Optimal physical, mental and spiritual health have always fascinated me. That fascination led me into the field of medicine, where I have developed a particularly deep interest in integrating mind and body practices to help people achieve optimal wellness.
I am a native of the New Orleans area, and completed all of my education and training in the city.
Along with my private practice, I am also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Tulane School of Medicine, where I coordinate and teach courses on Integrative Psychiatry and Personal Wellness to psychiatry residents.
I have traveled through much of the United States and parts of India to meet with and learn from other healers, including psychiatrists, integrative health practitioners, internists, psychologists, naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists, and a medicine woman.
While in India, I studied at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), in Bangalore, with a focus on research modalities in yoga and mental health. As a registered yoga teacher, I have taught yoga to hundreds of patients, including veterans with substance use disorder. Studying at NIMHANS was a great opportunity to more thoroughly research a subject that I believe has been under-recognized as a potential healing technique.
During my residency:
I was chief resident in my final year.
I became a Registered Yoga Teacher - 200 hour level during my intern year.
I taught yoga to hundreds of patients, both on inpatient units, as well as veteran with substance use disorders.
Education:
I have two bachelor's degrees, in psychology and biology, from the University of New Orleans.
My medical degree is from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine
I completed adult psychiatry residency training at Tulane University School of Medicine.
Awards:
Lancaster Award for most caring resident in my graduating class
Training Residents in Psychiatry Scholarship from the Veteran's Administration
Excellence in a Graduating Resident from the Louisiana Psychiatric Medical Association