BRIDGING ANCIENT HEALING AND MODERN SCIENCE

EMORY-TIBET MEDICAL SCIENCES INITIATIVE

Emory University engages with traditional Tibetan Medicine through the Emory-Tibet Medical Science Initiative, a bold collaborative effort creating bridges between western research and pedagogy and this ancient healing practice. Two distinct efforts are underway.

Emory is investigating the potential of traditional Tibetan medicine by utilizing state of the art research technology. World-renowned Emory researcher Dr. Raymond Schinazi is collaborating with Tibetan medical doctors like Dr. Tashi Dawa to investigate the anti-cancer and anti-viral properties of Tibetan medicinal compounds. Other Emory faculty members are also involved in the anthropological and clinical investigation of traditional Tibetan medicine.

For over 20 years, my laboratory has been developing drugs to treat life-threatening diseases including HIV/AIDS, HBV, HCV, and cancer. Although my training is in Western medical research, I have great respect for Tibetan medicine... By isolating and testing the anti-viral and anti-cancer properties of chemicals from traditional Tibetan herbs... I am optimistic our work will yield positive results for humanity. - Dr. Raymond Schinazi

COLLABORATION WITH MEN-TSEE-KHANG TIBETAN MEDICAL INSTITUTE

Faculty members participating in the pilot phase of the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative were invited by Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical Institute to give guest lectures during their stays in Dharamsala. This interaction, along with the work going on in Dr. Schinazi's lab, gradually led to a request from Men-Tsee-Khang for assistance developing more comprehensive instruction in human physiology, anatomy, modern medical treatments, and research methodology to Tibetan medical students and doctors.

With initial funding provided by Dr. Schinazi and the Emory-Tibet Partnership, a three-year pilot program was launched in 2013 with Dr. Carol Worthman and Dr. Mike Iuvone as co-directors.