CHSU Researcher Highlight: Sudhakar Pemminati, PhD

October 3, 2025

Sudhakar Pemminati

Researcher Highlight: Sudhakar Pemminati, PhD

Today’s CHSU Researcher Highlight is for Sudhakar Pemminati, PhD, MSc, MBA, PDCR, FAGE, Professor of Biomedical Education and Director of Academic Achievement at California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM).

Dr. Pemminati is an experienced researcher who works with faculty and students to guide and collaborate in conducting research at CHSU-COM. He has published nearly 70 research articles in various peer-reviewed journals and delivered 45 conference presentations. His scholarly contributions have earned him two gold medals and several awards in recognition of his impactful research. His research interest score is 444.9 based on ResearchGate, 89.102 reads across the world. His citations are 794, h-index 16 based on Google Scholar.

This highlight includes descriptions of his research projects and personal information about what inspired his career in science, higher education, and conducting research.

We hope Dr. Pemminati’s story and work will inspire future physicians, scientists, and educators to follow their dreams and make an impact on healthcare, medicine, and medical education!

Research Projects – Completed

  1. Brett Hughes, Soz Mirza, Manasi Ponamala, James Sagaser, Riley Paredes, Naomi Hematillake, Chandni Tailor, Rahim Khan, Sudhakar Pemminati. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ketamine and Psilocybin in Comparison to Current Treatment Regimens for Treatment-Resistant Depression, Mood Disorders, and Post-traumatic stress disorder in the Pediatric Population: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2025; 17(8): e90425. DOI 10.7759/cureus.90425
  2.  Jacky Xiao Feng Huang, Adil Yousaf, Julie Moon, Ramiz Ahmed, Krishma Uppal, Sudhakar Pemminati. Recent Advances in the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2025; 17(3): e81034. DOI 10.7759/cureus.81034
  3. Lynn P. Fadel, Gigi Thao, Tanvi Chitre, Edwin D. Rojas, Maria Nguyen Fricko, Valerie Domingo, Brigita Budginas, Lorenz Carmelo Guerrero, Maria Ghatas, Niloufar T. Arani, Niki Tabatabai, Sudhakar Pemminati. A System-Based Review on Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Benefits vs Risks. Cureus 2025; 17(2): e78575. doi:10.7759/cureus.78575
  4. Cynthia Sanchez, Katherine Miller, Rhea Raj, Kesava Mandalaneni, Sudhakar Pemminati, Vasavi R. Gorantla. The Associations Between Obesity and Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16(8): e66731. DOI 10.7759/cureus.66731
  5. Hobbs M, Rahman H T, Raj R, Sudhakar Pemminati, Vasavi Rakesh Gorantla.  Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Limb in Adults and Children and Effective Surgical Intervention and Post-surgical Therapies: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16(6): e63034. doi:10.7759/cureus.63034 
  6. Thangwaritorn S, Lee C, Metchikoff E, Razdan V, Ghafary S, Rivera D, Pinto A, Pemminati S. A Review of Recent Advances in the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease. Cureus 2024;16(4): e58416. DOI 10.7759/cureus.58416
  7. Shannon Giliberto, Rhea Shishodia, Meredith Nastruz, Chamandeep Brar, Sadeepa Bulathsinhala, Jonathan Terry, Sudhakar Pemminati, Sudhakar K. Shenoy.A Comprehensive Review of Novel FDA-Approved Psychiatric Medications (2018-2022). Cureus 2024; 16(3): e56561. DOI 10.7759/cureus.56561
  8. Skylynn T, Abel T, Christopher L, Suliman G, Dominic R, Joel V, Yu Z, Pemminati S. Benefits and Risks of Medications Used in the Management of Hypotension: A Review. Cureus 2024;16(1): e51608. DOI 10.7759/cureus.51608
  9. Bains Jasleen, Gupta K. Vishal, Malepati Sameera, Molla Fahad, O’Brien Brendan, Santander Deion, Sudhakar Pemminati. Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: Benefits Versus Risk. Cureus 2023; 15[1]: e33939. DOI. 10.7759/cureus.33939.

Research Projects – On-Going

  1. Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on the Eye: A Systematic Review
    • Type of research: Clinical & basic science
    • Description of the project: Involving 2 OMS-III, 3 OMS-II students, this study aims to review recent advances in the effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on the eye by using The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to ensure a robust and transparent search process, aiming to minimize bias and maximize the retrieval of pertinent studies for this systematic review.
  2. Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Psilocybin, LSD, MDMA for Depression, PTSD, and Addiction 
    • Type of research: Clinical and basic science
    • Description of the project: Involving 1 OMS-IV & 1 MSBS student, this study aims to explore the historical context, neuropharmacology, clinical efficacy, therapeutic models, safety profiles, and prospects of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. While promising, the translation of psychedelics into mainstream psychiatric practice will require continued investigation, careful regulation, and the development of standardized therapeutic protocols. 
  3. Recent Advances in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.
    • Type of research: Clinical and basic science
    • Description of the project: Involving 8 OMS-II students, this study aims to systematically review the current and recent pharmacological advancements in T2DM management by examining the latest literature. Improving the understanding and treatment of this metabolic disorder will help inform recent advances and clinical practices and provide better results for T2DM patients.  
  4. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) Possible Alternative for Weight Loss to Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review 
    • Type of research: Clinical and basic science
    • Description of the project: Involving 6 OMS-IV students, this study aims to review the potential integration of both surgical and pharmacological options to facilitate a multifaceted approach to combat obesity, achieve and maintain ideal body weight for long-term.
  5. Identifying the Barriers for Childhood and Adolescent Immunizations Through the Development of a Parent Survey: A quality improvement study
    • Type of research: Clinical and basic science
    • Description of the project: Involving 9 OMS-I students, this study aims to review the potential integration of both surgical and pharmacological options to facilitate a multifaceted approach to combat obesity, achieve and maintain ideal body weight for long-term.
  6. Management Challenges in a Patient with Sick Sinus Syndrome and Psychiatric Comorbidities: A Case Report
    • Type of research: Clinical science
    • Description of the project: Involving 1 OMS-III student, this study aims to highlights the importance of recognizing drug–drug interactions in patients with SSS, favoring safer alternatives such as sertraline or mirtazapine, and ensuring close collaboration between cardiology and psychiatry to optimize safety and efficacy.
  7. Withdrawal from 7-Hydroxymitragynine, and Nicotine Pouches: A Case Report and Review of Emerging Psychoactive Substances
    • Type of research: Clinical science
    • Description of the project: Involving 1 OMS-IV student, this study aims to report describes the clinical course of withdrawal from 7-hydroxymitragynine, a potent kratom alkaloid, and nicotine pouches in a patient with a history of polysubstance use, including prior alcohol and kratom dependence
  8. Recent trends in carbon-based nanomaterials for electrochemical detection of environmental contaminants.
    • Type of research: Basic science
    • Description of the project: This study highlighted the future perspectives and challenges of electrochemical sensors for contaminants detection. By providing substantial insights into the future development of and application of the potential sensing strategies.
  9. A Review of Recent Advances in the Pharmacological Management of Parkinson’s Disease
    • Type of research: Basic science
    • Description of the project: Involving 4 OMS-III students, this study aims to review the existing and emerging pharmacological therapeutic options for the management of PD while highlighting the need for innovative strategies to improve outcomes for individuals living with PD.
  10. Is There a Definitive Therapeutic Role of Vitamin E in The Prevention and/or Treatment of Human Male Infertility?
    • Type of research: Basic science
    • Description of the project: Involving faculty members, this study aims to review the existing and emerging pharmacological therapeutic options for the management of PD while highlighting the need for innovative strategies to improve outcomes for individuals living with PD.

Learn More About Dr. Sudhakar Pemminati

1. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to CHSU?

My primary research interests lie in psycho- and endocrine-pharmacology as well as medical education. I am best known for work on drugs effective in treating haloperidol-induced parkinsonism, a condition caused by antipsychotic medications. Much of my research emphasizes awareness, prevention, and the lifetime cost of such disorders to affected individuals. Currently, my research focuses on analyzing and exploring recent advances in the pharmacological management of various disorders. I am actively involved in creating narrative and systematic reviews to provide preclinical medical students with hands-on research experience. This includes training in research design, conference poster creation, presentation skills, manuscript preparation, and publication strategies.

2. What inspired you to pursue research in the medical field?

During my clinical encounters with patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, I observed a common and concerning pattern: these disorders are often painless and insidious, making it difficult for patients to recognize their severity until serious complications arise. This realization inspired me to pursue research and investigation into chronic metabolic disorders, with the goal of educating both communities and healthcare providers. By raising awareness and promoting early intervention, I aim to contribute to better health outcomes and empower individuals to take proactive steps in managing these conditions.

3. What are your main research interests and passions?

Neuro, cardiovascular, endocrine, and psycho pharmacology, medical education.

4. Can you describe your current research project(s)?

Explained in the current research projects.

5. Why do you believe your research is important to the medical community and our college?

To provide preclinical medical students and faculty members with hands-on research experience. This includes training in research design, conference poster creation, presentation skills, manuscript preparation, and publication strategies.

6. Who are the students or faculty members you collaborate with on your research?

OMS-I, II, III, & IV students, faculty members from biomedical and clinical sciences.

7. What has been the most rewarding part of your research journey so far?

When students appreciate how research publications and experience helps their residency match.

8. Have you faced any significant challenges in your research, and how did you overcome them?

None.

9. How do you involve other faculty, preceptors, and students in your research projects?

By strong communication skills, my research showcase in ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and PubMed.

10. What are your future goals for your research?

To provide pre-clinical medical students and faculty members with hands-on research experience. This includes training in research design, conference poster creation, presentation skills, manuscript preparation, and publication strategies. Promote CHSU global visibility via ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and PubMed.

11. How do you see your research impacting patient care or medical education?

Providing recent advances in the management of disorders.

12. What advice would you give to CHSU students about research?

Commitment and ready to help community and healthcare professionals.

13. What do you enjoy most about being part of the research community at CHSU?

Support from administration, students, faculty, and staff.

14. Are there any upcoming publications, presentations, or milestones you’d like to share?

Currently I have published nearly 70 research articles in various peer-reviewed journals and delivered 45 conference presentations. My scholarly contributions have earned two gold medals and several awards in recognition of impactful research. My research interest score is 444.9 based on ResearchGate, 89.102 reads across the world. Citations are 794, h-index 16 based on Google Scholar. My publications read around 89,121 professionals worldwide. My upcoming publications of 5, presentations 5.

15. Are there any upcoming publications, presentations, or milestones you’d like to share?

Teamwork, collaboration, flexibility, and ready to help

About the CHSU Research Highlight

The CHSU Researcher Highlight showcases a member of our California Health Sciences University (CHSU) campus community who conducts research and/or scholarly activities. CHSU highly values the research and scholarly activity conducted by our students, faculty, physicians, and scientists, often times in collaboration with other institutions, professionals, and students.

For more information, contact Edward Merino, PhD, Assistant Dean of Research and Professor of Biomedical Education at emerino@chsu.edu.