Jerri Barden Perkins, M.D.

September 2025 Issue

By Lesley Kyle

Photography by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC

Jerri Barden Perkins, M.D. knew she wanted to be a physician from a young age.

Jerri graduated from Mary Washington College and was the first female student enrolled at the Medical College of Virginia in 25 years. During her medical school training, Jerri’s mentor secured a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research training grant for her, and soon she fell in love with medical research. Her career path set, Dr. Perkins became an award-winning and world-renowned researcher, scientific research paper author, educator, and lecturer on arthritis and infectious disease research. Following graduation from medical school, she began a three-year fellowship at the NIH where she helped rediscover and name an organism responsible for arthritis: the JB strain.

On the personal front, a friend of Jerri’s owned a place in Hilton Head, and after visiting, she and her husband bought a home in Sea Pines in the 1980s. She returned to the island in 2012 after her husband passed away. “Crossing the bridge from Bluffton, the sky is gorgeous, it’s quiet and peaceful – it’s yoga,” said Jerri. “It was a good move.” 


Over the years, Jerri suffered through and recovered from physical injuries that made some forms of exercise inadvisable and even risky. She had to be very selective with her choice of physical fitness activities and wasn’t initially interested in the different forms of yoga she tried. “I hadn’t found a type of yoga or an instructor I liked before I was introduced to Iyengar yoga,” said Jerri.

While living and working in Washington, DC, Jerri met an apprentice instructor who introduced her to Iyengar yoga, founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, who is considered by many to be one of the leading yoga gurus in the world. The Indian native has received awards and written many books on yoga during his lifetime. Jerri was told she had to practice in order to improve, so she practiced at night, and sure enough, she improved. Jerri’s confidence in the practice – and her ability to avoid injury—grew quickly. She went on to study Iyengar yoga for 10 years because it appealed to her as a medical doctor.

“In India, doctors write prescriptions for Iyengar yoga to address arthritis symptoms. The NIH has studied its health benefits,” said Jerri.

As Jerri began to study Iyengar yoga more closely, she learned more about its health benefits. The “legs up the wall” pose lowers blood pressure and is particularly effective after long-haul flights. Iyengar yoga is also a good alternative for individuals who struggle with mobility challenges. Chairs, straps, exercise balls, and other props help maintain stability and increase confidence. “When you’ve lost your mobility, you’ve lost your freedom,” said Jerri. “Practicing Iyengar yoga will help address that.” According to Jerri, chanting om, while not required, assists with breathing and helps some people sleep better. Jerri decided to become a certified instructor and now teaches Iyengar yoga classes publicly on the island during the winter months and private classes in her Sea Pines home year-round. “My instructors did me an incredible favor by guiding and pointing me toward this healthy practice,” said Jerri.

During classes, Jerri explains to her clients why Iyengar yoga is helpful to their well-being. “Iyengar yoga can help everyone, from ages 3 to 90. You get to know your body and how it responds to what you tell it to do.” Dr. Perkin’s background as a trained physician not only uniquely positions her as a skilled instructor, but also as an eager and dedicated student. She practices four times a week and eagerly shares her knowledge with her students. “Try to brush your teeth and lift one foot,” Jerri suggested. “Yoga fosters strength, flexibility, and confidence. If you have balance, you’ll be more confident and less likely to fall.”

The best advice? If at first you don’t succeed, try again, advised Jerri. “Doing something is better than nothing at all, and you can always try again next time,” encouraged Jerri. “Find an instructor you like. Instructors present Iyengar yoga differently, and if you don’t like one, find another.” Classes are available around the area. Jerri now looks forward to the relaxation and social aspects of practicing yoga. “You’ll meet new people who are also interested in their health,” said Jerri.

In 2023, Jerri embarked on a new adventure, publishing her book, Pushing Your Boundaries: A Memoir, which has received glowing reviews. “Before you push your boundaries in life or yoga,” said Jerri, “Know your boundaries.”

---

Up Close:

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia.

Fun Fact: Jerri practices yoga with her grandchildren—even when one granddaughter was just three years old!

Superpowers: Determination and dedication.

Inspired By: Her mom, who always encouraged her; her grandmother, who taught her how to negotiate; and her late husband.


Favorite Quote: “To thine own self be true,” from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

You’ll frequently find Jerri at: Jiva Yoga Center or Breakthrough Fitness Center on Hilton Head Island.

Buy the Book: Available on Amazon. Proceeds from the sale of Dr. Perkin’s book are donated to her college alma mater’s scholarship fund.