The science and art of psychedelic medicine

about us

Pala Medicine is led by co-founders Dr. Suraiya Simi Rahman, MD and Rob Matthews. 

We are caring and experienced professionals combining the most effective aspects of clinical and traditional approaches to healing.

Our mission is to provide safe and effective ketamine journeys that support healing and personal transformation.

Dr. Suraiya Rahman, MD

Dr. Suraiya ‘Simi’ Rahman, MD is co-founder and Medical Director at Pala Medicine. 

Dr. Suraiya provides medical supervision and direct patient care using ketamine as a psychedelic therapy in the areas of mental health and transformation.

Suraiya is a board-certified physician and trained ketamine provider with 15+ years of experience working with ketamine safely in a clinical context.

Her mission is to provide adults and adolescents with equitable access to safe, legal, and effective psychedelic  treatment options for those who might benefit.

Clinical Background

  • Board-certified Physician (in Pediatrics)
  • Former hospitalist with extensive ketamine and IV administration experience
  • Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at USC/Keck School of Medicine
 

Psychedelic Medicine Training

  • Co-founder of the AYAKAP Professionals network of clinical researchers and practitioners
  • Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Training for individuals & groups (Psychedelic Research and Training Institute)
  • Certified Psychedelic Facilitator (UC Berkeley, expected June 2025

Rob Matthews

Rob Matthews is a psychedelic integration coach and co-founder of Pala Medicine. 

Rob brings an open-hearted, grounded energy to his work preparing clients for psychedelic journey work and supporting them afterward to integrate potentially life-changing experiences.

He has supported hundreds of psychedelic journeys, using tools such as: intentionality, breathwork, somatic sensing, meditation, and multiple types of yoga practice.

Rob’s goal is to provide each client with the tools to make lasting changes through healthy choices made every day.

Facilitation Background

  • 20+ Years Experience with Psychedelic Medicine and non-ordinary states of consciousness
  • Supported 1,000+ ketamine therapy and integration sessions
  • Breathwork, Meditation, and Yoga Instructor
 

Psychedelic Medicine Training

  • Certified Psychedelic Facilitator
    (Synthesis Institute)
  • Certified Psychedelic Integration Coach
    (Being True to You)
  • Certified Psychedelic Soma Yoga Instructor
    (Soma Yoga Foundation)