Dr. Trisha Pasricha

Dr. Trisha Pasricha is a physician-scientist and director of the Institute for Gut-Brain Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she leads a National Institutes of Health-funded laboratory investigating the cellular and molecular connections between the gut and brain. Pasricha's research focuses on neurogastroenterology, with particular emphasis on the gastrointestinal origins of Parkinson's disease and the role of gut signals in neurodegenerative disorders. As an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, she combines clinical practice—including endoscopies and treatment of gut-brain disorders—with translational research bridging neuroscience and gastroenterology. Her laboratory has received recognition from the American Gastroenterological Association and the Parkinson's Foundation for contributions to gut-brain axis research.

Pasricha serves as the "Ask A Doctor" columnist for The Washington Post, where she explains complex health topics for a broad readership. She is the author of the book "You've Been Pooping All Wrong," which addresses the brain-gut-microbiome axis, irritable bowel syndrome, and digestive health. Her work has appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA Network Open, and Nature Reviews. She has also participated in live Q&A sessions on the Exam Room Podcast, sharing insights on the prevention of conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease through gut health.

Pasricha is recognized for her ability to communicate the science of the gut-brain connection, making topics such as the vagus nerve and the influence of thoughts on digestion accessible to diverse audiences. Her public discussions address gut-related anxieties and the application of enteric biology for well-being, providing evidence-based information for those interested in digestive health, neuroscience, and the gut-brain axis.