Andrew Weil - Biography

Biography

Weil received both his medical degree and his undergraduate AB degree in biology (botany) from Harvard University. He wrote his botany thesis on the narcotic properties of nutmeg, and also served as an editor of the Harvard Crimson and the Harvard Lampoon. He learned of the Harvard Psilocybin Project that was being run by two Harvard professors: Dr. Timothy Leary and Dr. Richard Alpert (later known as Ram Dass). In May 1963, Leary and Alpert were continuing their activities amidst various controversies, including a criminal investigation of the project by Massachusetts authorities.

From 1971-1974, Weil traveled throughout South America as a fellow for the Institute of Current World Affairs. Weil published his first book, The Natural Mind, in 1972. Weil has since written or co-written nine books. Weil was a regular contributor to High Times magazine from 1975 to 1983. Weil has been quite open about his own experimental and recreational use of drugs including narcotics and mind-altering substances.

In 1994, Weil founded the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, where he is director. He is also a Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health and the Lovell-Jones Professor of Integrative Rheumatology.

Weil appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in 1997 and again in 2005. Time Magazine also named him one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997 and one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2005. Weil was honored by the New York Open Center in 2004 as having made "extraordinary contributions to public awareness of integrative and complementary medicine." Forbes on-line magazine wrote: "Dr. Weil, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, is one of the most widely known and respected alternative medicine gurus. For five years, he has offered straightforward tips and advice on achieving wellness through natural means and educating the public on alternative therapies" and listed his web site in their Best of the Web Directory in the "Alternative Medicine" category, listing it as one of the three "Best of the Web" picks in that category.

Weil has been a frequent guest on Larry King Live, Oprah, and the Today Show.