Ricardo Ghelman

Biography and Expertise of Ricardo Ghelman

Dr. Ricardo Ghelman has established himself as a formidable force in bridging the gap between conventional medicine and TCIM. His career is a testament to a deep commitment to building scientifically robust, integrative healthcare models. Specializing in pediatrics and pediatric oncology, he has consistently worked to introduce complementary therapies into clinical settings, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. His vision extends beyond individual patient care to transforming national health policies.

His work directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” As the founder of CABSIN and an advisor to the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Ricardo Ghelman has been instrumental in developing strategies for incorporating integrative practices into primary care and hospitals. Furthermore, his emphasis on rigorous scientific validation through his research resonates with the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity,” demonstrating how different medical traditions can be unified through the common language of evidence. This approach is critical for fulfilling the principles of the Gujarat Declaration and the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

Professional Career

Dr. Ricardo Ghelman’s professional journey is characterized by a dynamic progression from specialized clinical practice to influential roles in national and international health policy and academia. His career path reflects a strategic effort to build the institutional and scientific foundations necessary for the sustainable integration of TCIM into mainstream healthcare. This trajectory has positioned him as a key leader and advocate for integrative health in the Americas.

His roles have consistently involved pioneering new initiatives, from establishing the first integrative pediatric oncology service at a major university to founding a national consortium. This demonstrates his capacity for both visionary leadership and practical implementation.

• President of the 3rd WCTCIM: Leading the organization of the first World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Latin America.
• Founder and Vice President, CABSIN: Established the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health to promote TCIM research and education.
• Collaborator, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ): Contributes to research and policy development in the Department of Primary Health Care Medicine.
• Coordinator, Integrative Pediatric Oncology Service: Led the first service of its kind at the University of São Paulo (USP) in partnership with Charité Berlin.
• Advisor, TCIM Americas Network: Helps shape the agenda for integrative medicine across the American continents.
• Ambassador for Brazil, Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO): Represents Brazil in a leading global organization for integrative cancer care.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Ricardo Ghelman is exceptionally diverse, merging comprehensive medical training with deep scientific inquiry across multiple biological disciplines. This interdisciplinary education has provided him with the unique skill set required to investigate traditional and complementary therapies with modern scientific rigor. His academic pursuits reflect a methodical approach to building a holistic understanding of health and disease.

From clinical specialization to advanced research in neuroscience and toxicology, his qualifications underscore a career dedicated to creating a solid evidence base for integrative medicine. This robust academic background is a cornerstone of his leadership in the field.

• Postdoctoral Research in Neuroscience: Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), where he coordinated the Anthroposophic Pain Clinic.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Reproductive Toxicology: UNIFESP/EPM, focusing on preclinical studies of herbal medicine and immunotherapy.
• Master of Science (MSc) in Comparative Anatomy and Developmental Biology: University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP).
• Medical Residency in Pediatric Oncology: University of Campinas (UNICAMP).
• Medical Residency in Pediatrics: State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ).
• Medical Degree: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), validated by the University of Lisbon.

Research and Publications

At the core of Dr. Ricardo Ghelman‘s contribution to global health is his extensive and impactful research portfolio. With 44 publications, his work is pivotal in generating the high-quality evidence needed to support the integration of TCIM into public health systems. As a principal investigator for research groups funded by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), he leads large-scale evidence-mapping projects, often in collaboration with key international bodies like BIREME/PAHO.

His research agenda focuses on validating the efficacy and safety of TCIM interventions, particularly herbal medicines and non-pharmacological therapies in pediatrics and oncology. For instance, his study on the thermal effects of anthroposophic applications, published in *Integrative Medicine Research*, exemplifies his work in providing objective evidence for traditional practices. Similarly, his narrative review on the use of *Viscum album L.* in cancer treatment, published in the *Einstein* journal, showcases his commitment to bridging traditional herbal medicine with modern oncology. The research led by Ricardo Ghelman provides a critical foundation for clinical guidelines and health policies, directly supporting the evidence-based principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Ricardo Ghelman’s expertise is sought by some of the world’s most influential health organizations, reflecting his status as a global leader in TCIM. His active participation in advisory panels, committees, and editorial boards allows him to shape international standards, guide research priorities, and contribute to the strategic development of integrative medicine. These roles are a testament to his recognized authority and his commitment to fostering the field’s growth.

His involvement ensures that the perspectives of the Latin American region are represented in global health discussions, strengthening South-South collaboration. Therefore, his contributions are vital for developing culturally relevant and scientifically sound TCIM policies worldwide.

• Member, World Health Organization (WHO) Advisory Panel for TCIM: Contributes to global benchmarks and the development of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.
• President, Integrative Pediatrics Committee: Leads the committee at the São Paulo Pediatric Society (SPSP), setting standards for integrative pediatric care in Brazil.
• Co-founder, International Integrative Pediatrics Network: Fosters global collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of integrative pediatrics.
• Editorial Board Member, *Complementary Therapies in Medicine*: Influences the quality and direction of research published in a leading international journal.
• Editorial Board Member, *Global Advances in Health and Medicine*: Helps guide the publication of high-impact research on integrative health.

Connect with Dr. Ghelman

To further explore the extensive academic and professional contributions of Dr. Ricardo Ghelman, you can access his detailed profiles on leading scientific and academic platforms. These resources offer comprehensive information on his publications, research projects, and institutional affiliations, providing a deeper understanding of his impactful work in integrative medicine.

ORCID Profile: View a complete list of publications and affiliations

Lattes Curriculum (Brazil): Access his official Brazilian academic record

Google Scholar Profile: Track his research impact and citations