Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Deepak Chopra

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Deepak Chopra made an impact.

Deepak Chopra is an Indian-American author and a prominent figure in the New Age movement, known for advocating alternative medicine and a holistic approach to well-being. A physician by education, he gained popularity in the 1990s by promoting practices such as yoga, meditation, and nutrition, alongside other new-age therapies. His books and videos have established him as a well-known and wealthy figure in the realm of alternative medicine.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1969: Graduation from All India Institute of Medical Sciences

In 1969, Deepak Chopra graduated from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, marking the completion of his formal medical education.

1971: Residency at Lahey Clinic

In 1971, Deepak Chopra started his residency in internal medicine at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts.

1973: Licensed to Practice Medicine in Massachusetts

In 1973, Deepak Chopra earned his license to practice medicine in the state of Massachusetts.

1977: Completion of Residencies

In 1977, Deepak Chopra completed his residencies in internal medicine at various medical centers in Boston.

1980: Chief of Staff at New England Memorial Hospital

In 1980, Deepak Chopra became the chief of staff at the New England Memorial Hospital (NEMH), marking a significant step in his medical career.

1985: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Requested Chopra to Establish Ayurvedic Health Center

In 1985, the leader of the TM movement, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, asked Deepak Chopra to establish an Ayurvedic health center. Consequently, Chopra left his position at the NEMH.

1989: Definition of Quantum Healing

In 1989, Deepak Chopra defined "quantum healing" in his book Quantum Healing as the "ability of one mode of consciousness (the mind) to spontaneously correct the mistakes in another mode of consciousness (the body)." He attempted to blend Maharishi's version of Ayurvedic medicine with concepts from physics.

1990: Publication of Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide

In 1990, Deepak Chopra's book "Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide" was published.

June 1993: Executive Director at Sharp HealthCare

In June 1993, Deepak Chopra moved to California to become the executive director of Sharp HealthCare's Institute for Human Potential and Mind/Body Medicine, marking a shift in his career focus.

1993: Interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show

In 1993, Deepak Chopra gained a wider audience after being interviewed about his books on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

1993: Publication of Ageless Body, Timeless Mind

In 1993, Deepak Chopra's book "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind: The Quantum Alternative to Growing Old" was published.

1996: Cofounded Chopra Center for Wellbeing

In 1996, Deepak Chopra cofounded the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, furthering his focus on holistic approaches to health.

1996: Establishment of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing

In 1996, Deepak Chopra left Sharp HealthCare and set up the Chopra Center for Wellbeing with neurologist David Simon.

2004: Received California Medical License

In 2004, Deepak Chopra received his California medical license.

2004: Board Member of Men's Wearhouse

Since 2004, Deepak Chopra has been a board member of Men's Wearhouse, a men's clothing distributor.

2005: Lecture Fees

As of 2005, Deepak Chopra was able to charge $25,000 to $30,000 per lecture five or six times a month.

2005: Senior Scientist at The Gallup Organization

In 2005, Deepak Chopra was appointed as a senior scientist at The Gallup Organization.

2006: Launch of Virgin Comics

In 2006, Deepak Chopra launched Virgin Comics with his son Gotham Chopra and entrepreneur Richard Branson.

2009: Founded the Chopra Foundation

In 2009, Deepak Chopra founded the Chopra Foundation, a tax-exempt organization promoting and researching alternative health.

2012: Joined Board of Advisors for State.com

In 2012, Deepak Chopra joined the board of advisors for tech startup State.com, a browsable network of structured opinions.

2014: Affiliation with Scripps Memorial Hospital

As of 2014, Deepak Chopra was affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California.

2014: Founded ISHAR

In 2014, Deepak Chopra founded ISHAR (Integrative Studies Historical Archive and Repository).

2015: Founded JUST Capital

In 2015, Deepak Chopra partnered with Paul Tudor Jones II to found JUST Capital, a non-profit firm promoting economic justice by ranking companies based on their business practices.

2016: Promotion at University of California, San Diego

In 2016, Deepak Chopra was promoted to voluntary full clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego in their Department of Family Medicine and Public Health.

July 2023: Co-hosted "We the Future" event

In July 2023, Deepak Chopra and the Chopra Foundation co-hosted an event titled "We the Future" with Kenneth Cole, focusing on the future of AI and its positive impact, featuring speakers like Craig Hatkoff, Eddie Ndopu, Sian Proctor, Jerry Wonda, and Gabriella Wright.