Esther M Sternberg

Esther M Sternberg, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson and holds joint appointments in Psychology, Architecture, Planning & Landscape Architecture. She serves as Director of Research at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and Founding Director of the Institute on Place, Wellbeing & Performance. Her research bridges mind-body medicine, environmental health, and stress physiology, emphasizing the interplay between physical environments, inflammation, and human wellbeing.

Dr. Sternberg earned her MD and bachelor’s degree from McGill University (1972–1974), followed by residency and rheumatology fellowship at McGill. She spent 26 years at the NIH as a Senior Scientist and Section Chief of Neuroendocrine Immunology and Behavior. Her work has redefined understanding of stress-induced inflammation and the role of the built environment in health.

Research Interests:

• Mind-body-stress-wellbeing interconnections
• Environmental design’s impact on health
• Inflammation in health disparities
• Neuroendocrine-immune pathways
• Integrative medicine frameworks

Publications: Her work spans 50+ years, with recent focus on urban greenspace, workplace wellbeing, and biomarker-based stress assessment. Notable books include Healing Spaces and The Balance Within, which explore environmental and emotional influences on health.

Awards:

• Anita Roberts NIH Distinguished Woman Scientist Lectureship
• U.S. HHS Superior Service Award
• Trinity College Honorary Doctorate
• NLM recognition for pioneering medicine

Advocacy & Outreach: Advised WHO, US Surgeon General, and Vatican on stress and environment. Hosted PBS special The Science of Healing (2022). Active in policy initiatives promoting health-centered urban design and integrative medical practices.

Labs & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams at the Institute on Place, Wellbeing & Performance, focusing on real-time health metrics, environmental design, and precision aging interventions.