The All India Institute of Medical Sciences served as the educational foundation for Deepak Chopra, who later transitioned from a conventional career in endocrinology to a prominent role in the alternative medicine movement. His professional trajectory spans from holding the position of Chief of Staff at New England Memorial Hospital to advocating for practices centered on Ayurvedic principles.
Medical Career and Migration
Born in 1946 in New Delhi, Chopra pursued medical training in India before moving to the United States in 1970. To secure his eligibility for American practice, he completed examinations in Sri Lanka. Upon arriving in the United States, he undertook a clinical internship in New Jersey and subsequently finished residencies in internal medicine at various institutions, including the Lahey Clinic and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. By 1973, he obtained his medical license in Massachusetts, eventually specializing in endocrinology and holding teaching roles at Tufts, Boston University, and Harvard medical schools.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Shift to Ayurveda and Transcendental Meditation
In 1985, Chopra entered a significant association with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement. This connection followed his departure from his post as Chief of Staff at the New England Memorial Hospital. He subsequently established the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center in Lancaster, Massachusetts. During this period, he assumed roles such as the founding president of the American Association of Ayurvedic Medicine and contributed to the development of commercial Ayurvedic products.
Public Profile and Critical Reception
Chopra gained widespread attention in 1993 following an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where he discussed his written works. His publications, such as The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and You Are the Universe: Discovering Your Cosmic Self and Why It Matters, have been central to his public profile. His claims regarding the body as a quantum mechanical entity and the potential for quantum healing have drawn sustained criticism from physicists and medical professionals. Critics often categorize his assertions as pseudoscience, arguing that his interpretations of scientific terminology lack rigorous empirical support.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, New Delhi, India
- Education: All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- Former position: Chief of Staff, New England Memorial Hospital
- Notable work: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
- Notable work: You Are the Universe: Discovering Your Cosmic Self and Why It Matters
- Award: Great Immigrants Award, 2006
- Award: Canada India Foundation Chanchlani Global Indian Award, 2012
Questions readers ask
What is Deepak Chopra's medical background?
He is a physician educated in India who completed residencies in internal medicine and a fellowship in endocrinology in the United States.
Why has his work faced scientific criticism?
Critics argue that his use of quantum physics terminology to describe biological processes and healing lacks scientific accuracy and constitutes pseudoscience.
.jpg)