Featured Epidemiology Experts

Dr. Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at North Dakota State University, internationally recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of digital epidemiology, pharmacovigilance, and artificial intelligence. His research harnesses advanced statistical modeling and AI to track and predict health behaviors, medication safety, and disease patterns in real time—bridging traditional epidemiology with next-generation digital health analytics. Dr. Bhagavathula has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Annals of Epidemiology, JAMA Network Open, and Lancet Digital Health. His work has been widely cited and featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, where he discussed the real-world safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro). Recognized among the Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% of Scientists (2019–2024) and elected as a Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, Dr. Bhagavathula is known for translating complex data into actionable insights that shape public health policy and clinical practice. His ongoing projects include NIH- and NSF-aligned initiatives on AI-powered overdose forecasting, digital twins for public health, and real-world drug safety surveillance using explainable machine learning. With a decade of experience spanning more than two dozen countries and collaborations with organizations such as WHO, USAID, and UNICEF, Dr. Bhagavathula brings a global, data-driven, and human-centered approach to solving modern health crises.

Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani is a Professor of Public Health at New Mexico State University (NMSU), known for his extensive research and expertise in global health and social epidemiology

Edward Lin, MD, MPH, is an emergency medicine physician based in Walnut Creek, California. His professional career has focused on emergency medicine, a specialty dedicated to evaluating and treating patients with acute illnesses, injuries, and other time-sensitive medical concerns. Public records identify him as a physician whose work combines clinical expertise with a broader understanding of healthcare through his MD and MPH credentials. His role involves helping patients receive prompt care during urgent medical situations while supporting informed clinical decision-making. Edward has established a strong connection to the East Bay healthcare community, particularly in Walnut Creek and the surrounding Contra Costa County area. Public physician directories indicate that he has more than two decades of experience in acute care settings. Throughout his career, he has worked in environments where physicians are expected to assess patients efficiently and determine appropriate courses of treatment. He practices in a specialty where patients often arrive with immediate concerns, changing symptoms, or limited information. In these situations, physicians must evaluate risk, identify priorities, and coordinate care based on the patient's condition. The work requires careful judgment, effective communication, and a commitment to helping patients understand their healthcare options. Lin is most consistently associated with the practice location at 1450 Treat Boulevard, Suite 160, in Walnut Creek. Public listings connect this address with John Muir Health Walnut Creek Urgent Care. Additional physician directories associate him with John Muir Physician Network, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus, and Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center. These healthcare settings serve a diverse East Bay population and support a broad range of urgent and hospital-connected services. Edward Lin's professional identity is closely tied to emergency medicine. Unlike specialties that often involve long-term patient relationships, emergency medicine focuses on immediate assessment and treatment. Patients may seek care for pain, injury, fever, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that require timely medical attention. Determining what requires urgent intervention and what can be managed through follow-up care is a central responsibility within the specialty.

Dr. Hitanshu Pandit is an applied microeconomist and quantitative researcher specializing in labor, urban, and health economics. He is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Northeastern University and uses big data, administrative records, and causal inference methods to study how policy changes affect workers, firms, and communities. His research covers minimum wage policy, youth employment, Medicaid and behavioral health, congestion pricing, and place-based policy, and he is also studying how AI is reshaping white-collar work and global hiring. His work is designed to produce rigorous, practical insights for policy, business, and public debate.

Dr. Neha Chandan, MD, MPH is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, and the founder of Prime Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in St. Petersburg, FL. With extensive expertise spanning medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, she specializes in advanced skin cancer detection, Mohs surgery, and creating targeted treatment plans for complex conditions like severe acne and chronic sun damage. Dedicated to public health education, Dr. Chandan frequently shares evidence-based insights on melanoma prevention, proper sun protection, and modern skincare regimens. She is passionate about translating complex dermatological science into practical, accessible advice for the public, making her a highly reliable and responsive source for media professionals.

Dr. Saravanan Thangarajan is a global climate, health, and equity governance advisor focused on how heat, air pollution, and resource insecurity shape health outcomes in climate vulnerable settings. His work connects policy, financing, and frontline service delivery, with a strong emphasis on maternal health, mental health, and community resilience. Trained in dentistry, health administration, and global health delivery, he brings operational and systems experience across public health programs and digital health infrastructure. He provides clear, quote ready insights on climate adaptation for health systems, equity centered governance, and implementation pathways that move evidence into action.

Epidemiologist and Clinical Research Scientist specializing in preventive and predictive epidemiology, AI, and advanced health data analytics. I apply rigorous epidemiologic methods, statistical modeling, and machine learning to identify risk factors, predict health outcomes, and inform evidence-based clinical and public health decisions. Skilled in R, SAS, Python, and SQL, with experience analyzing large-scale clinical and population health data to support prevention, early intervention, and policy impact.

Dr. Bussells is a recognized expert in public health, focusing on risk behavior prevention, alleviating health disparities, and preventing child maltreatment. With over 13 years of experience in government, non-profit, and industry settings, Dr. Aditi Bussells is a powerhouse in management consulting. She excels in revamping organizational structures and boosting team effectiveness, leveraging her expertise in strategic communications, branding, public health, research, and coaching to drive transformative change. Her work has included managing Salesforce technology systems, technical assistance portfolios for health innovation models at CMS and state human service systems. In 2021, she made history as the first South Asian American woman elected to the Columbia City Council, taking on issues related to quality of life, talent retention, customer service, and economic development. Dr. Bussells launched Rapid Shelter Columbia, addressing urgent community needs around homelessness. To date, Rapid Shelter has housed over 109 clients into permanent housing, being open for only 3 years. Appointed as vice chair of the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund Board, she oversees the allocation of $360 million to combat the opioid crisis. She has been a staunch advocate for talent retention, transparency in government, community well-being, and quality of life improvements for Columbia. Her tenure on the council, beginning January 4, 2022, is marked by a commitment to addressing economic development, opportunity, public safety, and accountability. Bussells spearheaded initiatives like Rapid Shelter Columbia, Lock it Up Columbia Campaign, and Food Truck Fridays. She led the passage of the stolen firearm ordinance, later adopted at the state level. Bussells has focused on improving customer experience, city re-branding, walkability, beautification, raising wages for first responders, and enhancing emergency infrastructure. Her term ended December 31, 2025.

Emanuele Andreano is an immunologist and biotech innovator redefining how vaccines are discovered for pandemic threats. As Head of Serology and Immunology at the Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena and a leader in the European Vaccine Hub, he works at the intersection of AI, immunology, and global health. He pioneered Reverse Vaccinology 3.0, a breakthrough approach that can identify entirely new vaccine targets in days instead of years. In a first-of-its-kind demonstration, his team showed that artificial intelligence can predict unknown viral antigens directly from human antibody sequences—effectively reversing the traditional vaccine discovery process. His work spans monoclonal antibody discovery and next-generation vaccines against emerging pathogens, including mpox and SARS-CoV-2, with direct implications for global pandemic preparedness and biosecurity. Andreano has received international recognition, including the Antonio Feltrinelli Prize from the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, awarded in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, the IUIS Rising Star in Immunology, and a European Research Council (ERC) grant. He also co-directs a vaccinology program at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. “We are entering an era where vaccines can be discovered at unprecedented speed—transforming our ability to fight pandemics and save countless lives.”

Helping companies get mentioned in LLMs and gaining a deep understanding of why and where they need to be cited.

I am an MD-PhD physician-scientist with a passion for translating complex clinical and scientific data into clear, accurate content. My training and experience span clinical practice and translational research, with expertise across oncology, immunology, gastroenterology, inflammation & metabolism, and rare diseases. With over 10 years of experience, I have supported key deliverables including more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, manuscripts, slide decks, literature reviews, and scientific narratives. I enjoy working in collaborative, deadline-driven environments and am particularly interested in medical writing, medical information, and publication development, where scientific accuracy and effective storytelling intersect.

Dr. Michael Christopher is a board-certified dermatologist and expert dermoscopist recognized for his work in early melanoma detection. Through consistent, evidence-based use of dermoscopy, he identifies between 150 and 215 melanomas annually, far exceeding national and state averages and highlighting a critical gap in standard skin cancer screening practices. Dr. Christopher is a leading advocate for improved melanoma detection standards and patient education, calling attention to the limitations of visual-only skin exams. He regularly speaks on prevention, early detection, and systemic failures in dermatology training across health, wellness, and longevity-focused media.

Dr. Manthan Tripathi is a medical professional, healthcare writer, and digital health educator based in India, with a clinical foundation from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Lucknow. He combines frontline medical training with over 3,000 published articles across patient education, preventive medicine, medical technology, and AI in healthcare, making him one of India's most prolific evidence-based health communicators. His work has appeared on platforms including Medicircle, HospitalSuggest, HealthVoice, DocVo, Dr. Malpani and IVF Matters, and is recognized for translating complex clinical concepts into accurate, reader-friendly content that helps patients make genuinely informed decisions. His healthcare and education content has generated over 55 million cumulative views across digital platforms. Dr. Tripathi brings a perspective that is rare among health sources: deep India-specific clinical knowledge, including India's disease burden, government health schemes, Indian drug brand names, and regional dietary patterns; context that generic Western health content consistently misses. He is the founder of drmanthan.com, an evidence-based health information and clinical tools platform built specifically for Indian patients, families, and medical students. He has also worked as a Subject Matter Expert with Physics Wallah and Chegg India, contributing academic content for competitive medical examinations including NEET. His areas of expertise include internal medicine, thyroid and metabolic disorders, diabetes, preventive health, and India-specific patient education. Journalists covering Indian healthcare, global health disparities, patient literacy, medical misinformation, or AI in medicine will find in Dr. Tripathi a source who speaks with both clinical accuracy and genuine public communication experience.

With 8+ years of clinical experience, I am focused on preventive and community medicine, public health and epidemiology research, public health education, and health equity. I am committed to closing the gap between diagnosis and understanding through health literacy, epidemiology, and evidence-based public health education. I have helped organize community health education initiatives addressing postpartum health, nutritional deficiencies, sexual health awareness, and preventive care for marginalized populations. My long-term focus is to advance evidence-based public health initiatives that reduce preventable disease, improve health literacy, and strengthen outcomes for vulnerable communities.

*Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician (ABFM) with 14+ years clinical experience (based in Chicago, IL) *Named Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2024, 2025) *Medical Media Commentator seen on/in ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, WGN 9, The Chicago Tribune , Chicago Sun Times, and Everyday Health; including a nationwide 25 interview satellite media tour (TV & radio, November 2025) *Premedical Student Mentor, Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program Dr. Rene is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP) with 14+ years of clinical experience. She provides comprehensive primary care for Medicare-eligible patients at Oak Street Health's Avalon Park location in Chicago, specializing in chronic disease management, preventive care, healthcare equity, and access for underserved communities. After overcoming 50 medical school rejections, Dr. Rene graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed residency training at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago. She developed the L.Y.M.I.T.S. Method—a framework for transforming limitations into your greatest strengths. She mentors aspiring physicians through the Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program. Dr. Rene has appeared as a medical expert on ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, and WGN 9 Chicago and recently completed a 25-interview national satellite media tour. She is available for expert commentary on resilience in healthcare, medical education equity, resilience and overcoming failure, healthcare access for underserved populations, and diversity in medicine.

Michael Prasad is a Certified Emergency Manager® and the Executive Director of the Center for Emergency Management Intelligence Research (www.cemir.org). He is also the volunteer president of the International Association of Emergency Managers-USA for Region 2, and a national-level expert on Mass Care, specifically for issues impacting children in disasters. He has an MA in emergency and disaster management from American Public University and advocates, researches, and writes professionally on emergency management policies and procedures. His published books include: "Emergency Management Threats and Hazards: Water", "Rusty the Emergency Management Cat", and "Leadership Lessons Learned and Applied in Emergency Management and Beyond." Links to articles, videos, podcasts, etc. can be found at www.michaelprasad.com.

Dr. Brian Honeyman, MD, PhD, is a board-certified physician in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Internal Medicine, with a career spanning clinical leadership, medical education, and translational research. He currently serves as a Clinical Advisor at Marietta Springs, where he helps guide compassionate, evidence-based approaches to patient care and recovery. Dr. Honeyman most recently served as Chief of Palliative Medicine for Care New England Medical Group, advancing holistic and patient-centered models of serious illness care. In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Honeyman is a dedicated educator and former Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brown University, where he mentored medical students, residents, and interdisciplinary learners. A graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine MD/PhD program, his doctoral research explored the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer, with publications in PLOS One and Chemistry & Biology.

Andrea Martin, DNP, CRNP, WHNP, MSCP is a doctoral-prepared Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner specializing exclusively in menopause, perimenopause, and women’s sexual health. She is the founder of Glow Health, a telehealth practice serving women in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, and serves as Medical Director at Intimate Rose, where she developed the company’s inaugural menopause and perimenopause treatment protocol. With over a decade of clinical experience in women’s health, Andrea has treated complex sexual health conditions, managed menopausal hormone therapy, and cared for patients with pelvic pain disorders at institutions including Thomas Jefferson University and Rachel Rubin MD. She is a peer-reviewed author and co-authored the first article on the clitoris ever published in the Clinical Journal for Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health. She has been quoted in the New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and Everyday Health, and has presented at national conferences including the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.

Dr. Craig Mortensen is an IFM-Certified functional medicine practitioner and founder of Premier Integrative & Functional Medicine (Premier IFM) in Placentia, California. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, he specializes in uncovering the root causes of chronic, complex health conditions using evidence-based functional medicine. Dr. Mortensen graduated as class valedictorian from Southern California University of Health Sciences with a 3.98 GPA. He majored in pre-med and biochemistry and received academic honors from Chapman University and the American Chemical Society for excellence in organic chemistry. His postgraduate training includes certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), along with advanced education through Functional Medicine University (FMU), the Kharrazian Institute, and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). His clinical expertise includes gut health, metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, cholesterol management, hormone imbalances, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, mold illness/CIRS, MCAS, longevity, nutrition, and preventive health. He is frequently consulted on complex cases where patients have seen multiple specialists without receiving clear answers. Dr. Mortensen's interest in functional medicine began after overcoming a debilitating health condition as a teenager that conventional medicine could not explain. That experience shaped his philosophy of identifying and addressing the underlying drivers of disease rather than simply managing symptoms. Through Premier IFM, Dr. Mortensen has helped more than 5,000 patients and is known for translating complex medical research into practical, evidence-based recommendations for both patients and the media.