Tobacco Expert Group

I am an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychological Sciences at the University of Vermont, USA. I have spent the last 12 years conducting NIH-funded trials in the areas of cardiovascular disease and the use of tobacco. I have a special research interest in improving secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in those who are currently underserved, such as those with lower-socioeconomic status. I have served on various committees within CDC, AACVPR, and ICRR with an aim towards improving tobacco treatment in those with cardiovascular disease as well as increasing access to cardiac rehabilitation.

I am a physician trained in Global Health from Emory University. I was nominated for a Global Tobacco Control Leadership Program at Hopkins and an Implementation research methods course in Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at Emory. I have expertise in using mixed methods for evaluation of NCD prevention programs and policies and have led both observational and experimental studies spanning clinics and community. I have collaborated with departments of health and non-profit in training thousands of health care workers in tobacco cessation across India. I have published articles in high impact journals, authored books/ training manuals in tobacco cessation and advocated for mainstreaming cessation as a part of universal health care . I have collaborations with academia both in India and globally. I am keen on sharing my expertise especially in smokeless tobacco research to strengthen existing policies and technical knowledge at the WHF In the area of tobacco cessation