX, and this was our first visit to Cook Children's Hospital, which is a six-hour drive from our home. My son has been struggling with pain for the last couple of months, and his primary care physician referred us to Dr. Maria Perez, a rheumatologist at Cook Children's.Dr. Perez was truly outstanding! She is a great doctor who listened carefully and showed genuine care for my son. She took the time to thoroughly understand his condition, helped us identify the underlying issues, and provided a clear outline of his treatment plan.Despite the long journey, it was absolutely worth it to receive such compassionate and attentive care. We are so grateful to Dr. Perez and the team at Cook Children's. Highly recommend her to any family in need of a pediatric rheumatologist!

  • December 14, 2024

    It's was perfect Never have a Problem!! Thank y'all !

  • December 14, 2024

    Dr Perez & Nurses they Been So good with Us and I'm truly Blessed how They take care of My Daughter ! Thank y'all and God bless y'all !!!

  • December 09, 2024

    All staff is excellent

Education

  • Medical school:
  • Texas Tech University School of Medicine
  • Residency:
  • Baylor College of Medicine
  • Board certifications:
  • American Board of Pediatrics
  • American Board of Pediatric Rheumatology

Affiliations

  • American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Rheumatology,Cook Children's Physician Network

Recognitions

  • Young Clinical Investigator Award in Pediatric Rheumatology 1991
  • Listed in "Best Doctors in America" online resource - Best Doctors Inc. 2007-2008; 2012-2013; 2017-2018
  • Listed in "Top Docs for Kids" H Texas magazine - 2008; 2010; 2012
  • ACR REF/Amgen/Wyeth Rheumatology Fellowship Training Award 2009-2010
  • Selected to Texas Super Doctors - Published in Texas Monthly Magazine 2013-2017
  • Recipient for Fullbright and Jawaorski Teaching and Evaluation Award 2011
  • Inducted into Academy of Distinguished Educators 2011
  • Selected to Top Doctors in North Texas published in Dallas Morning News 2015
  • Selected to Top Doctors published in 360 West in February 2018

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