Dr. Patkar is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Director of Duke Addictions Programs at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. He is a faculty member in Neuroscience Medicine at Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI).

Dr. Patkar earned his medical degree from G S Medical College in Mumbai, India, his MRCPsych from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in England, and Neuropharmacology degree from University of Nottingham, England. He completed his psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Dr. Patkar is certified in Psychiatry with the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry with subspecialty Certification in Addiction Psychiatry, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Certification in Addiction Medicine and Certification Pain Medicine (American Board of Pain Medicine).

Dr. Patkar has over 20 years of experience with particular expertise in psychopharmacology, dual diagnoses, integration of medical care for addiction, and pain and addiction issues. He has been a principal investigator or co-investigator with several research projects designed to improve addiction treatments that are supported by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. He is a consultant and/or serves on advisory boards for major pharmaceutical companies and has received numerous awards and honors including the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Research Award, the Lilly Biological Psychiatry Fellowship Award, and the Indian-American Psychiatric Association Academician of the Year award. He was selected for inclusion in the Best Doctors in America in 2009- 2010 and 2011-2012.

Dr. Patkar has published over 200 peer reviewed articles and has given over 250 presentations and invited lectures at national and international meetings. He serves on the Editorial Board of 3 journals and is a reviewer for over 20 national and international journals. Dr Patkar has served on NIH review committees and various committees at national, state and local levels dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.