Course Instructors
Prof. Harold Koenig
Duke University, USA
Prof. Harold G. Koenig, MD, MHSc, is a highly distinguished American psychiatrist, researcher, and educator who serves as a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He completed his undergraduate studies at Stanford University and earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, before completing his specialized training in geriatric medicine, psychiatry, and biostatistics at Duke. Dr. Koenig is also the founder and director of Duke’s renowned Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on the intersection of faith and medicine, Dr. Koenig’s pioneering research primarily focuses on the effects of religion and spirituality on mental and physical health. He has published over 650 scientific, peer-reviewed articles and more than 60 books, including the foundational Handbook of Religion and Health. Beyond his academic work—which has earned him prestigious accolades like the American Psychiatric Association’s Oskar Pfister Award—he frequently advises public and military institutions, focusing on topics such as building spiritual readiness and preventing moral injury among service members.
Dr. B. N. Gangadhar
National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, India
Dr. B. N. Gangadhar is a highly distinguished Indian psychiatrist, researcher, and academic administrator who currently serves as the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC). He earned his MBBS from Bangalore Medical College in 1978 and his MD in Psychiatry from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in 1981. Over a prolific career spanning more than three decades, he rose through the academic ranks at NIMHANS to become a Professor of Psychiatry, the Head of the Department of Psychiatry, and eventually the Director of the prestigious institute from 2016 to 2020.
Renowned for his pioneering work in biological psychiatry, Dr. Gangadhar’s primary research interests include schizophrenia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and community psychiatry. He is particularly recognized for establishing the NIMHANS Integrated Centre for Yoga and conducting extensive scientific research into the therapeutic applications of yoga for mental health disorders like depression. With over 350 scientific publications to his credit, his immense contributions to medicine and psychiatric research have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious national Padma Shri award, the Sir C. V. Raman Award, and the Dr. B. C. Roy Award.
Prof. Rima Dada
AIIMS New Delhi, India
Prof. Dr. Rima Dada, MD, PhD, is an internationally acclaimed physician-scientist, academician, and researcher who serves as a Professor in the Department of Anatomy at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.She is also the Professor In-charge of the Media Cell and official spokesperson for AIIMS Delhi. Dr. Dada completed her MBBS from Delhi University at Maulana Azad Medical College, followed by an MD in Anatomy from the University College of Medical Sciences. She further advanced her academic credentials by earning a PhD in Genetics from AIIMS New Delhi, where she established her career as a leading voice in translational biomedical research.
Renowned for her pioneering work in human cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and reproductive biology, Dr. Dada is the head of the Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics at AIIMS. Her extensive research focuses on reproductive disorders, idiopathic male infertility, and the impacts of oxidative stress on genomic stability. Beyond traditional genetics, she has achieved global recognition for her landmark studies on lifestyle medicine, specifically demonstrating the scientific basis of yoga and mind-body interventions in reducing biological aging markers, reversing cellular damage, and managing lifestyle disorders like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). A highly decorated academician with numerous national and international awards, she also serves as a task force member for India’s Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
Dr. R. Ramakrishna
NRI Medical College, India
Dr. R. Ramakrishna is a highly regarded medical professional and academician based in Andhra Pradesh, India. He serves as a Professor and Head of the Department (HOD) of Respiratory Medicine at the NRI Medical College and General Hospital, run by the NRI Academy of Sciences in Chinakakani, Guntur. With an extensive background in pulmonary health, he has dedicated much of his career to fostering both clinical excellence and robust medical training within the institution.
As the head of his department, Dr. Ramakrishna oversees the academic curriculum, research activities, and post-graduate training in respiratory medicine. He plays a key role in cultivating medical research, guiding junior doctors and post-graduate students in clinical methodologies, and leading advanced diagnostics and treatments for complex pulmonary disorders. His leadership at NRI Medical College continues to strengthen the institution’s standing as a prominent hub for specialized medical education and patient care in the region.