Consultant, at Cambridge Weight Plan, Oman.
Dr. Neela A. Sampat is a distinguished Clinical Dietitian and nutrition expert with over 21 years of experience in the health and wellness field. Known for her research in nutritional biochemistry and community nutrition, Dr. Sampat’s work focuses on the molecular roles of nutrients and their impact on chronic diseases. As a Consultant & Divisional Head at Cambridge Weight Plan in Oman, she is dedicated to promoting optimal health through nutrition, counseling, and science-based dietary assessments. Dr. Sampat has gained recognition as a keynote speaker and published researcher, contributing valuable insights to international conferences on brain health and vitamin D. Her expertise extends to clinical settings, where she has managed weight loss and diet programs, helping patients achieve transformative results. Dr. Sampat is committed to advancing public health through impactful research, education, and innovative approaches in nutritional science.
Profile
ORCID
Education 🎓
Dr. Neela A. Sampat completed her Ph.D. in Food Science & Nutrition (2017-2022) from Sultan Qaboos University on a full scholarship, focusing on Vitamin D’s impact on neurocognitive health. She also holds an MSc, with an emphasis on clinical nutrition, from her earlier studies. Her doctoral research involved projects such as analyzing serum vitamin D levels in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and studying vitamin D knowledge and attitudes among university students in Oman. These projects underline her dedication to understanding nutrient roles in mental health and her commitment to improving public health education regarding nutrition. Dr. Sampat’s academic background, alongside her extensive research, equips her with advanced knowledge in nutritional epidemiology and the practical skills necessary for influencing nutritional science and policy.
Experience 💼
Dr. Neela A. Sampat brings a wealth of experience as a Clinical Dietitian and Consultant. Currently, she serves as the Divisional Head at Cambridge Weight Plan Oman, where she oversees the administrative functions and promotes health through strategic brand initiatives and public outreach. Her previous roles include Center Manager at VLCC International across various branches in Dubai and Muscat, where she led slimming departments, managed daily operations, and developed diet plans. As a Clinical Dietitian at American Hospital Dubai, she provided specialized dietary support in ICU, Cardiac, Endocrinology, and Dialysis units. Dr. Sampat’s career demonstrates her capacity for leadership, patient counseling, and effective health interventions across diverse clinical settings, all focused on achieving improved health outcomes through nutrition and lifestyle modifications.
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Sampat’s research interests focus on the intersection of nutrition and mental health, particularly how nutrients like vitamin D influence neurocognitive functions in disorders such as ADHD, dementia, and depression. She also explores the biochemical mechanisms by which nutrients impact brain health, as well as broader topics in nutritional epidemiology and community health nutrition. Her studies often involve assessing vitamin D levels in various populations and analyzing attitudes toward sun exposure as a source of this nutrient. Through her work, Dr. Sampat aims to promote a deeper understanding of nutrition’s preventive role in mental and physical health, emphasizing the significance of accessible, science-backed nutritional education for both individual and public health.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Sampat has received numerous accolades for her contributions to nutritional science. She was awarded a full Ph.D. scholarship from Sultan Qaboos University in 2017, recognizing her research potential in food science and nutrition. She has also been an esteemed keynote speaker, presenting on topics such as Vitamin D’s influence on brain health at the Sultan Qaboos University Symposium and the Kuwait University Life Science Conference. Additionally, her research findings on Vitamin D were published in the Annual Report of the College of Agriculture and Marine Science at Sultan Qaboos University, a significant academic accomplishment. Dr. Sampat’s commitment to nutrition research and public health advocacy has earned her an esteemed reputation in her field.
Publications 📚
Dr. Sampat has published extensively on topics related to Vitamin D and neurocognitive health. Notable publications include:
- “Association between Vitamin D Status and Neurocognitive Function in Dementia, Depression, Schizophrenia, and ADHD: Review & Synthesis” – Journal of Neurochemistry, 2019 [Cited by: Article].
- “Impact of Vitamin D on Neurocognitive Function in Dementia, Depression, Schizophrenia, and ADHD” – Frontiers in Bioscience, January 2021 [Cited by: Article].
- “Vitamin D: Public Health Status in the Gulf Region” – International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 4, October-December 2019 [Cited by: Article].
- “Vitamin D Gulf Public Health Review” – Published for Public Health Reviews, 2019 [Cited by: Article].
Conclusion
Overall, Dr. Neela A. Sampat is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her long-standing commitment to nutritional science, extensive clinical experience, impactful research on vitamin D, and community involvement in nutrition education make her a commendable choice. Addressing the suggested areas for improvement could further amplify her research contributions and broaden her impact. With her existing strengths and potential for continued growth, Dr. Sampat presents a well-rounded and distinguished profile for this award.