Hiba Boujnah

Biography and Expertise of Hiba Boujnah

Hiba Boujnah stands at the forefront of a new generation of researchers dedicated to building the bridge between clinical practice and public health policy in integrative medicine. As a Research Fellow at the prestigious Charité Integrative Oncology Group, her work directly tackles one of the most pressing global health challenges. She focuses on generating high-quality evidence through systematic reviews and policy analysis, which are essential for decision-makers in healthcare.

Her expertise aligns perfectly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” By co-authoring perspective pieces in influential journals like *BMJ Global Health*, she contributes to the global discourse on how to effectively and safely incorporate TCIH into national health frameworks. Therefore, her insights are critical for implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy and upholding the evidence-based principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

Beyond her research, Hiba Boujnah‘s role as a Project Manager for the European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM) underscores her commitment to fostering international collaboration. This position places her at the heart of European efforts to harmonize standards and promote research, offering valuable lessons for the South-South collaboration emphasized by the congress. Her work embodies the motto of “Knowledge Diversity” by translating varied research findings into coherent policy recommendations.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Hiba Boujnah is characterized by a strategic focus on high-impact roles that combine research with practical application in health policy. Her career is built upon a solid foundation in public health, which she leverages to address complex questions in the field of integrative medicine. Her current positions place her at the intersection of academia and advocacy.

This dual focus allows her to contribute to both the creation of new knowledge and its translation into actionable strategies for health systems. Her work is therefore not only academic but also deeply pragmatic, aimed at tangible improvements in patient care and public health outcomes.

• Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology Group, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin: In this capacity, she is actively involved in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Her responsibilities include designing research protocols, analyzing data, and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. This role is central to building the evidence base for integrative oncology.
• Project Manager, European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM): As a project manager for ESIM, Hiba Boujnah helps coordinate multinational initiatives aimed at advancing integrative medicine. This involves stakeholder engagement, event organization, and contributing to the development of policy briefs and position statements that represent the collective expertise of the European integrative medicine community.

Academic Qualifications

Hiba Boujnah possesses a uniquely diverse academic background that provides her with a multidisciplinary lens to view global health challenges. Her education spans clinical science, public health, and the humanities, equipping her with a comprehensive toolkit for her work in integrative medicine. This interdisciplinary training is a significant asset in a field that requires an understanding of complex systems, cultural contexts, and rigorous scientific methodology.

This educational journey reflects a deliberate progression from a clinical foundation to a broader public health and policy perspective. Consequently, she is well-positioned to understand the needs of both patients and healthcare systems.

• Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health (2022): This advanced degree solidified her expertise in epidemiology, health policy, and research methods, providing the core competencies for her current role as a health services researcher.
• Master of Public Health (MPH): Her MPH degree provided a foundational understanding of population health, disease prevention, and health systems management, steering her career towards policy-oriented research.
• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD): Earning a DMD gave Hiba Boujnah her initial training as a healthcare professional, instilling a patient-centered perspective and a strong grounding in biomedical science.
• Master of Arts (MA): The addition of an MA to her qualifications indicates a breadth of intellectual curiosity and an appreciation for the social and cultural dimensions of health, which is invaluable in the holistic approach of integrative medicine.

Research and Publications on TCIH Policy

The research contributions of Hiba Boujnah are centered on the critical area of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH) policy. Her work addresses the fundamental question of how health systems can best integrate these approaches to improve public health. She specializes in synthesizing existing evidence through systematic reviews, a method that provides a comprehensive and unbiased summary of research on a specific topic.

Her publication in *BMJ Global Health*, a leading journal in its field, demonstrates her ability to contribute to high-level academic and policy discussions. This work on TCIH policy provides frameworks and analyses that can guide ministries of health and international organizations. Therefore, her research directly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on evidence-based contributions to global public health. By evaluating different national strategies, her work helps identify best practices and potential pitfalls for countries seeking to strengthen their health systems with TCIM.

Within the Charité Integrative Oncology Group, the research conducted by Hiba Boujnah helps to inform clinical guidelines and supportive care programs for cancer patients. This focus on integrative oncology is particularly significant, as it addresses the need for holistic, patient-centered care models that can manage treatment side effects and improve quality of life, a key concern for health systems worldwide.

Leadership in European Integrative Medicine

Hiba Boujnah plays an active role in shaping the landscape of integrative medicine in Europe through her engagement with the European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM). This involvement goes beyond academic research and extends to the organizational and strategic efforts required to advance the field on a continental scale. Her position within ESIM reflects her commitment to fostering collaboration and building a strong, unified voice for integrative health.

ESIM is a pivotal organization that brings together clinicians, researchers, and national societies to promote the evidence-based and professional practice of integrative medicine. As a Project Manager, her work is crucial to the society’s mission.

• Project Manager for the European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM): In this strategic role, Hiba Boujnah is responsible for managing key projects that aim to enhance research capacity, develop educational standards, and influence health policy across Europe. She helps facilitate collaboration among ESIM members, organizes scientific conferences, and contributes to the dissemination of reliable information about integrative medicine to policymakers and the public. Her work helps translate the collective expertise of ESIM into concrete actions and policy recommendations.

Connect with Hiba Boujnah

For more detailed information about the research, publications, and professional activities of Hiba Boujnah, you can visit her professional profiles. These links offer further insight into her contributions to integrative oncology and health policy analysis.

LinkedIn Profile: Connect with Hiba Boujnah on LinkedIn

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin: Explore the work of her institution, Charité