Anupama Kizhakkeveettil

Biography and Expertise of Anupama Kizhakkeveettil

Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil stands as a formidable force in the global movement to advance traditional and integrative medicine. Her journey began in India, where she trained as an Ayurvedic Doctor, and has since evolved into a distinguished career in the United States, where she is a licensed acupuncturist, certified yoga therapist, and a respected public health professional. This unique blend of Eastern and Western knowledge forms the cornerstone of her expertise and professional mission.

Her most significant contribution is the creation and leadership of the Ayurvedic Medicine program at SCUHS, a pioneering initiative in American higher education. This work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis on “TCIM Education and Training,” as she has developed a rigorous, evidence-informed curriculum that prepares the next generation of practitioners. Therefore, Dr. Kizhakkeveettil’s efforts provide a blueprint for other institutions aiming to integrate traditional knowledge systems into their health programs.

Beyond academia, her PhD in Public Health provides her with a unique lens to address systemic health challenges. This perspective allows her to advocate for policy changes and research initiatives that validate and incorporate TCIM into broader public health strategies, reflecting the congress’s commitment to creating “Well-being Societies” and implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Professional Career and Entrepreneurship

The professional trajectory of Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil is marked by a dynamic interplay of academic leadership, clinical practice, research, and entrepreneurship. Her career is a testament to her vision of making Ayurvedic medicine an accessible and respected component of modern healthcare. Each role has served to build infrastructure, create educational pathways, and advocate for the profession nationally and internationally.

Her founding of the program at SCUHS was a landmark achievement, but her influence extends much further. Through her co-founding of Athreya Herbs and the Athreya Ayurvedic Integrative Health Center, she has created platforms for clinical application and access to high-quality traditional products, grounding her academic work in practice.

• Founding Program Director, Ayurvedic Medicine: Established and leads the Ayurvedic Medicine program at Southern California University of Health Sciences, setting a new standard for TCIM education in the U.S.
• Professor: Serves as a dedicated educator and mentor at SCUHS, shaping the skills and ethics of future integrative health professionals.
• Co-Founder, Athreya Herbs: Co-established a U.S.-based company providing authentic, high-quality Ayurvedic herbal products, ensuring practitioners and patients have reliable resources.
• Co-Founder, Athreya Ayurvedic Integrative Health Center: Developed a clinical space where Ayurvedic principles are applied in an integrative context to promote patient well-being.
• Research Investigator: Has served as Co-Principal Investigator and advisor for research studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), contributing to the evidence base for integrative medicine.

A Foundation of Interdisciplinary Knowledge

Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil’s academic background reflects her commitment to bridging different worlds of knowledge. Her education integrates traditional Indian medicine with the analytical frameworks of Western public health and research. This training equips her to communicate with diverse audiences, from policymakers and researchers to traditional healers and students.

This interdisciplinary foundation is crucial for her work in curriculum development and her contributions to global health policy discussions. Consequently, her academic profile serves as a model for the type of cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary expertise needed to advance integrative medicine in the 21st century.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health: Provides her with the skills to design, evaluate, and advocate for health programs and policies on a population level.
• Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine (FAIHM): Signifies her specialized training and recognition as a leader within the integrative health community.
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• Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS): Her foundational medical degree from India, representing comprehensive training in one of the world’s oldest codified health systems.
• Master of Arts in Oriental Medicine (MAOM): Broadens her expertise in traditional Asian healing arts, including acupuncture and herbal medicine.
• Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.): A professional license that validates her clinical skills in acupuncture and allows her to practice in the United States.
• Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT): A credential that recognizes her expertise in the therapeutic application of yoga for health and wellness.

Advancing Global Health through Research and Policy

A central pillar of Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil‘s career is her dedication to building a robust evidence base for traditional medicine and influencing global health policy. Her involvement with the World Health Organization (WHO) is particularly noteworthy. Having been invited to the WHO’s International Expert Consulting Meetings and serving as a reviewer for the ICD-11 Traditional Medicine Beta Draft, she has directly contributed to the international standardization and recognition of Ayurveda.

This work aligns perfectly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s goal of implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. Her efforts help ensure that traditional medical terminology and practices are accurately represented in global health classifications, a critical step for integration into national health systems. Furthermore, her role as an advisor for NIH-funded research underscores her commitment to the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for scientific validation and evidence-informed policies.

Dr. Kizhakkeveettil has disseminated her findings widely through numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at prestigious national and international conferences. This consistent engagement with the scientific community ensures that the benefits of Ayurveda and other TCIM practices are communicated effectively, fostering greater acceptance and collaboration. Her work provides a crucial evidence-based foundation for public health decision-making worldwide.

Awards and Professional Recognition

The leadership and pioneering contributions of Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil have been formally recognized by her peers through numerous prestigious awards. These accolades highlight her exceptional impact on the fields of Ayurveda, public health, and integrative medicine. They serve as a testament to her tireless work in education, advocacy, and research, celebrating her role as a key influencer shaping the future of traditional medicine in North America and beyond.

These honors are not merely personal achievements; they also bring visibility and credibility to the entire field of Ayurvedic medicine. Consequently, each award validates the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into contemporary healthcare and education systems, reinforcing the core mission of her work.

• Vagbhata Award for Excellence in Ayurvedic Teaching: Presented by the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA), this award recognizes her outstanding contributions to Ayurvedic education.
• Ayurveda Ambassador Award: An honor acknowledging her role in promoting and representing Ayurvedic medicine on a national and international stage.
• Recognition for Leadership in Public Health: Her work within the American Public Health Association has been consistently recognized, culminating in her election as Chair of the ICTHP Section.
• Multiple Research and Presentation Awards: She has received several awards for her scholarly presentations at scientific conferences, underscoring the quality and impact of her research.

Leadership and Advocacy in Professional Organizations

Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil is a dedicated advocate for the professionalization of TCIM, a commitment demonstrated by her active leadership in several influential organizations. Her service on these boards and committees is instrumental in setting standards, guiding policy, and fostering a strong, unified voice for practitioners of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. This work is crucial for ensuring the sustainable growth and integration of these practices into the healthcare system.

Her role as Chair of the Integrative, Complementary and Traditional Health Practices (ICTHP) Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) places her at the forefront of national public health discussions. In this capacity, she helps shape the APHA’s agenda and advocacy efforts, ensuring that TCIM perspectives are included in key health policy debates.

• Chair, ICTHP Section: Leads a key section within the American Public Health Association (APHA), the leading public health organization in the U.S.
• Board of Directors, California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM): Advances the Ayurvedic medicine profession at the state level in California.
• Board of Directors, National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA): Helps set professional competency and education standards for Ayurvedic medicine nationwide.
• Past Board Member, Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission: Previously helped oversee the accreditation of Ayurvedic educational programs, ensuring high standards of quality and rigor.
• Past Action Board Member, APHA: Served for six years coordinating grassroots and grasstops advocacy activities, demonstrating a long-term commitment to public health advocacy.

Connect with Dr. Kizhakkeveettil

To further explore the work of Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, including her academic leadership, research, and clinical initiatives, please visit the following professional links. These resources offer deeper insight into her contributions to advancing Ayurvedic and integrative medicine.

Official Faculty Profile at SCUHS: View SCUHS Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn

Athreya Herbs: Learn About Her Company