Evening Lectures - Ocala
Johnathan Edwards
THE TALK: Ketamine: From Anesthetic to Healer
January 23, 2025
Abstract
Ketamine is the most important breakthrough in mental health in 50 years, says Dr. Thomas Insel, former director of the National Institutes of Mental Health. The science and application of treating mental health is developing rapidly. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ketamine to treat suicidality, depression, and PTSD. Controversial psychedelics like ketamine save lives.
Suicide, a tragic event often preceded by significant pain, has been on the rise in recent years despite increased psychiatric treatment. However, what may surprise many is that there is a treatment that often brings immediate relief and reduces suicidality: Ketamine.
What exactly is it? Is it safe? Is it right for you or your loved one? After this lecture, you will understand:
• Suicide’s devastating cost to society and how to prevent it.
• How ketamine stops suicide in its tracks.
Biography
Dr. Johnathan Edwards is a practicing anesthesiologist and visiting physician at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). With 20 years of experience, he has used ketamine extensively to treat mental health issues. He co-authored “The Revolutionary Ketamine” with author Gavin de Becker to spread the message that ketamine can save lives.
Dr. Edwards grew up in the Mojave desert in California, aspired to be a professional motocross racer, and then decided to attend medical school. He received his A.S. at Victor Valley Community College, a B.S. in physiology at UC Davis, an M.D. at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Utah, Neurology at the University of Claude Bernard in Lyon, France, and completed his anesthesiology residency in Tampa at the University of South Florida.
After years in private practice, Dr. Edwards decided to return to research and is currently a Ph.D. student in Neurophysiology at the University of Paris. Dr. Edwards has also published several books, including “Stopping Pain,” about a procedure to treat chronic pain, suicide, and COVID-19, and “The Art & Science of the Marathon” with Dr. Veronique Billat. Dr. Edwards is an accomplished cyclist aspiring to a professional level. He’s been the team doctor for several professional cycling teams, tennis players, UFC, and motocross athletes.
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