Amrit Baral, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.B.S., a recent doctoral graduate from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he is advancing research on the health impacts of cannabis and psychedelic substances.
Dr. Baral earned his Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Miller School, where he developed a strong foundation in analytical methods, interdisciplinary research, and substance use epidemiology. As a doctoral student, he also served as Data Manager and Lead Biostatistician within the department.
Amrit Baral, Ph.D. '25.
At Johns Hopkins, Dr. Baral is part of a team investigating the epidemiology of cannabis and psychedelic use, particularly their associations with chronic diseases and mental health outcomes.
His work includes analyses of large-scale electronic health records to assess the effects of cannabis on cardiometabolic and cardiovascular conditions, as well as contributing to the development of a longitudinal registry focused on medicinal cannabis use and health outcomes.
“The overarching goal of my fellowship is to generate high-quality, policy-relevant scientific evidence on the health effects of cannabis and emerging psychedelic substances,” said Dr. Baral. “This work allows me to integrate my medical training and epidemiological background to address timely and complex public health challenges.”
Dr. Baral’s fellowship is supported by the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA), which funds his independent research on drug dependence epidemiology within the Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins. As he builds the foundation for long-term projects, he remains focused on publishing in high-impact journals, presenting at scientific meetings, and applying for pilot and career development grants.
Reflecting on the early stages of the fellowship, he emphasized the value of working in a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment. “The access to mentorship, cutting-edge methods, and a vibrant research community has been incredibly energizing. The culture here fosters both individual growth and team science,” he said.
Dr. Baral credits the University of Miami for equipping him with the analytical, methodological, and professional tools needed to succeed in this next phase of his career. “My exceptional doctoral training laid the foundation for everything I’m doing now,” he said.
“I’m grateful to the mentors and colleagues who supported me along the way.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Baral envisions a career as an independent academic researcher, focused on how cannabis and psychedelics affect health across the lifespan. He hopes to continue bridging clinical insight with population health science to inform substance use policies and improve public health outcomes.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on July 25, 2025.
