Ladan Eshkevari

Last updated
Ladan Eshkevari
Born
Alma mater University of Maryland, Baltimore (BS (Honors) in Nursing) (1990)
Columbia University School of Nursing (MS, Anesthesia) (1995)
Georgetown University (PhD, Physiology and Biophysics) (2009)
Occupation(s)Healthcare professional
Academic
Years active1985 – Present
Organization(s)Avesta Ketamine and Wellness (Co-CEO and Founder)
Georgetown University (Professor Emerita)
Notable workHer work on rat models, investigating the effects of acupuncture on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) hormones as markers for chronic stress. [1] [2]
Publishing clinical research on the effectiveness of ketamine as an antidepressant, including the use of adjunct treatments like intravenous glutathione. [3]

Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac., FAAN, is an Iranian-American healthcare professional and academic. [4] [5]

Contents

She is the Co-CEO and Founder of Avesta Ketamine and Wellness, a clinic specializing in ketamine therapy for mental health and chronic pain. [6] [7]

Eshkevari is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) and also served as the Editor-In-Chief of its peer-reviewed, bimonthly academic journal, Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA Journal). [8]

She is a professor emerita at Georgetown University. [9]

Early life and education

Ladan Eshkevari was born in Iran and lived in India during her formative years, attending the British School till the age of 15. She moved to the United States with her family as a teenager. [10]

She holds a BS (Hons.) in Nursing degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, an MS in Anesthesia degree from the Columbia University School of Nursing, a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, has a Diplomate degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture from Maryland Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Certification in Corporate Executive Leadership from Georgetown University. [11] [12]

Career

Eshkevari started her career as a nurse during the AIDS epidemic in the United States. [13]

Since 1995, she has been a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) and was the Editor-In-Chief of its peer-reviewed, bimonthly academic journal, Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA Journal) from 2023 till 2024. [14] She has also been a peer reviewer for other journals, which include the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (JAANA), Journal of Experimental Biology and Medicine (JEBM), Complementary Therapies in Medicine (CTIM), Acupuncture in Medicine, Journal of Medical Acupuncture, Journal of Endocrinology (JOE), PLOS One and the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine. [15] [16]

Eshkevari is a professor emerita at Georgetown University and between 1997 and 2022, she has held various positions at Georgetown University, such as a Nurse Anesthetist (1997–2010), an Associate Professor (1997–2022), Professor (2022) and the Program Director of the university's Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program (2017–2022). [17]

She serves on various national boards in the United States such as the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee. [18] She has also served as the President of the District of Columbia Association of Nurse Anesthetists, was co-chair of the Education Committee of the Board of Nursing in the District appointed by Mayor Anthony A. Williams in 2005, and continues to serve on its Advance Practice Advisory Panel. She is a former chair of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation Board of Trustees. [19]

Since 2018, Eshkevari has been the Founder and Co-CEO of Avesta Ketamine and Wellness, a group of clinics providing ketamine infusion therapy for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain in the Washington metropolitan area. [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26]

Research

Eshkevari's areas of research include identifying physiologic markers for chronic stress and pain that are modulated by acupuncture, research on different anesthesia-related topics, and clinical research on ketamine's effects as an antidepressant. [27]

Her work on rat models, investigated the effects of acupuncture on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) hormones as markers for chronic stress. [28] [29] [30] [31] [32]

She has also published clinical research on the effectiveness of ketamine as an antidepressant, including the use of adjunct treatments like intravenous glutathione. [33]

Personal life

Eshkevari is of Iranian origin. [34] She is fluent in English, Spanish and Persian. [35]

Selected Publications

Journal Articles

Presentations

Books

Honors and recognition

References

  1. "Rats help scientists get closer to solving the mystery of acupuncture". The Guardian . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  2. Bhatia, Guneet. "Acupuncture: New Frontier In Stress Relief". International Business Times . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  3. Eshkevari, Ladan; Sales, Michelle; Collins, Christina; Totoraitis, Julia; Donohue, Lindsay; Bowman-Dalley, Carrie; Breggman, Bejamin; Negro, Paulo; Gordon, Stephanie; Estrada, Christian (July 2024). "Efficacy of addition of the anti-inflammatory, IV glutathione to standard ketamine IV therapy in major depressive disorder". Psychiatry Research . 337 (115949). doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115949.
  4. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  5. Hohman, Maura. "Why Acupuncture Works for Anxiety Relief". Everyday Health Group . Archived from the original on 2014-08-28. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
  6. "Dr. Ladan Eshkevari". Avesta Ketamine and Wellness. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  7. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  8. "AANA Appoints Ladan Eshkevari as New Editor-In-Chief of The AANA Journal". American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  9. "2025–2026 Undergraduate Bulletin". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  10. "Episode 146: Dr. Ladan Eshkevari: She Immigrated from Iran, Served as a Nurse During the AIDS Epidemic, Now She's Helping Others with Mental Wellness". 1 Girl Revolution. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  11. "AANA Appoints Ladan Eshkevari as New Editor-In-Chief of The AANA Journal". American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  12. "Ladan Eshkevari Faculty Profile". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  13. "Episode 146: Dr. Ladan Eshkevari: She Immigrated from Iran, Served as a Nurse During the AIDS Epidemic, Now She's Helping Others with Mental Wellness". 1 Girl Revolution. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  14. "AANA Appoints Ladan Eshkevari as New Editor-In-Chief of The AANA Journal". American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  15. "Ladan Eshkevari Faculty Profile". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  16. "Ladan Eshkevari". Murenea. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  17. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  18. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  19. "AANA Appoints Ladan Eshkevari as New Editor-In-Chief of The AANA Journal". American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  20. "Dr. Ladan Eshkevari". Avesta Ketamine and Wellness. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  21. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  22. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, LAc, FAAN". Your Health Magazine. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  23. "Avesta Ketamine and Wellness". Psychology Today . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  24. Hooke, Matt. "Ketamine therapy provider Avesta expands in N. Va., eyes more regional growth". Washington Business Journal . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  25. "Avesta Ketamine and Wellness Opens Clinic in Tysons, Virginia". Citybiz. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  26. Cuevas, Eduardo; Nurse, Krystal. "What are ketamine infusion clinics where Matthew Perry sought help? What you should know". USA Today . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  27. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  28. Eshkevari, Ladan; Mulroney, Susan E.; Egan, Rupert; Lao, Lixing (2015). "Effects of acupuncture, RU-486 on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in chronically stressed adult male rats". Endocrinology . 156 (5): 1737–1746. doi:10.1210/en.2015-1018.
  29. "Rats help scientists get closer to solving the mystery of acupuncture". The Guardian . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  30. Bhatia, Guneet. "Acupuncture: New Frontier In Stress Relief". International Business Times . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  31. Zimmerman, Rachel. "Could Stressed-Out Rats Hold Clues To How Acupuncture Works?". WBUR-FM . Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  32. "Acupuncture Relieves Stress: New Understanding Of Why The Ancient Practice Eases Anxiety". HuffPost . Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  33. Eshkevari, Ladan; Sales, Michelle; Collins, Christina; Totoraitis, Julia; Donohue, Lindsay; Bowman-Dalley, Carrie; Breggman, Bejamin; Negro, Paulo; Gordon, Stephanie; Estrada, Christian (July 2024). "Efficacy of addition of the anti-inflammatory, IV glutathione to standard ketamine IV therapy in major depressive disorder". Psychiatry Research . 337 (115949). doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115949.
  34. "Episode 146: Dr. Ladan Eshkevari: She Immigrated from Iran, Served as a Nurse During the AIDS Epidemic, Now She's Helping Others with Mental Wellness". 1 Girl Revolution. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  35. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  36. Eshkevari, Ladan (October 2003). "Acupuncture and pain: a review of the literature". The Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA Journal) . 71 (5): 361–370. PMID   14625973.
  37. Eshkevari, Ladan; Heath, Janie (2005). "Use of acupuncture for chronic pain: Optimizing clinical practice". Journal of Holistic Nursing . 19 (5): 217–221.
  38. Park, Alice. "Needle This: Study Hints at How Acupuncture Works to Relieve Stress". Time . Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  39. Eshkevari, Ladan; Baker, Brandee M. (December 2007). "Occurrence and removal of a knotted pulmonary artery catheter: a case report" (PDF). The Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA Journal) . 75 (6): 423–428. PMID   18179002 . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  40. Eshkevari, Ladan; Egan, Rupert; Phillips, Dylan; Tilan, Jason; Carney, Elissa; Azzam, Nabil; Amri, Hakima; Mulroney, Susan E. (2012). "Acupuncture at ST36 prevents chronic stress-induced increases in neuropeptide Y in rat". Experimental Biology and Medicine. 237 (1): 18–23. doi:10.1258/ebm.2011.011224. PMID   22156045.
  41. Hupman, Angela; Eshkevari, Ladan (2013). "Propofol and Ketamine for Targeted Muscle Reinnervation after Limb Amputation". Anaesthesia . 2 (1): 4–1. doi:10.18776/00ss0793.
  42. Eshkevari, Ladan; Permaul, Eva; Mulroney, Susan E. (2013). "Acupuncture blocks cold stress-induced increases in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis in the rat". Journal of Endocrinology . 217 (1): 95–104. doi:10.1530/JOE-12-0404. PMID   23386059.
  43. Eshkevari, Ladan; Trout, Kimberly K.; Damore, Jennifer (2013). "Management of Postpartum Pain". Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. 58 (6): 622–631. doi:10.1111/jmwh.12129 . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  44. Eshkevari, Ladan; Mulroney, Susan E.; Egan, Rupert; Lao, Lixing (2015). "Effects of acupuncture, RU-486 on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in chronically stressed adult male rats". Endocrinology . 156 (5): 1737–1746. doi:10.1210/en.2015-1018.
  45. Callan, Vicki; Eshkevari, Ladan; Finder, Stephen; Jeter, Leslie; May, Stephanie; Schirle, Lori; Stulce, Jill; Hoyem, Ruby L.; Everson, Marjorie (August 2021). "Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Practice". AANA Journal . 89 (4): 334–340. PMID   34342571 . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  46. Eshkevari, Ladan; Sales, Michelle; Collins, Christina; Totoraitis, Julia; Donohue, Lindsay; Bowman-Dalley, Carrie; Breggman, Bejamin; Negro, Paulo; Gordon, Stephanie; Estrada, Christian (July 2024). "Efficacy of addition of the anti-inflammatory, IV glutathione to standard ketamine IV therapy in major depressive disorder". Psychiatry Research . 337 (115949). doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115949.
  47. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  48. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  49. Eshkevari, Ladan; Jasinski, D. (2005). Pharmacokinetics in Nurse Anesthesia. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill-Livingston.
  50. Trout, Kimberly K.; Eshkevari, Ladan (2013). "Pain management in the parturient". In Varney, Helen (ed.). Varney's Midwifery. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
  51. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  52. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  53. "AANA Appoints Ladan Eshkevari as New Editor-In-Chief of The AANA Journal". American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  54. "AANA Appoints Ladan Eshkevari as New Editor-In-Chief of The AANA Journal". American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  55. "Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac, FAAN". Georgetown University . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  56. "AANA Appoints Ladan Eshkevari as New Editor-In-Chief of The AANA Journal". American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  57. "AANA Appoints Ladan Eshkevari as New Editor-In-Chief of The AANA Journal". American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology . Retrieved 7 October 2025.