Edison de Mello, MD, PhD

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. de Mello was introduced to the practice of integrative 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 Mello that 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