Education and career
After graduating as a medical doctor from University of Kaw-Zulu Natal Medical School, Dr. Uma Naidoo completed the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program in 2000. Next, she joined the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center for her fellowship in Psychosocial Oncology from 2000 to 2001.
Naidoo has always been passionate about cooking, so she completed the savory and pastry classes at the Le Cordon Bleau and Culinary Institute of America. Dr. Naidoo graduated from Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, completing the Culinary Arts/Chef Training (2011-2012) with High Honors, and was awarded the M.F.K. Fisher Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Innovation.
Dr. Naidoo started her career as a faculty member at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2001, where she still works. Naidoo is a founder and director of Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. She also serves as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, where she writes for Harvard Health Press. In 2012, Dr. Naidoo joined Cambridge School of Culinary Arts as a culinary instructor.
Awards
- Junior Investigator Award (American Psychiatric Association)
- Leadership Development for Physicians and Scientists Award (Harvard)
- Curtis Prout Scholar in Medical Education
- Best Mental Health Book – 2020
American Board Certifications
Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Publications
- Dr. Naidoo is an active contributor for Harvard Health Press, where she regularly posts articles on nutrition, neuropsychiatry, and more. She is considered Harvard’s Mood-Food expert.
- Dr. Naidoo is also the national bestselling author of the book “This Is Your Brain On Food.”