Featured Pharmacovigilance 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.

I am a practicing clinical pharmacist with over 20 years of experience and a graduate of St. John’s University School of Pharmacy in Queens, NY. With an undergraduate background in compounding and natural medicine, I have served in various capacities across the pharmaceutical industry before founding Fusion Medical Care in Scottsdale, AZ. My career is defined by my dedication to a balanced approach between natural and allopathic medicine, a passion that led me to develop a complete wellness center housing multiple integrative practitioners. Beyond my foundational education, I have advanced my specialized training through the Professional Compounding Centers of America and am a Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners. I believe that my role as a pharmacist offers the perfect opportunity to fuse naturopathic and allopathic care, acting as a dedicated advocate for my patients' pharmacological and wellness needs. My mission is to empower patients to look and feel amazing by following my core philosophy: "Let your food be your medicine, your kitchen be your pharmacy, and your lifestyle be your doctor". My innovative approach to healthcare has earned me national recognition, including an honor in Marquis Who’s Who and a featured interview with VoyagePhoenix highlighting my journey and the mission behind Fusion Medical Care.

In my role, I meticulously oversee various clinical projects, ensuring each phase is executed with precision and in compliance with GCP standards. Core Competencies: Clinical Trials Monitoring Clinical Safety Protocols Streamlined Clinical Operations Regulatory Compliance Mastery Educational Background: MSc in Molecular Science and Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University MSc in Medical Genetics, MGM University of Health Sciences With a robust educational foundation and a keen eye for detail, I have successfully navigated through different therapeutic areas and regions, delivering high-quality results consistently. My journey in the realm of clinical research is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep-seated commitment to advancing science and practice. Let’s Connect! If you are passionate about transforming health care and improving patient lives, or if you wish to exchange insights and collaborate on projects, feel free to connect with me. Together, let’s contribute to a healthier, more understanding world for individuals navigating through challenges.

Shane Hellmrich holds a BSc in Health Promotion and has spent the past 11 years independently testing and reviewing online modafinil vendors — placing personal test orders, verifying product authenticity, and documenting shipping reliability across dozens of suppliers. His work at BuyModa.net tracks over 1,300 verified customer transactions and maintains a public testing methodology that has become a trusted reference point for consumers navigating the grey-market pharmaceutical space. Shane's research covers vendor reliability scoring, product authentication, shipping logistics across international jurisdictions, and the pharmacokinetic profiles of generic modafinil products. He is regularly consulted on topics including nootropics and cognitive enhancement, online pharmacy safety and regulation, pharmaceutical sourcing and supply chain transparency, consumer protection in unregulated markets, and the real-world usage patterns of prescription cognitive enhancers. Shane is available for expert commentary, background briefings, and on-the-record quotes for journalists covering health, productivity, pharmacology, biohacking, and consumer safety.

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

I’m a lifesciences compliance strategist with a passion for building real-world, right-sized programs in fast-moving environments. With deep experience in pharma and medtech, I specialize in translating regulatory complexity into practical, actionable frameworks. I’ve spent 7+ years navigating the gray areas of compliance—from training physicians on industry expectations to building startup programs from the ground up. I believe compliance should be ethical, functional, and human-centered—and that culture is built through clarity, storytelling, and respect, not fear. Outside of policy and audits, I speak regularly on startup compliance and love turning “boring” topics into memorable moments. I'm here to connect, create, and contribute.

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.”

Dr. Teralyn Sell, PhD, LPC is a licensed psychotherapist and nationally recognized authority on psychology-led, biology-informed psychiatric medication decision-making. Her work focuses on antidepressant withdrawal, informed consent, therapist clinical judgment under uncertainty, and the long-term psychological and physiological consequences of misinterpreting medication effects. With more than 20 years in mental health, Dr. Sell is known for clarifying the difference between relapse and withdrawal, examining how fear and risk aversion shape treatment decisions, and explaining why many patients struggle when exiting psychiatric medications. Her perspective bridges psychotherapy, neurobiology, and real-world clinical practice, offering a nuanced alternative to oversimplified mental health narratives. Dr. Sell has been featured across national and regional media, including television appearances, radio interviews, podcasts, and print and digital publications, where she provides expert commentary on mental health reform, medication safety, and whole-person care. She is the co-host of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, a widely followed show examining gaps in psychiatric narratives and the lived realities of patients navigating medication use and withdrawal. She is frequently sought out by journalists for her ability to translate complex clinical and research issues into clear, grounded insights without alarmism, ideology, or prescriptive messaging, helping audiences better understand risk, trade-offs, and long-term outcomes in mental health care. Areas of Expertise Antidepressant withdrawal and discontinuation Mental health informed consent Therapist formulation and clinical judgment Psychiatry and psychotherapy system gaps Medication risk communication Mind–body mental health Patient trust and treatment credibility

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.

Darrion Phelps, Sr. leads with a rare blend of strategy and street-level insight. As Chief Marketing Officer of Roxford Digital, he’s built a model that bridges the gap between online visibility and local credibility. His approach aligns marketing with business development — two sides of the same growth engine. Through marketing, his team strengthens a brand’s online presence, optimizing search, content, and communication so patients can find, trust, and select a preferred provider. Through business development, he mobilizes Brand Growth Partners — professionals who serve as local ambassadors developing referral relationships, building community awareness, and turning trust into measurable growth. It’s a system designed to make healthcare brands seen online and chosen in person — blending modern marketing precision with relationship-driven connections.

Dr. Sud Agarwal is an accomplished physician and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the fields of medicinal cannabis and psychedelic therapies. He co-founded Cannvalate, Australia’s first medically backed cannabis company, facilitating the entry of global cannabis producers into the Australian market. Dr. Agarwal has also played a pivotal role in advancing psychedelic research and drug development as the founder of iNGENū CRO and Shanti Therapeutics, which focus on clinical trials for psychedelics and pain management therapies.

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.

Dr. Giancarlo is board-certified in neurology and the subspecialties of sleep disorder medicine, neuro-muscular diseases, neuro-physiology, pain management and neuro-imaging. Dr. Giancarlo previously served as Chief of Neurology at St. John Hospital and Medical Center. He currently serves as Chief of Neurology at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital - Warren and is Clinical Assistant Professor at three regional medical schools.

Dr. Boluwatife OLU Afolabi is a dental surgeon and PhD candidate in Oral Biology at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms driving head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly the role of environmental carcinogens, inflammatory signaling, and transcriptional regulation in disease initiation and progression. His work investigates pathways such as the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and S100A8/S100A9-mediated inflammatory responses using cellular and molecular models of oral epithelial transformation. He has extensive experience in cancer biology, oral pathology, toxicology, and translational biomedical research. Dr. Afolabi provides expert insight on oral cancer risk factors, environmental exposures and health, inflammation and disease mechanisms, dental-systemic health connections, and emerging directions in cancer research. He is also interested in public health implications of carcinogen exposure and prevention strategies in oral and head-and-neck disease.

Dr. Pietro Emanuele Garbelli (“Dr Garbelli”) is a UK-based physician, healthcare strategist and MedTech advisor focused on assisting healthcare leaders and organisations adopt, navigate, and implement AI/robotics and healthcare automation safely, ethically and at scale. Working at the intersection of clinical practice, technology and executive decision-making, he supports boards, executive teams and MedTech leaders to turn innovation into measurable improvements in patient outcomes, workforce sustainability and operational performance. Dr Garbelli is the creator of the Healthcare Convergence Framework™ (HCF), a practical approach that helps organisations assess AI/Robotics readiness, align leadership priorities and design future-ready care pathways without disrupting frontline delivery. His work typically spans AI and robotics strategy, governance and risk management, clinical adoption and change leadership—ensuring that new technologies strengthen trust, accountability and safety in real-world conditions. As a keynote speaker and author, Dr Garbelli translates complex topics such as AI governance, clinical safety, ethics and system transformation into clear, actionable insights for senior audiences. He is the author of The Doctor’s Future and The Doctor’s Voice, and contributes thought leadership on how medicine is being reshaped by digital transformation and emerging technologies. Known for a pragmatic, clinician-led perspective, Dr Garbelli helps leaders navigate high-stakes decisions such as build-versus-buy, pilot design, evaluation and scaling across multiple sites. His mission is to purposefully transform the future of medicine—one organisation, strategy and physician at a time—with confidence.

Founder of IngredientMD, a supplement intelligence platform powdered by most clinical data available. What's important, we communicate in language humans will understand instead. It all starts from individual ingredients instead of product name, claims, and anything else. Product is what's inside instead of what perception is being made. In our analysis of 500+ supplement products, we found 42% had at least one key ingredient below clinically studied doses. I focus on bringing evidence-based analysis to consumer supplement decisions.

Alex Gruzdev is a commercial leader with over 20 years of international marketing and sales experience across five countries and three industries, including biotech, diagnostics, automotive, and gambling. He currently serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, where he oversees global commercialization of diagnostic tests in areas such as rare diseases, bacteria detection, and public‑health applications. His work spans international market development, customer behavior analysis, and end‑to‑end customer journey design. Alexander has led market research initiatives, built global distribution networks, and guided product positioning for both consumer and scientific markets. He also writes on customer psychology and decision‑making, with published books focused on how people make decisions about products, risks, values, and personal relations.

Meet Dhriti Mukherjee Pipil – Trade Economist, Consultant, Speaker & Educator Dhriti Mukherjee Pipil is a Delhi NCR–based international trade economist, consultant, researcher, and speaker, specialising in trade finance, foreign trade policy, and agricultural trade. She is the Founder of Global Trade Institute (GTI), an institution focused on building export-ready professionals and businesses through practical trade education. She currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow at Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), where her work examines India’s agricultural trade policy, export restrictions, price volatility, and supply chain dynamics. She is also an empanelled faculty with Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), delivering specialised sessions on export finance and international payment systems. Dhriti is a Leadership Member at the Women in International Trade Business Council (WIITBC) under the International Trade Council (ITC), and serves on the Economic Advisory Board of the Economic Transformation Council, contributing to trade-led policy discourse. With over a decade of experience in banking and trade finance, her expertise spans export finance, cross-border payments, foreign exchange markets, trade risk management, WTO frameworks, and emerging digital trade finance systems. She holds professional certifications from the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Her work bridges policy, practice, and pedagogy—offering consultancy in export strategy, trade finance structuring, compliance, and market entry. She actively mentors MSMEs and startups, enabling them to navigate global markets with operational clarity. Dhriti has authored peer-reviewed research in journals such as Economic & Political Weekly and The Indian Economic Journal, alongside policy contributions to The Hindu BusinessLine, Down To Earth, Policy Circle, AgroSpectrum, and global platforms including the World Trade Centre. She is a regular speaker at national and international forums, including the Economist Intelligence Unit (2025), International Trade Council (2025), WTO Chairs Programme, and Indian Economic Association. Through her work, she seeks to reduce information asymmetry in global trade and build a more inclusive, resilient, and knowledge-driven export ecosystem.

I am the Chief Medical Officer at Boomerang Health Care, a state of the art multidisciplinary specialty group offering interventional, surgical and rehabilitative care through its 25 clinics in California. I also serve as the Medical Director at Le Reve: Regen, a leader in cutting edge restorative and regenerative solutions for Spine, Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal conditions. In the academic world, I have served as a Clinical Faculty at Stanford University for more than 20 years and have established myself as a world leader in cutting edge innovative therapeutic solutions. I completed her Anesthesiology residency from Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Fellowship in Pain Medicine from the University of California, Davis. I am board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by American Board of Anesthesiology, in Interventional Pain by American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians and in Regenerative Medicine by American Board of Regenerative Medicine. I sit on the Editorial board of the journal, Pain Physician and serve on the board of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, Latin American Pain Society, California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery, California Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and Scilex (Nasdaq: SCLX). I am humbled to receive the Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Achievement Awards and other accolades. I have devoted my entire career to the field of Interventional spine and Regenerative medicine and have contributed via several peer reviewed journal articles, visionary editorials, and book chapters. My book, “Essentials of Regenerative Medicine” is first in its right illustrating latest interventional biologic techniques for spine and musculoskeletal injuries. I have also authored several National Guidelines including the ones on Opioids, Interventional Spine Epidural procedures, Facet joints, and the first ever on the Safe and Effective use of Biologics in Lumbar spine. I have completed the first prospective, multicenter, randomized placebo controlled trial demonstrating efficacy of platelet rich plasma and bone marrow concentrate in patients with back pain related to disc injury/degeneration. I consider myself an authority on global health care trends including digital health, technology innovations and applied biologics. Let’s connect and work together to make healthcare better, faster, and more effective – www.annunavani.com.

Ruchir P. Patel, M.D., is the Founder and Medical Director of The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona. He is a highly regarded full time practicing sleep medicine physician in the Phoenix metro area awarded Top Doctor several years in a row by his peers. He has dedicated his career to sleep medicine and improving individuals lives via improved sleep. In addition to his full time sleep medicine practice, Dr. Patel has been actively involved in clinical research trying to identify novel therapeutic options for the treatment of sleep disorders outside of pharmaco-therapeutics. Furthermore, he serves as a sleep medicine consultant to several sleep medicine industry leaders involved in insomnia drug therapy, online sleep coaching and natural sleep supplement formulation, and sleep-related neuromodulation. He also serves as a Board of Director since 2014 with Arizona Foundation for Medical Care, a local Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).