Meet Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD of Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD.

The Center’s founder, Edison de Mello, MD, PhD, is a board certified Integrative Physician by the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a licensed psychotherapist by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. He practiced psychotherapy for 13 years before entering medical training and now practices and teaches evidenced- based integrative medicine.

Dr. de Mello’s PhD dissertation, entitled “Gut Feelings – A Psychosocial Approach to Gastrointestinal Illness,” inspired his conception of a center where psychology would be combined and fully integrated with Western and Eastern medicines. The de Mello Institute was formed in 1996 with the goal of employing safe and complementary approaches to healthcare while also addressing a person’s emotional and spiritual health. Fully committed to these goals, Dr. de Mello entered residency in 1999 at the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center Urban Family Residency program in New York City, including training at the Manhattan-based Center for Health and Healing. His training utilized a biopsychosocial model and offered innovative experiences in the integration of complementary medicine into the practice of Family Medicine. Upon completing his medical training, Dr. de Mello expanded the de Mello Institute and founded the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. de Mello was introduced to the practice of complementary medicine by his beloved grandmother, Nana, at a very early age. Dr. de Mello remembers her as a natural healer who, with her many teas and potions, always had a remedy for the common everyday malady. Nana practiced her “medicine” with so much love and dedication that her simple presence, caring manner, smile, and unwavering respect for people were healing and inspiring. Nana’s approach to healing and her loving mentorship were so profound for Dr. de that in 1979, when he entered college, a career in healthcare was a natural choice.

He graduated from the University of North Texas in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and went on to earn an MA degree in Psychology and a doctoral degree in Health and Human Services/Psychology. For his master’s degree thesis Dr.de Mello was the co-author of a Head Start program funded by the National Institute of Mental Health entitled “Strengthening Head Start Families through Mental Health Intervention.” Intrigued by the bio-psychosocial aspects of gastrointestinal disease – the subject of his doctorate dissertation – Dr. de Mello entered Ross University School of Medicine in 1991 with the ultimate goal of creating an innovative medical Center that would bridge the gap between Western and Eastern medicines.

Knowing that a solid and well-respected training in evidenced-based Integrative Medicine was crucial for his vision of such a center, Dr. de Mello completed most of his medical student clinical rotations at renowned University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine hospitals.

Envisioned as a “healing sanctuary,” where all parts that compose a person, namely mind, body and spirit, are equally addressed when treating and preventing disease, The Akasha Center exemplifies Dr. de Mello’s vision and strong commitment to the practice of integrative medicine. His goal is to help every patient get the best out of the integration of science-proven approaches to medicine, drawing from both the technological advances of the West and the ancient wisdom of the East.

Dr. de Mello is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and in conversational French. He is on the advisory board of several organizations such as Helpquide.org in Los Angeles, A.C.A.M. Midwifery Program in Guatemala (www.mayamidwifery.com), and the Sun Ray Peace and Meditation Society in Vermont (www.sunray.org). He is a member of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM), The Institute of Functional Medicine (IMF), The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), The American Association of Integrative Medicine, and Physicians for Social Responsibility. In addition, Dr. de Mello has written several articles for different publications and has most recently written a chapter on the microbiome and food addiction for Dr. Andrew Weil’s upcoming new book as part of his Integrative Medicine library.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, not a smooth one but one with determination, passion and believing that I could do it. I grew up in a poor family and was for the longest time the first person to graduate from high school in my family. There were no real models for me. My neighborhood was, at times, rough (seen the Brazilian movie, city of God? I grew up next to it)

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, LLC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine in Santa Monica, CA, takes a multidisciplinary approach to healing and wellness. Guided by the philosophy that illness is a personal story and not simply a set of pathologies, the Akasha team taps into the very best evidence-based therapies available to help each patient achieve optimal health encompassing the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. The latest technological and clinical advances in Western medicine are combined with scientifically validated Eastern modalities to treat the whole patient – not just individual symptoms.

The founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine is Edison de Mello, M.D., Ph.D. Recently, Dr. de Mello spoke with The Chalkboard Mag about his passion for practicing integrative medicine and the many reasons why this clinical specialty is one of the most important trends in wellness. Asked to define integrative medicine, Dr. de Mello stated that it draws from two distinct yet scientifically validated and complementary medical traditions: allopathic (traditional) medicine and Eastern healing practices, such acupuncture, herbal supplements, and meditation. He went on to explain that integrative medicine requires the development of a strong relationship between patient and practitioner. After a patient’s immediate health issue has been properly managed using traditional methods, the integrative medicine practitioner will recommend lifestyle changes designed to help address the root cause of the medical problem. The patient thus becomes a proactive participant in the effort to remain as healthy as possible. Integrative medicine, according to Dr. de Mello, is a proven path to better health that is justifiably joining the mainstream as the medical community recognizes the advantages of whole-person, holistic healing.

Our mission statement:

The Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, together with the de Mello Medical Corporation, is a sanctuary for health, wellness and healing.

We embrace and honor the profound power of our patient’s mind, body, community and spirit.

We recognize each person as already whole and complete in their path of health, spiritual and financial well-being.

Our approach to evidenced-based integrative medicine is guided by both the ancient wisdom of Eastern medicine and the ever-growing technological advances of Western Medicine.

As facilitators of health and healing, we embody a new model of health care providing a whole-person approach to comprehensive health and wellness.

We bring support for each member of the Akasha community in their own path toward optimal health.

We affirm our patients’ birth right to live lives of tenable happiness and fulfillment as we show deep appreciation and respect for the planet

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love its diversity and the fact that you can have in essence a taste of so many cultures in the world, right here in LA. What I like the least is that the city, as a whole, can be very segregated. And also, that the it values the ultra-modern architecture while sacrificing the richness of old and elegant buildings.

Contact Info:

• Address: 520 Arizona Street. Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Website: www.Akashacenter.com
• Phone: 310 451-8880
• Email: [email protected]