The UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology recently welcomed Gagandeep Bhatia, MBBS, as an assistant professor in September 2025.
Originally from New Delhi, India, Bhatia earned her medical degree at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore. She then completed her psychiatry residency training in Miami.
Bhatia shares more about her background and what she is most excited about in this new role.
Can you share your professional background and experiences prior to joining our institution?
Bhatia: After completing medical school in 2018, I began my career as a junior resident at the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences in Delhi, where I first experienced the profound impact of caring for people with serious mental illness. This interest led me to the U.S., where from 2019 to 2021 I pursued research with the Schizophrenia Neuropharmacology Research Group in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. From 2021 to 2025, I completed my psychiatry residency training in Miami, Florida, where providing care for individuals with serious mental illness remained the most meaningful part of my work.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Bhatia: My decision to pursue psychiatry grew out of a combination of experiences rather than a single defining moment. I became aware of the profound impact mental illness can have, not only on the individuals affected but on their families as well. I was struck by how stigma and a lack of resources often leave patients and their loved ones navigating these challenges largely on their own. Observing these struggles made me realize how critical compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care is and inspired me to dedicate my career to supporting patients and families facing serious mental illness. Over time, this work has become not just a professional choice, but something I feel deeply passionate about.
What is your primary area of expertise within your field, and what sparked your passion for it?
Bhatia: I trained in general psychiatry, but I do feel like I do my best work with the serious mental illness population. I was drawn to this area by witnessing the real-world challenges that patients and families face, and the difference that dedicated care can make.
What aspects of your new role here are you most excited about?
Bhatia: I’m especially excited about working as part of a team with residents, medical students, social workers, and nursing staff because it truly takes a village to provide the best care. I also find it deeply rewarding to work with residents, sharing my experiences and helping train the next generation of compassionate, skilled psychiatrists.
What are your goals for making an impact through both your teaching and patient care in this role?
Bhatia: Beyond my goals with patient care and teaching, something equally important to me is fostering a sense of community and support, for both patients and the care team, because that connection is a crucial part of both the healing and learning processes.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Bhatia: Go Blazers!