Devika Bhushan, MD

“I had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Bhushan during my year as a Policy Fellow for the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies (CBHA), for which she serves as the Senior Health Equity Advisor. Dr. Devika Bhushan possesses an exceptional blend of leadership, teaching prowess, mentorship abilities, and a profound commitment to the betterment of healthcare In her capacity as a teacher, Dr. Bhushan exudes a rare blend of expertise, empathy, and passion, consistently inspiring learners and colleagues alike. Dr. Bhushan is truly exceptional when it comes to bringing compassion and empathy into any professional workspace, which is not an ability that comes easily to many people. At CBHA, Dr. Bhushan serves as the leader of two essential groups in the behavioral health arena: the Race and Social Equity Taskforce (RSET) and the Black, Indigenous, People of Color Affinity Group (BAG). In her role as convener and participant of these groups, her pedagogical approach transcends conventional methods, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and nurturing a deep understanding of current public health and health policy news and initiatives among behavioral health leaders, providers, advocates, and patients. As a mentor, Dr. Devika Bhushan exhibits unparalleled dedication to the professional and personal growth of her mentees. Her guidance extends beyond mere academic achievements, encompassing the holistic development of aspiring medical professionals. I have seen firsthand how Dr. Bhushan’s mentorship has shaped individuals, instilling in them not only an inspiration to lead but also the values of empathy, integrity, and ethical practice, qualities crucial for the future leaders in medicine. Moreover, Dr. Bhushan serves as an exemplary role model, embodying the highest standards of leadership and professional conduct. Her approach to fostering unity in diverse spaces is marked by a rare combination of research expertise and genuine compassion, earning her the trust and admiration of patients, advocates, and colleagues.”

“Dr. Bhushan is a passionate, dedicated, and tireless force for change, and her commitment to the work of anti-racism, equity, health, and resilience is unwavering. Dr. Bhushan is an exceptional educator and talented facilitator – two distinct and complementary skillsets that can be challenging to navigate simultaneously. She does so seamlessly, ensuring that complex information and materials are taught and reinforced in a manner that makes it accessible to every learner, and facilitating discussions in a manner that invites and encourages courageous conversations. Her high-level expertise and experience coupled with her grace, openness, and willingness to dive into both institutional history and aspirational vision make her leadership much-sought in both the public and private sector. Nationally, Dr. Bhushan is a leading voice working to destigmatize the challenges of living with mental illness. Her compassion and capacity to connect on a very personal level while moving high-level, critical conversations forward is inspiring. Personally, I know Devika to be warm, infinitely approachable, empathetic, and sincere. Her instincts and willingness to lean in and learn is boundless. She is both thoughtful and insightful in her approach to problem solving; has an innate ability to distill vast quantities of information and opinion quickly; a calm steady, reassuring professionalism; and, above all, a tireless commitment to education, equity, antiracism, inclusion, and justice in every system. I’ve received direct, highly positive feedback both from the students she taught in our courses and from colleagues regarding her approach to teaching; I am always delighted to see her name on our teaching roster as I know our participants will be well-served in her presence. Dr. Bhushan is exactly the type of thoughtful, empathic, and communicative physician I want for my children, and exactly the type of educator every learner deserves.”