Elena Salmoirago-Blotcher, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor of Medicine (Brown University School of Medicine) and Epidemiology (School of Public Health). She is board certified in cardiology in Italy where she has been a practicing physician for over twenty years before becoming a full-time researcher.  She is a qualified MBSR instructor and the Co-Director of the Concentration on Contemplative Studies at the Brown University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on novel approaches to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, she studies the role of mindfulness and mindful movement in promoting health behavior change (in particular, medication adherence; risk factors for dementia; and physical activity).