Patel Center for Global Solutions, University of South Florida, Tampa
Integrating Ayurveda Into Global, Sustainable Medicine
Saturday, November 8th, and Sunday, November 9th, 2025
BAMS Day, Friday, November 7th, 2025
Free Community Event - Sunday November 9th, 1pm - 5pm


Confirmed Speakers

Dr. David Frawley
Sanskrit Scholar, Author, TeacherDr. Frawley is a Vedic teacher and author of 50+ books on Yoga, Ayurveda, Vedanta, Jyotish, and Vedic studies. He was awarded the 2015 Padma Bhushan from the government of India and a Doctor of Letters from S-VYASA and Ram Manohar Lohia Ayodhya University. He has helped to found Ayurvedic programs, schools, and associations worldwide and has lectured in universities and Ayurvedic schools throughout India. He is the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies.
Dr. David Frawley
Sanskrit Scholar, Author, Teacher
Ayurveda Integration into Global Sustainable Medicine


Dr. Balram Singh
Bal Ram Singh, PhD, has been a professor since 1990 at UMass Dartmouth (until 2014) and Institute of Advanced Sciences (current), conducting research on botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins, vaccines, antidotes, drug delivery, and also on yoga, mind, and consciousness, along with Ayurvedic biotechnology. He has published 13 books and nearly 300 articles, latest being Protein Toxins in Modeling Biochemistry (Springer, 2016).
Dr. Singh is Editor/Associate Editor of four journals, including Biochemical and Biophysical Research Reports, Ayurveda Journal of Health and International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, and is the Editor-in-Chief of Vedic WAVES, an online blog of the World Association of Vedic Studies.
He is the President of the Institute of Advanced Sciences. At the Institute, he is also the Executive Mentor of the School of Indic Studies where his research includes Ayurvedic science and technology, Yoga and Consciousness, Vedic education pedagogy, and Vedic social and political traditions.
He is also the President of Prime Bio, Inc., a biotech company of 19 years, working with botulinum and tetanus toxins, vaccines, antibodies, detection and diagnostics, drug delivery, biosensors, Ayurvedic green chemistry, nanomaterials, and drug development.
Dr. Singh has been visiting professor at Georgetown University, Harvard Medical School, Yang Ming University (Taiwan), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (India). He is Honorary Professor of Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, India, and Dean of International Academic Programs at Srimaharshi Research Institute of Vedic Technology (SRIVT), Guntur, AP, India. He is also Director of the Uberoi Foundation’s Teacher Training Program.
Dr. Singh is the President and Director of Maryada Foundation (USA), a non-profit organization to promote science and education. He also the President of ABHAS (Antarrastriya Avadhi Bhasa Samiti) Foundation, located in Greater Boston, MA, USA.


Dr. Yashwanth Pathak
Dr. Yashwant Pathak has over 15 years of versatile administrative experience in an academic setting as Dean and over 17 years as faculty and as a researcher in higher education after his Ph.D. He has worked in student admissions, academic affairs, research, graduate programs, Chair of the International Working group for USF Health, Director of Nano Center and now holds the position for Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. He completed an Executive MBA and Masters in Conflict Management. Dr. Pathak is an internationally recognized scholar, researcher and educator in the areas of Health Care education, Nanotechnology, Drug Delivery Systems and Nutraceuticals. His major achievements in international areas include: Fulbright Senior Scholar Core Fellowship Award, visiting Ubaya University, Surabaya, Indonesia (2015-2016); Endeavour Executive Fellowship from the Australian Government in collaboration with Deakin University to work on siRNA delivery (2015); CNPQ Brazil Government Fellowship, visiting PUCRS in Porto Alegre every year for one month, working on space pharmaceuticals and microgravity impact on stability of drug delivery systems (2015 2017); Outstanding Achievement Award for Global Engagement by University of South Florida, a unique award given to only one faculty/administrator annually; Fellow of USF I-Corps (2016); Outstanding Faculty Award for USF (2018, 2020 and 2022); and Fulbright Specialist for South Africa (2019). He completed his most recent Fulbright Specialist Fellowship at Distrital University in Bogota Colombia (2023). Dr. Pathak was elected as fellow of AAAS(FAAAS)in 2021. Dr. Pathak has edited over 50 books in the field of nano drug delivery systems, nutraceuticals, drug delivery systems and conflict management and over 350 publications including research papers, reviews and chapters in various books. He has received numerous research grants and many national and international awards.
Dr. Yashwanth Pathak
Nutraceuticals: Ayurvedic Rasayana for Management of Chronic Disorders


Vd. Sujatha Reddy
Vd. Sujatha Reddy has Bachelors in Ayurvedic Medicine (BAMS) from India and a Masters (MSEd) from the University of Dayton, Ohio. She has been in private practice for over 20 years in the field of mental health and over 35 years in the field of Ayurveda. She is licensed by the State of Ohio and the State of Colorado, as a Professional Mental health Counselor. As an Entrepreneur, she has owned a mental health franchise of Humanly in Lakewood, CO, since 2015. She founded and is an Executive director of AyuMind LLC in Jan 2023, a Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy facility. She is the first to Integrate Ayurveda with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorders, Addictions, and Chronic pain. She currently serves as the President of the Colorado Ayurvedic Medical Association. She is a member of the Board of Directors on the National Certification and Credential Board of Ayurvedic Medicine (NCCBAM).


Dr. Aparna Bapat
Dr. Aparna Bapat is a highly accomplished Ayurveda Practitioner, Educator, and Entrepreneur who has been working in US for 23 years.
She was on NAMA Board for 9 years and is currently the President of AAF (Ayurveda Association of Florida), founding member and Secretary/Treasurer of AAAP (American Association of Ayurvedic Professionals).
Dr. Bapat has been actively involved in Ayurveda education and is on the faculty of several Ayurveda colleges. She is a favorite mentor to numerous students who studied with her and are now successful practitioners and teachers.
With a strong foundation in spirituality, Dr. Bapat has healed thousands of people with her expertise in Pulse reading, herbal formulations, Pancha Karma, nutrition/cooking, and lifestyle guidance using Ayurveda and Yoga principles.
Dr. Bapat lives and practices in Citrus Hills, Florida.


Dr. Ambuj Kumar
Dr. Ambuj Kumar is a tenured Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at USF Health, nestled within the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine. Dr. Kumar serves as the esteemed director of the Research Methodology and Biostatistics Core at USF Health, a pivotal role where he spearheads the provision of invaluable research support to faculty members across the institution. Dr. Kumar’s academic journey is underscored by his profound expertise and expansive research interests, with a primary focus on the intricacies of comparative effectiveness research. Within this dynamic field, he has displayed a remarkable ability to navigate and address uncertainties pertaining to the efficacy and potential harms associated with competing treatments or diagnostic tests. Dr. Kumar’s contributions extend beyond traditional medical domains, as he has adeptly applied comparative effectiveness research methodologies to diverse arenas, including behavioral sciences, genetic medicine, and imaging studies. His scholarly portfolio is a testament to his dedication and impact, boasting an impressive array of over 300 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact factor journals. Furthermore, Dr. Kumar’s influence resonates globally, as evidenced by his numerous presentations at prestigious national and international meetings, where his insights and findings have continued to shape and advance the discourse within his field. Through his unwavering commitment to excellence, Dr. Ambuj Kumar has not only established himself as a prominent figure within the realm of academic medicine but has also significantly contributed to the advancement of comparative effectiveness research, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community and beyond.


Dr Rupali Biradar
Dr.(Vaidya) Rupali Biradar is classically trained and highly qualified in Ayurvedic medicine, she is specialist in traditional indian medicine, scholar and educator. She is founder and director of Modern Ayurveda Wellness Atlanta USA.She worked on formulation/research for launching new ayurvedic products for Herbal Mantra USA. She also serves on the volunteer board of NCCBAM(National Certificate and Credentialing Board of Ayurvedic Medicine). She led numerous research projects , seminars in collaboration with public and private sectors. She is also a yoga therapist with expertise in integrative traditional ayurvedic medicine, clinical panchkarma nutrition She has conducted a large number of educational workshop, presented research papers in the field of ayurveda.
She got her post graduation in M.D Dravyaguna (Specialization in Ayurveda) from Rajiv
Gandhi University Of Health Science Bengaluru India. With over 15+ years of experience in India and USA she has touched the lives of thousands of clients across a wide array of disorders.Dr(*Vaidya) Rupali Biradar has been offering private , personal consultations since 2008,designing individualized programs that include dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes ,panchakarma detoxification therapies and stress management technique based on ayurveda principles teachique .


Nate Gorman
Nate Gorman works for National Health Freedom Coalition and National Health Freedom Action as a legislative and policy advisor. He is an experienced professional lobbyist who worked for nearly two decades in Colorado. He developed relationships as a trusted resource to legislators, regulators, governors and leaders across many industries and interests in the state on behalf of clients he represented. Importantly, his experience working on behalf of complementary and alternative health care providers provides helpful insights for health freedom in the states. His work contributed to the successful passage of Colorado’s Safe Harbor exemption bill in 2013. He also led many statewide ballot and local candidate campaign efforts in Colorado.
Today he is based in Florida helping health freedom activists across the United States, sharing experiences and strategies that have proven effective for their public policy advocacy efforts in their states.”


Jill Pepper
CEO, Ozer Health LLCJill Pepper is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ozer Health, an AI-powered wellness platform that integrates Ayurvedic wisdom with modern Western medicine. With more than 17 years of experience in healthcare and employer wellness solutions, Jill has led large employer group programs in sales, retention, and strategic distribution, always with a focus on whole-person health and engagement.
At Ozer, Jill has directed her expertise toward creating a first-of-its-kind platform that begins with Ayurvedic personalization through Dosha insights and delivers ongoing AI-guided support—bridging natural, evidence-informed practices with the best of Western care. Under her leadership, Ozer launched in July 2025, offering accessible direct-to consumer digital guidance, natural-first telehealth in September 2025, and scalable solutions for employers and insurers.
Beyond Ozer, Jill has served in advisory and consulting roles, including on the University of Tennessee’s Customer Experience Advisory Board and the Impact100 Nashville Board. She is passionate about making ancient knowledge practical and relevant through modern technology, positioning Ozer at the intersection of AI innovation and integrative healthcare.Jill Pepper
CEO, Ozer Health LLC
AI (Ayurveda Integration) with AI (Artificial Intelligence)


Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh
Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science to provide comprehensive health care. She emphasizes whole patient wellness – taking into consideration the unique physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state of each patient.
Dr. Maria, or Dr. M, as she is often called, has a deep belief and respect for the innate healing capability of the body and its ability to restore and maintain optimal health. Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh teaches her patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle choices and cutting-edge natural therapies to enhance this innate ability to ward off and combat disease.


Mr. Aniruddha Joshi
| First generation entrepreneur | Second generation Researcher | Third generation problem solver |
The vision is to create the world’s most personal, predictive, non-invasive, affordable, and accessible health monitor based on data science-driven Ayurveda.
Personalized health solutions are the number one priority to avoid non-communicable disorders. I believe that both Ayurveda and modern science can coexist and even work better when combined. A concept that is not popular in today’s day and time, we knew we could change the lifestyle ecosystem for the better.
Going towards the natural and holistic science of Ayurveda, using non-invasive and predictive Inner Health diagnostic methods that are cost-effective and beneficial for all mankind is the motto of “Nadi Tarangini”. Predictive health analysis is the key which is driven by Ayurveda Nidan (Diagnostics) science. I wish to combine the best of Indian holistic science, western medical science, and modern artificial intelligence-based technology to provide personalized and predictive health and wellness insights.
Our innovation lies in converting and flourishing the diminishing ancient art of Nadi Pariksha into a very sophisticated gadget form. Yoga has been one of the finest gifts of India to the world and Ayurveda is going to be the next.


Dr. Mahadevan Seetharaman
Dr. Mahadevan Seetharaman is a Duke Integrative Healthcare Leader and Founder of Ayurveda Living. As an Ayurveda Diet & Nutrition Consultant and Yoga Teacher, he provides up-to-date Ayurveda/Yoga-related health and wellness information, directory, research, news, and reviews.
Dr. Mahadevan serves on the Boards of the Global Council for Ayurveda Research (GCAR), the American Association of Ayurvedic Professionals (AAAP), the American Academy of Yoga and Meditation (AAYM), and co-founded the Texas Ayurveda Professionals Association (TAPAS).
He was previously the CEO and Managing Director at one of India’s largest integrative research university hospitals – the Institute of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine (I-AIM). He served as Professor & Dean of the School of Health Sciences during this time.
Since then, he has helped set up an Integrative Healthcare Centre as the COO of Isha Arogya Research Foundation. He currently serves as a Visiting Professor at the Transdisciplinary University (TDU) and volunteers at the Hindu University of America (HUA).


Dr. Robyn Klepko
Dr. Robyn Klepko received her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Logan University in 2016 along with a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Human Performance. Previously she received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University. Dr. Robyn began her health journey working over a decade in the Fitness Industry as a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Fitness Instructor in Cycle, Water Aerobics, Pilates, and Yoga. In addition to working in the Fitness Industry, Dr. Robyn has been an athlete all of her life. She ran Cross Country in undergrad, has completed four Marathons, a number of Triathlons including sprint, olympic, half, and full Ironman distances, competed in Women’s Figure Bodybuilding competitions, and in multiple Powerlifting Meets.
Dr. Robyn has a passion for learning and has completed extensive post-doctoral training in the fields of Clinical Nutrition, Functional Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Herbal Therapy. Individual topics of continuing education include but are not limited to: Autoimmune Solutions, Adrenal & Thyroid Health, Mastering Digestive Issues, Balancing Hormones, Diabetes & Dysglycemia, Food Allergies and Sensitivities, SIBO, the Gut-Brain Axis, Stress, Chronic Inflammation, Detoxification and Weight Loss. Dr. Robyn does not believe in the dogma that genes control us, but instead in Epigenetics; that we can change our genetic expression by changing our environment. For this reason, Dr. Robyn is passionate about educating her patients on the power of both diet and lifestyle changes to prevent and reverse chronic disease. Her favorite quote is by Thomas Edison,
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease”.
In her free time Dr. Robyn enjoys spending time with her husband Dr. Ryan and their two rescue French Mastiffs Bleu and Dixie. She enjoys working out with her husband in their garage gym, walks with the dogs, spending time at the beach, church service, and visiting family who live in Tennessee, Utah, California, and Montana.

Dr. Tanuja Sharma
Dr. Sharma is a board-certified family medicine physician. She completed her bachelor of science degree in biology at the University of Toledo in Toledo, OH. After completing her doctor of medicine degree at Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies, Dr. Sharma competed her residency at the University of Chicago (Northshore) Family Medicine Residency Program in Glenview, IL. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Sharma’s professional interests include broad spectrum family medicine, educating medical students and residents, and integrative medicine. Her personal interest include international travel, teaching, music, singing, meditation, swimming, Yoga and cooking. She is proficient in English, Hindi and Punjabi.


Yelloji-Rao K. Mirajkar
Yelloji-Rao Mirajkar, Ph.D., is the founder-director of Aahaar Kranti: Awareness Campaign for Better Nutrition and the International Convenor for the GIST, Global Indian Scientists and Technocrats Forum.
After earning a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, in Electrochemical interactions among sulfide minerals, Dr. Mirajkar completed postdoctoral work in physical chemistry at Columbia University, New York. For 24 years, he developed expertise in Research, Development, and Innovation at Colgate-Palmolive for personal care, home care, oral care, pet care, and household products, earning several patents in his area of expertise, interactions among surfactants, polymers, and actives, and fragrances and flavors in formulations and solutions.
He is the former executive director and member of the national leadership of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA.


Jessica Oker
Hi, I’m Jessica Oker, and my journey into Ayurveda started from a place of deep personal struggle. After battling chronic illness for most of my life, including autoimmune conditions that left me unable to eat, breathe, or function, Ayurveda came into my life as a lifeline. It wasn’t just about healing my body—it became a deeper connection to the ancient wisdom that I now feel compelled to share with others.
Today, I’m passionate about helping people heal, not just physically but holistically. I’ve been where you are—feeling lost, frustrated, and overwhelmed—and I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience true healing. My clinic and my approach are all about creating a space where you feel supported, heard, and empowered on your wellness journey.
When I’m not working with clients, you can find me exploring new holistic healing techniques, or enjoying life with my family. I’m deeply committed to Ayurveda, and it has truly transformed my life—now, I want to help you experience that transformation too.


Vaidya. Rucha Kelkar
Dr. Rucha Kelkar, BAMS, PT, DPT
Founder and Director- Ayurbliss Wellness Center
Chair- Mount Madonna Institute-College of Ayurveda
President- NAMA(National Ayurvedic Medical Association)Dr. Rucha Kelkar is the Founder and Director of Ayurbliss Wellness Center in San Mateo, California. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Mount Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda and President of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA).
With over 23 years of clinical, teaching, and leadership experience, she has been a dedicated voice for Ayurveda, sharing her expertise at the World Ayurveda Congress, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, and the Indian Embassy in Berlin.
She has mentored Stanford medical students in Integrative Medicine, contributed to breast cancer research at UCSF, and continues to teach at several leading Ayurveda programs across the United States.
At Ayurbliss, Dr. Kelkar combines Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Yoga, and Orthopedic Physical Therapy to provide deeply personalized care and education. Her approach bridges modern rehabilitation with the timeless principles of Ayurveda and Yoga, offering a grounded, holistic path toward healing and wellness.


Dr. Rupali Panse
Experienced alternative medicine Ayurveda consultant with over two decades of dedicated practice in India and the USA. A seasoned professional, I have served as a curriculum committee member at Savitribai Phule University (Pune University), Pune, India, contributing significantly to the field of integrative nutrition. During my tenure, I played a pivotal role as a Course Director for the ‘Certificate Course of Integrative Dietetics,’ showcasing my commitment to education and curriculum development.
In addition to my academic contributions, I have been actively engaged in professional teaching, imparting valuable insights to postgraduate students at Savitribai Phule University for three years. This period not only enhanced my teaching skills but also allowed me to foster the next generation of Ayurveda practitioners, nutritionists, and biomedical students.
My expertise extends to the independent course director, for three certificate courses namely ‘Ayurveda Essential Nutrition’ and ‘Ayurveda Advanced Nutrition’ taught online and in person course ‘Ayurveda Retreat’ at Hindu University of America (HUA). As an accomplished freelancer in the wellness domain, I have authored the bestselling Indian language book ‘Udarasth,’ earning recognition as the ‘Best Ayurveda Wellness Book 2018’ by the esteemed Vaidya Khadiwale Research Institute, and Ayurveda Vysa-pitha Best Book award 2022, India.
My dedication to the dissemination of knowledge is further exemplified through contributions to internationally published academic books, including ‘Anxiety, Gut Microbiome, and Nutraceuticals,’ and ‘Nutraceuticals for Aging and Antiaging,’ CRC Publication, USA. As a polyglot, fluent in four languages, I engage in public speaking and communication, facilitating effective interaction with diverse audiences.
As the Vice President of the Ayurveda Association of Florida and a Board of Directors member of national organization, N.C.A.M. (National Consortium of Ayurvedic Medicine), I actively contribute to the growth and development of Ayurveda in the USA.
My extensive experience as an Ayurveda consultant spans two decades, marked by successful integrative practice in India at my own Ayurveda Clinic in Pune. I have additionally excelled in child counseling, accumulating over 20 years of expertise in personal medicine practice. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in Nutrition at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have chosen Functional Nutrition and Herbal Therapy as my concentration to complement my experience in the field of holistic nutrition.Experienced alternative medicine Ayurveda consultant with over two decades of dedicated practice in India and the USA. A seasoned professional, I have served as a curriculum committee member at Savitribai Phule University (Pune University), Pune, India, contributing significantly to the field of integrative nutrition. During my tenure, I played a pivotal role as a Course Director for the ‘Certificate Course of Integrative Dietetics,’ showcasing my commitment to education and curriculum development. In addition to my academic contributions, I have been actively engaged in professional teaching, imparting valuable insights to postgraduate students at Savitribai Phule University for three years. This period not only enhanced my teaching skills but also allowed me to foster the next generation of Ayurveda practitioners, nutritionists, and biomedical students. My expertise extends to the independent course director, for three certificate courses namely ‘Ayurveda Essential Nutrition’ and ‘Ayurveda Advanced Nutrition’ taught online and in person course ‘Ayurveda Retreat’ at Hindu University of America (HUA). As an accomplished freelancer in the wellness domain, I have authored the bestselling Indian language book ‘Udarasth,’ earning recognition as the ‘Best Ayurveda Wellness Book 2018’ by the esteemed Vaidya Khadiwale Research Institute, and Ayurveda Vysa-pitha Best Book award 2022, India. My dedication to the dissemination of knowledge is further exemplified through contributions to internationally published academic books, including ‘Anxiety, Gut Microbiome, and Nutraceuticals,’ and ‘Nutraceuticals for Aging and Antiaging,’ CRC Publication, USA. As a polyglot, fluent in four languages, I engage in public speaking and communication, facilitating effective interaction with diverse audiences. As the Vice President of the Ayurveda Association of Florida and a Board of Directors member of national organization, N.C.A.M. (National Consortium of Ayurvedic Medicine), I actively contribute to the growth and development of Ayurveda in the USA. My extensive experience as an Ayurveda consultant spans two decades, marked by successful integrative practice in India at my own Ayurveda Clinic in Pune. I have additionally excelled in child counseling, accumulating over 20 years of expertise in personal medicine practice. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in Nutrition at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have chosen Functional Nutrition and Herbal Therapy as my concentration to complement my experience in the field of holistic nutrition.

Dr. Philippa Norman
Dr. Philippa Norman is a physician and Ayurvedic Practitioner, having completed her training with Ananda Ayurveda Academy and now participates as Internship Faculty. She also trained with Maharishi Ayurveda, Kerala Ayurveda Academy, and Dr. Lad at Gurukkula in Pune, India. She makes ghee and herbal preparations for family and friends. In her career, she works in a Western healthcare setting but brings Ayurveda principles into her work.


Dr. Jayanth Lokhande
Dr. Jayant N. Lokhande, M.D.(Botanical Drugs):MBA – Biotechnology is an expert in Botanical Drugs & Biotechnology Business Management. He has successfully strategized and formulated products for several medical esthetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and medical foods companies globally. He has significant clinical experience especially in using Botanical Drugs and Medical Foods for Complex and Chronic Diseases. His other professional interests are in Biodiversity Entrepreneurship, Bio prospecting, Medical Anthropology, Disease Reversal Therapeutics, and Ashtanga Yoga. He has special interest and practice in translating Yoga & Ayurveda Principles in Innovation, System & Technology Development.
He has edited and authored 3 books and 1 book is currently in process in totally niche industry areas till date, and that are published by Taylor & Francis.
He is currently working as Chief Scientific Officer at DMK Skincare Co and his responsibilities include Innovation and End-Users Education Development.

Dr. Vivek Shanbhag
– California Licensed Naturopathic Doctor with 35 years’ experience as an Ayurveda Doctor, Professor & Best-seller Author
– Founding Dean, School of Ayurveda & Natural Medicine, University of Silicon Andhra, California
– Director, Natural Medicine & Ayurveda – Clinic, Academy & Wellness Spa, California
– Co-Chair, Organizing Committee, NCAM Mega-Conference, 2023
– Founding President, American Association of Ayurvedic Professionals 2021-2022

Dr. Jaya Daptardar
Dr. Daptardar is a dedicated Ayurveda teacher and practitioner. For the past 20 years she has led clients to health and healing by sharing the transformative power of Ayurveda in her seminars and workshops.
In addition to being the founder and CEO of Active Ayurveda and Yoga, LLC and The Institute of Ayurveda and Lifestyle Management, Dr. Daptardar is the author of “Ayurveda and Beauty Therapy” and related columns for various Indian publications.
As a healing practitioner, Dr. Daptardar concentrates on prevention and wellness. She specializes in women’s health, nutrition, weight and lifestyle management, and the treatment of such maladies as arthritis, asthma, allergies, acne, digestion issues, chronic pain, mental health, stress related illness and much more.


Dr. Shaneen Whyte
Dr. Shaneen Whyte is a first-generation physician of Caribbean heritage, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Florida State University, her Master of Science in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida, and her medical degree from La Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (The Latin American School of Medicine) in Havana, Cuba, where she became fluent in Spanish and served as a teaching assistant in Natural and Traditional Medicine. Her exposure to diverse healing traditions during her medical training deepened her commitment to whole-person care that honors both medical science and a culturally sensitive approach to health. Dr. Whyte is currently completing her Family Medicine residency at Broward Health Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and her career aspirations have at their core improving the health and quality of life of underserved populations, both locally and internationally. As it was instilled in her early in life, Dr. Whyte wants to reemphasize to society the importance of the old adage “Each One. Reach one. Teach One,” with the hope that through her interactions with others, a chain of positive effects will happen in the world.


Dr. Shubhangi Chumble
Shubhangi Chumble, MD Neurologist with subspecialization in Sleep disorders.
-I completed my medical school at BJ medical college in Pune, India .
-After immigrating to the US , I completed my neurology residency at Howard University and have been in practice for 24 years .
-I am currently working at the VA hospital in Orlando as a staff physician.
– My interest in Integrative medicine led me to do CME courses at the Maharishi Ayurveda institute in Iowa.
-I strongly believe in an integrative approach to health and especially like to focus on the preventive aspect through chronobiology and circadian rhythm when advising patients.

Vaidya Meenakshi Gupta
Meenakshi Gupta, Founder-Director AyurRoots Ayurveda Wellness®, Co-founder of Ciamor skincare, is an internationally renowned Ayurveda Vaidya. She is a recipient of ‘The Charaka Award,’ the Top 15 Women of the Year award by Top Pick media for 2019, and the Women achiever award in 2021. She has been a trailblazer and an eminent Ambassador of Ayurveda in the West, teaching, practicing, and promoting Ayurveda.


Dr. Nidia Diaz
Dr. Diaz is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine who spent ten years in Asia and Europe searching for renowned traditional healers, doctors, and gurus who could teach her lesser-known methods of the healing arts.
Her medical knowledge began with Chinese acupuncture but then branched out to several of the world’s oldest medical systems, such as Tibetan, Indian, and other ancient healing traditions. She traveled to over 25 foreign countries and apprenticed with master healers such as Yeshi Dhoden, the personal physician to the Dalai Lama.
She trained as an Ayurveda therapist in India. She noticed that the Indian God of medicine, Dhanvantari held a leech in one of his four hands, which led her to become an expert in Medicinal Leech Therapy. She is now one of only a handful of physicians who practices in the United States.
She gained Leech Therapy certification and first-hand experience in Germany, Russia, and Turkey to become a highly skilled leech therapist who brings several healing traditions together for optimal results.
Her greatest achievement as a doctor is being a part of the world-renowned Ripley’s Believe It or Not 100-year anniversary hardcover book edition featuring Cleopatra’s beauty secret, the blood facial.

Conference Venue
Patel Center for Global Solutions
The Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions is a research center based at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.
The Patel Center’s main goals are to identify challenges in the developing world and find viable solutions to those problems, particularly issues related to potable water and sanitation, urbanization and migration, and sustainable activities.
Tampa, FL 33620




Sponsors
Conference Schedule
Friday: BAMS | Saturday: Full Day | Sunday: Morning + Ayurveda Fair
| Start | End | Title | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 8:30 AM | Registration / Check-In & Welcome Breakfast | AAF Team |
| 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM | Opening Ceremony & Vedic Chant. Board Introduction | AAF Team |
| 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Guest of Honor Speeches | Mr. Anil Deshpande, Mr. Arun Gandhi, Mr. Danny Gaekwad |
| 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | Dialogue / Interview - Ayurveda Integration into Global Sustainable Medicine | Dr. David Frawley, Dr. Vivek Shanbhag |
| 11.00 AM | 11:15 AM | Tea & Snack Break by Ayurvedic Snack Sponsor | |
| 11:15 AM | 12:00 PM | Integrative Approaches to Mental Health | Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Dr. Sujata Reddy; Moderator: Dr. Amit Gumman |
| 12.00 PM | 12.15 PM | Integrative Approach to Prevention and Early Detection | Dr. Sushma Jakkula |
| 12:15 PM | 1:00 PM | Nutraceuticals: Ayurvedic Rasayana for Management of Chronic Disorders | Dr. Yashwant Pathak, Dr. Archana Kulkarni |
| 1:00 PM | 1:30 PM | Lunch Break | |
| 1:30 PM | 1.45 PM | Integrative Approach to Thyroid Health | Dr. Rupali Biradar |
| 1.45 PM | 2.15 PM | Integrative Approach to Cancer | Dr. Jayant Lokhande |
| 2.15 PM | 2.30 PM | Integrative Nutrition for Cancer | Vaidya Rupali Panse |
| 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM | Molecular Understanding of Food and Herbs - Tanmatra | Dr. Balram Singh |
| 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM | Understanding Integrative / Evidence-Based Medicine | Dr. Ambuj Kumar, Dr. Somesh Kaushik, Dr.Rucha Kelkar, Moderator: Dr. Avinash Jadhav |
| 4:00 PM | 4:30 PM | Break, Announcements, and Vendor Table Visits | |
| 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM | Global Nutrition for Sustainable Health | Dr. Yelloji-Rao Mirajkar |
| Start | End | Title | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 8:30 PM | Recap & Welcome for Day 2. Visual Journey AAF | AAF Board |
| 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM | Women’s Health and Breast Cancer | Dr. Shaneen Whyte |
| 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Panel - AI (Ayurveda Integration) with AI (Artificial Intelligence) | Mr. Anirudhha Joshi, Jill Pepper, Dr. Mahadevan Seetharaman, Dr. Vivek Shanbhag; Moderator: Sia Anasseri |
| 10:00 AM | 10.30 AM | Leech Therapy | Dr. Nidia Diaz |
| 10:30 AM | 11.30 AM | Integrative Approaches for Skin Conditions | Dr. Meenakshi Gupta, Dr. Garima Agrawal, Dr. Mukta Bapat |
| 11:30 AM | 11:45 AM | Break | |
| 11:45 | 12:30 PM | Florida Health Freedom: Legal Panel | Nate Gorman, Susan Ethridge,Petra Brokken; Moderator: Dr. Aparna Bapat |
| 12.30 PM | 1.00 PM | Lunch Break | |
| 1.00 PM | Inaugural for Free Ayurvedic Fair and Guest Talk:IIS USA's Mission: Bridging Ayurveda , Innovation and Sustainability | Mr. Arun Gandhi | |
| 1:00 PM | 2:30 PM | Free Walk-In. Open for All Sessions: 1. My Journey into Ayurveda. 2. Integrative Approaches to Headaches. 3. Integrative approaches to Diabetes. | 1. Jessica Oker. 2. Dr. Shubhangi Chumble & Dr. Aparna Bapat. 3. Dr. Robyn Klepko. |
| 2:30 PM | 3.00 PM | Success with Ayurveda - Case Presentations | Dr. Philippa Norman. Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh. |
| 3.00 PM | 3.15 PM | Intro to Medicinal Weeds | Dr.Nina Raymond |
| 3.15 PM | 4.00 PM | Integrative Medicine in Holistic Wellness | Dr. Salil Gupta, Dr.Alka Madan, Nitya Gopal Das Moderator: Dinesh Chnadra, |
| 4.00 PM | 4.30 PM | Closing Ceremony | Heather Stuart and Anisha Durve |
| Start | End | Title | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | 10:30 AM | Registration and Introduction | |
| 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | Unite for Ayurveda Legalization (Roundtable) with Legal Panelists | Mr. Nate Gorman, Lauren May, Dr. Yashwant Pathak, Diane Miller |
| 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Lunch and Networking | |
| 2:00 PM | 2:30 PM | Practice Ayurveda Successfully and Profitably in the USA with BAMS | Dr. Lina Thakar |
| 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM | International Ayurveda Practice Success - Understanding Business Aspects of Marketing and Data Recording | Dr. Smita Naram |
| 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM | Ayurveda EMR, USA - Case Writing and Professional Insurance | |
| 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | ICAA and NCCBAM: AMD Curriculum, Bridge Courses, Board Exams, Licensing, and the Future of Ayurveda in the USA |
Group Discount:
- Full Conference tickets for $100/each for Groups of 10 or more. Contact us for info.
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Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Cancellation requests received by August 31, 2025, will receive a 100% refund, less a $25 processing fee.- Cancellation requests received by September 30, 2025, will receive a 50% refund, less a $25 processing fee.
- No refunds will be offered for cancellations after September 30, 2025.








































