Santhosshi Narayanan, MD, FACP
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine
About Dr. Narayanan
Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Palliative, Rehabilitative and Integrative Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr Narayanan joined The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2015, after serving in both private practice and academic medicine.
She practices Integrative medicine and her research interests include Mind- body techniques and yoga in the care of cancer patients.
Present Title & Affiliation
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Associate Professor, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, & Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
Role of Mind-body practices in cancer patients especially in the acute setting
Anticoagulation related bleeding in hospitalized cancer patients
Clinical Interests
Dr. Narayanan’s area of focus is the medical management of cancer patients in acute care setting. Specifically, she is interested in the challenging scenarios in this patient population and established “Challenging Cases in Onco-Medicine Conference,” approved for continuous medical education (CME) credits.
Education & Training
Postgraduate Training
| 2021-2022 | Effective Writing for Health Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts |
| 2016-2017 | Global Clinical Research Scholar Training Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts |
| 2016-2017 | The Heart of Leadership for Faculty, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2016-2017 | Texas Medical Association Leadership College, TMA, Austin, Texas |
| 2014-2015 | Faculty Development Training, University of Texas, Tyler, Texas |
| 2009-2009 | Visiting Resident, Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio |
| 2008-2011 | Clinical Residency, Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan |
| 2007-2007 | Externship, Emory Crawford Long Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia |
| 2007-2007 | Externship, Floyd Medical Center, Rome, Georgia |
| 2005-2006 | Internship, Stanley Medical College, Chennai |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2016 | DEA |
| 2012 | Texas Medical License |
| 2011 | American Board of Internal Medicine |
| 2011 | Indiana Medical Licensure |
Experience & Service
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Fellowship Program Associate Director, Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2017 - 2018
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2017 - 2019
Editor, Onco-Hospitalist newsletter, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2016 - 2017
Director of Education, Texas A and M Medical Students Rotation, Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2015 - 2018
Chair, Challenging Cases Conference, Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2015 - 2018
Preceptor, Department of General Internal Medicine ACP Summer Preceptorship Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2015 - Present
Other Professional Positions
Board of Director, Society of Integrative Oncology, Houston, TX, 2023 - Present
Co-chair, Global Committee, Society of Integrative Oncology, Houston, TX, 2023 - Present
Co-chair, Ayurveda Special Interest Group, Society of Integrative Oncology, Houston, TX, 2023 - Present
Board of director, At large for Texas, American College of Physicians, Houston, TX, 2017 - 2019
Alliance Ambassador, Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine, Houston, TX, 2017
Member, Health Information Technology Committee, Harris County Medical Society, Houston, TX, 2016 - Present
Alternate Delegate, Texas Medical Association, Austin, TX, 2016 - 2018
Young Physician Ambassador, Harris County Medical Society, Houston, TX, 2016 - Present
Chair, Council of Early career Physicians, American College of Physicians, Houston, TX, 2015 - Present
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Goals of Care Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Member, Faculty Senate Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - 2023
Member, GME Wellness and Career Sustainability Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2017 - Present
Member, Blood Transfusion Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - 2018
Editorial Activities
Judge, Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium, 2017
Judge, Resident and Medical student abstract competition, 2016
Judge, Resident and Medical student abstract competition, 2015
Judge, Resident and medical student abstract competition, 2014
Honors & Awards
| 2019 | Early Career Physician Leader, Texas Chapter of the ACP |
| 2018 - 2024 | I corps selection to National, National Science Foundation |
| 2015 - 2024 | Fellowship, American College of Physicians |
| 2015 - 2024 | Distinguished Teaching Faculty Award, UT Tyler IM Residency |
| 2011 - 2012 | Outstanding Resident in Thrombosis Award, Michigan State University |
| 2010 | First prize for oral presentation, American college of physicians |
| 2002 | KC Paul Award for Proficiency in Clinical Skills, Stanley Medical College |
| 2000 - 2005 | Scholarship Award for Outstanding Students, Sophia Merit Scholarships |
| Award for Professional Excellence, MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2024. Integrative Approach to Cancer Symptom Management. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care. Conference. Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Myths vs Facts: Dr. Google. Conference. Myths vs Facts: Dr. Google. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Non-Opioid Options for Cancer Pain: Reviewing the Efficacy of Integrative Therapies. Conference. Non-Opioid Options for Cancer Pain: Reviewing the Efficacy of Integrative Therapies. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. What does Holistic Care look like?. Conference. What does Holistic Care look like?. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Integrative Medicine Therapies for Symptom Management Incorporating non-conventional therapies such as acupuncture etc. in management of cancer patients undergoing proton therapy or other cancer therapies. Conference. Integrative Medicine Therapies for Symptom Management Incorporating non-conventional therapies such as acupuncture etc. in management of cancer patients undergoing proton therapy or other cancer therapies. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Integrative Therapies for Symptom Management. Conference. Integrative Therapies for Symptom Management. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Integrative therapies for symptom management. Conference. Integrative therapies for symptom management. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Wellness at work place. Conference. Wellness at work place. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Yoga and Mind-body programs. Conference. Yoga and Mind-body programs. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Integrative therapies for symptom management. Conference. Integrative therapies for symptom management. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Integrative therapy tools to help side effects management. Conference. Integrative therapy tools to help side effects management. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Meditation: A tool for symptom management. Conference. Meditation: A tool for symptom management. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Conference Program Chair, "A Case of Bottomless Thirst". Conference. Conference Program Chair, "A Case of Bottomless Thirst". Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Invited Panelist, Work Life Integrations: Coversations That Matter. Conference. Invited Panelist, Work Life Integrations: Coversations That Matter. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Moderator and Conference Program Chair, "Dealing with Bleeding and Clotting at the Same Time - Management Dilemmas in Anticoagulation". Conference. Moderator and Conference Program Chair, "Dealing with Bleeding and Clotting at the Same Time - Management Dilemmas in Anticoagulation". Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Conference Program Chair, "A Case of Mother and Chair". Conference. Conference Program Chair, "A Case of Mother and Chair". Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Conference Program Chair, Brain Mass If not Tumor What Can It Be?. Conference. Conference Program Chair, Brain Mass If not Tumor What Can It Be?. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Invited speaker, Oncologic Management for Cancer Patients and Survivors. Conference. Invited speaker, Oncologic Management for Cancer Patients and Survivors. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Moderator, Legal Issues in Practicing Medicine. Conference. Moderator, Legal Issues in Practicing Medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Moderator and Conference Program Chair, A Challenging Platelet Issue-Alloimmunization. Conference. Moderator and Conference Program Chair, A Challenging Platelet Issue-Alloimmunization. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Speaker, Clinicopathologic Conference: A Challenging Case of Cellulitis - Timing is the Key. Conference. Speaker, Clinicopathologic Conference: A Challenging Case of Cellulitis - Timing is the Key. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Moderator and Conference Program Chair, "Serotonin Syndrome-A Patient Case Presentation". Conference. Moderator and Conference Program Chair, "Serotonin Syndrome-A Patient Case Presentation". Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Moderator and Conference Program Chair, "Resolving the Confusion about Confusion - Encephalopathy in Oncology Patients - Diagnostic Challenges and Management". Conference. Moderator and Conference Program Chair, "Resolving the Confusion about Confusion - Encephalopathy in Oncology Patients - Diagnostic Challenges and Management". Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Systematic Work Up of Patient with Undiagnosed Abdominal Mass, Solving the Puzzle. Conference. Systematic Work Up of Patient with Undiagnosed Abdominal Mass, Solving the Puzzle. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Speaker and Conference Program Chair, Management of a complex oncology patient for the Internist. Conference. Speaker and Conference Program Chair, Management of a complex oncology patient for the Internist. Houston, TX, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2023. Complementary and Alternative Medicine/ Medical Marijuana. Conference. Complementary and Alternative Medicine/ Medical Marijuana, US.
- 2017. Moderator, "Career Growth and Visibility in Academic Medicine and Private Practice. Conference. Moderator, "Career Growth and Visibility in Academic Medicine and Private Practice. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2015. Moderator, Mindfulness. Conference. Moderator, Mindfulness. Dallas, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2024. Integrative Approach to Cancer & Symptom Management. Invited. Global Radiotherapy Meeting. Seattle, Washington, US.
- 2024. Integrative Approach to Cancer Symptom Management. Invited. Perspectives in Breast Cancer Care. Washington, D.C, District of Columbia, US.
International Presentations
- 2024. Integrative Oncology: State Of Art in USA. Invited. Porto, PT.
- 2024. A View from Research Lens: Ayurveda in Cancer. Invited. SIO - Ayurveda Special Interest Group Webinar, US.
- 2024. MASCC & SIO Joint Session: Integrative Oncology in Cancer Supportive Care: Next Steps Forward. Invited. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Annual Meeting 2024. Lille, FR.
Formal Peers
- 2022. Art and Science of Integrative Oncology. Invited. Shreveport, LA, US.
- 2021. Integrative Therapies for Symptom Management. Invited. Boston, MA, US.
- 2016. Medical care of complex cancer patients. Invited. Longview, TX, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2023 - 2024 |
| Title: | Study on weighted blankets to help improve sleep among cancer patients |
| Funding Source: | Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research |
| Role: | PI |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Christie AJ, Powers C, Cohen L, Cusimano A, Wagner R, Nelson M, Narayanan S, Lopez G. Lifestyle modification program (IM Healthy) for cancer survivors: Implementation of a reimbursable telehealth group program during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 33(3), 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39912954.
- Lacey J, Huston A, Lopez G, Vozmediano JR, Lam CS, Narayanan S, Lu W, Wolf U, Subbiah IM, Richard P, Lopez AM, Rao S, Frenkel M. Establishing an Integrative Oncology Service: Essential Aspects of Program Development. Curr Oncol Rep, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38358637.
- Wagner R, Mallaiah S, Anderson C, Engle R, Vasu V, Bruera E, Subramaniam B, Cohen L, Narayanan S. Effects of the Brief Simha Kriya Breathing Practice for Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Powers-James C, Morse M, Narayanan S, Ramondetta L, Lopez G, Wagner R, Cohen L. Integrative Oncology Approaches to Reduce Recurrence of Disease and Improve Survival. Current Oncology Reports 26(2):147-163, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38180690.
- Narayanan S, Liu W, Lopez G, Fellman B, Reddy A, Subbiah IM, Cohen L, Bruera E. Practice Patterns on the Incorporation of Integrative Medicine Into the Oncologic Care of Patients With Cancer. Integrative Cancer Therapies 22, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37978821.
- Mallaiah S, Narayanan S, Wagner R, Cohen C, Christie A, Bruera E, Lopez G, Cohen L. Yoga Therapy in Cancer Care via Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Sage Journals, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Christie AJ, Powers-James C, Narayanan S, Chen M, Eddy C, Gomez T, Crawford K, Cohen L, Lopez G. Multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM-FIT) for cancer survivors: implementation of a reimbursable model in a cancer hospital. Support Care Cancer 29(12):7365-7375, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34050398.
- Narayanan S, Lopez G, Powers-James C, Fellman BM, Chunduru A, Li Y, Bruera E, Cohen L. Integrative Oncology Consultations Delivered via Telehealth in 2020 and In-Person in 2019: Paradigm Shift During the COVID-19 World Pandemic. Integr Cancer Ther 20:1534735421999101, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33655797.
- Narayanan S, Reddy A, Lopez G, Liu W, Wu J, Liu D, Manzano J, Williams JL, Mallaiah S, George M, Amaram J, Subramaniam B, Cohen L, Bruera E. Randomized Feasibility Study of Meditative Practices in Hospitalized Cancer Patients. Integr Cancer Ther 19:1534735420909903, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32153208.
- Lopez G, Lacey J, Christie AJ, Powers-James C, Narayanan S, Liu W, Cohen L. Patient-Reported Outcomes in Integrative Oncology: Bridging Clinical Care With Research. Cancer J 5(311-315):311-315, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31567457.
- Laird-Fick H, Tiwari A, Narayanan S, Qin Y, Vodnala D, Bhutani M. A case of comorbid myxoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: not just a coincidence?. Case Rep Oncol Med 2014:142746, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24868472.
Invited Articles
- Cohen L, Narayanan S. Yoga in Oncologic Care: An Evidence-Based Treatment to Improve Outcomes. The ASCO Post. e-Pub 2021.
- Narayanan S, MD, Francisco R, BA, Lopez G, MD, Chaoul M, PhD, Meegada S, MD, MPH, Liu W, MD, Mallaiah S, MS, C-IAYT, Milbury K, PhD, Cohen L, PhD. Role of Yoga across the Cancer Care Continuum: From Diagnosis through Survivorship. Journal of Clincial Outcomes Investigation, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Narayanan S, Escalante CP. Clinical Assessment of Cancer-Related Fatigue. Journal of Clinical Outcomes Investigation, 2017. e-Pub 2017.
Review Articles
- Liu W, Lopez G, Narayanan S, Qdaisat A, Geng Y, Zhou S, Spano M, Underwood S, Eclache MG, Dev R, Dalal S, Bruera E, Cohen L. Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Anorexia: a Review of the Current Evidence. Curr Oncol Rep 23(7):82, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33948746.
Professional Educational Materials
- Narayanan S. SPARK ONE self assessment questions, Hematology and Oncology. Society of Hospital Medicine, 2019.
- Narayanan S, Escalante CP. Board review questions, Cancer related fatigue, 2017.
- Narayanan S, Escalante CP. Clinical Assessment and Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue. Hospital Physician Hematology-Oncology Board Review Manual, 2017.
- Narayanan S, Kolstoe J. Rheumatoid arthritis. Just in time medicine, 2011.
Other Articles
- Liu, W, Narayanan, S, Cohen, L, Lopez, G. Integrative medicine in pancreatic cancer, 375-389, 2022.
- Liu W, Narayanan S, Cohen L, Lopez G. Integrative Oncology in cancer care. In: Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Multidisciplinary Approach & Emerging Paradigms. Springer Nature, 2022.
- Narayanan S, Lopez G, Mao J, Liu W, Cohen L. Integrative Oncology. In: Psycho-Oncology. 4th Edition. Oxford University, 470-478, 2021.
- Lopez G, Narayanan S, Liu W. Integrative Medicine in Supportive and Palliative care. In: Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care. 3rd Edition. CRC Press.
- Narayanan S, Liu W, Lopez G. Complementary and Integrative Therapies in Patients with CNS Metastasis. In: Management of CNS Metastasis. Weill Cornell Medicine.
Letters to the Editor
- Stylianou, K, Fuller-Shavel, N, Narayanan, S, Rao, SK. Letter. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine 31: 760-761, 2025.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified November 10, 2025