Salil Kalra, MD

Salil Kalra, MD (he/him): Co-Founder

Northwestern University, 2011: Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences (B.A.)
Chicago Medical School, 2016: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Rush University, 2019: Internal Medicine Residency
University of Illinois at Chicago, 2022: Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellowship

Sal is a physician with board certifications in internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care, bringing a unique wealth of medical expertise to his role on the retreats. Known for his calm, laid-back demeanor and open-mindedness, he fosters an environment of trust, compassion and authenticity, inviting others to be vulnerable as they embark on their transformative journeys. He is dedicated to guiding others towards their own paths of healing and fulfillment, offering them the opportunity to rediscover their innate resilience and inner strength. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sal faced personal struggles with burnout and disillusionment within the healthcare system, and similarly saw how it deeply affected his colleagues. He noted a disheartening reality that there exists a silent epidemic of mental health struggles endured by those who dedicate their lives to caring for others, but unfortunately are unable to address their own needs. He hopes that psychedelic medicines will alleviate some of the moral injury and cognitive dissonance in healers, as we regain the sense of purpose that initially brought us to healthcare.

Moreover, his experiences in the ICU revealed the profound impact that prolonged ICU stays can have on patients. Surviving on the brink of death, these individuals often grapple with the aftermath of their traumatic experiences, leading to the emergence of post-ICU syndrome—an intricate web of physical and psychological sequelae. Patients in the ICU are usually sedated using high doses of narcotics for extended periods of time, while they undergo days to weeks of medical testing, procedures and treatment, with some still having acute awareness of their dire situation, but unable to make decisions for themselves or understand what is happening to them. Sal observed the enduring symptoms of PTSD that haunted these patients and their families long after leaving the confines of the hospital, often struggling with physical weakness, depression, chemical dependence and other psychosocial stressors as a result of critical illness. Being confined in the ICU has parallels with other suffering, and is a lens through which to view the challenges that keep people feeling trapped in other ways.

Deeply inspired by the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for a multitude of uses, Sal envisions a ray of hope for patients, families, healthcare workers, and others struggling with pain and darkness, offering an avenue of healing from their traumas and an alternative path towards recovery. He believes that by integrating a mind-body approach into their recovery journeys, people can traverse a path towards holistic well-being, embracing a renewed sense of vitality and emotional equilibrium.