Journey Of A Nepali Doctor: From Pokhara Valley To Research Laboratories In United States

Dr. Amrit Baral’s journey from the picturesque valleys of Pokhara, Nepal, to the cutting-edge research laboratories of the United States of America, embodies a lifetime dedication to advancing public health and scientific discovery. As a physician-scientist and doctoral candidate in Epidemiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Baral’s research focuses on cannabis, cannabinoids, and emerging psychedelic substances. He investigates the bio-physiological, psychological, and behavioral impacts of these substances on human health with particular emphasis on chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular.

After completing his medical education at Chongqing Medical University in China, Dr. Baral returned to Nepal, joining the Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS). At PAHS, he gained valuable experience handling diverse medical cases, from emergency and trauma care to otolaryngology. “Working in Nepal’s healthcare system allowed me to see both the potential and the gaps in our health infrastructure,” he reflects. Driven by a commitment to his community, he co-founded Dirghayu Nepal, a non-profit organization focused on improving health, education, and human rights in underserved communities. As the Health Services Coordinator, he organized free medical camps, led disaster relief initiatives, and conducted public health awareness campaigns in remote villages. In 2015, after the devastating earthquake struck Nepal, Dr. Baral led Dirghayu Nepal’s team in delivering healthcare and disaster in remote regions, often in challenging conditions.

In pursuit of broader global health impact, Dr. Baral embarked on a transformative “World Bicycle Tour” on September 20, 2015, to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS stigma. This ambitious global health campaign that took him through 16 countries across Asia and a cross-country journey from the West Coast to East Coast in the United States. Hosting public health workshops, delivering talks, and collaborating with local communities and public health agencies, he aimed to address stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. His campaign received significant media attention, with coverage in outlets like The Korea Herald, The Hindu, and The Myanmar Times among many other national and international media platforms. “The journey was transformative,” he notes. “I learned that health education can bridge cultural and social divides, helping communities understand the impact of stigma and the importance of inclusivity.” Increasingly drawn to public health, Dr.

Baral pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, earning a Dean’s Scholarship for Global Diversity and Achievement. After completing his MPH, he worked as a Disease Surveillance and Investigation Specialist at the Chester County Health Department, a government public health agency in Pennsylvania, USA, where he contributed to critical public health responses through disease monitoring and outbreak investigation.

Currently, Dr. Baral is pursuing a doctoral degree in Epidemiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Denise Vidot—a leading cannabis epidemiologist and prominent scientist in the field of cannabis and psychedelics research. He is the Data Lead/Lead Biostatistician for the National Institute of Health (NIH) - funded “Herbal Heart Study”, where he directs the data management team. Herbal Heart Study is a cohort study investigating the effects of cannabis, cannabinoids, and various methods of cannabis consumption on subclinical cardiovascular risk among healthy young adults (18-35-year-olds). His role has been crucial in offering novel research ideas and analyzing the Herbal Heart data as well as disseminating novel findings to the cannabis science community in the United States and globally. His expertise in epidemiology, data analysis and biostatistics has been highlighted through numerous presentations at prominent conferences, including the American Public Health Association (APHA), College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS), and Society for Epidemiological Research (SER).

Dr. Baral’s contributions to cannabis and cannabinoid research has been recognized with the “2024 National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Women & Sex/Gender Junior Investigator Travel Award,” a prestigious grant from the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) and the NIDA. This award supports early-career scientists investigating the intersections of sex, gender, and drug dependence, reinforcing Dr. Baral’s commitment to advancing an evidence-based understanding of cannabis and psychedelics. His professional memberships extend to influential societies, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Public Health Association (APHA), the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER), and the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS), where he regularly presents his research findings to global experts in public health, cannabis science, and oncology.

Among Dr. Baral’s many publications, his work on cannabis use among cancer patients has had a notable impact. His recent paper titled, “Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients During Active Treatment: Findings From a Study at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center” utilizes data from National Cancer Institute funded study explored cannabis use patterns, sources, and reasons for use among cancer patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy. Another paper, “Experiences and Comfort of Young Cancer Patients Discussing Cannabis with Their Providers: Insights from a Survey at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center,” published in the Journal of Cancer Education, investigates age-related barriers that young patients face when discussing cannabis with their oncology care team. Likewise, his study “State of the Science: Health Care Provider Communication of Cannabis Use Among Adults Living with Cancer,” highlights communication gaps in oncology settings, where cannabis is increasingly used to manage treatment symptoms.

In another notable publication, “Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Emerging Adult Cannabis Users by Race/Ethnicity,” Dr. Baral examined how cannabis affects metabolic syndrome among emerging young adults, underscoring the need for racially sensitive public health policies as cannabis use continues to rise. Recently, he authored and presented/co-presented 19 different research abstracts on the associations between cannabis and cannabinoids with mental health, quality of life, mindfulness, memory and cognition, maternal health, dietary preferences, weight control behaviors, subclinical cardiovascular risk, and chronic pain. These findings were showcased at the 2024 Cannabis Clinical Outcomes Research Conference in Florida, USA, and published in the Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids Journal. Dr. Baral’s research focuses on exploring both the associated risks and potential benefits of cannabis and cannabinoid use, contributing to a deeper understanding of their impacts on health.

Dr. Baral’s expertise is also recognized through his role as a peer reviewer for over 15 international peer-reviewed scientific journals, including BMC Public Health, Nature Scientific Reports, Psychedelic Medicine, and the Journal of Cancer Education. His insight in biostatistics, epidemiology, and research methodology has made him a trusted reviewer for topics ranging from public health to cancer survivorship and substance use.

A firm advocate for Nepal’s potential to become a global leader in cannabis science research, Dr. Baral is actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with Nepali scientists and institutions and initiate pioneering scientific inquiries in this field and to train a new generation of researchers. He is deeply committed to advancing cannabis research in Nepal, recognizing the country’s unique historical and cultural relationship with the plant. “Nepal’s traditional knowledge of cannabis positions it as an ideal environment for meaningful research,” he asserts. “I am actively looking for opportunities to collaborate with institutions and young scientists in Nepal who are interested in this area. Together, we can build a framework that respects our cultural heritage while following rigorous scientific methods”.

Dr. Baral emphasizes the critical need for evidence-based cannabis literacy in Nepal, especially among youth, healthcare professionals, and the general public. He stresses the importance of educating Nepali people about both the risks and potential benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids as suggested by existing scientific evidence. “There’s a lot of information circulating on social media and advocacy platforms that lacks scientific backing,” he explains. “It’s vital that we provide clear, evidence-based information to counter misinformation and promote a well-rounded understanding.” One of Dr. Baral’s key goals is to establish a sustainable foundation for cannabis research in Nepal, paving the way for a new generation of researchers. His vision includes mentoring young Nepali scientists and providing them with hands-on training in cannabis research, data management, and biostatistics. “Training young scientists is crucial,” he emphasizes. “My hope is to empower them with the tools and knowledge they need to conduct impactful research. With mentorship, they can lead Nepal’s scientific community forward and make significant contributions to global cannabis science.”