Assoc. Prof. Amie Steel, DrPH
Associate Professor Amie Steel, DrPH, is a highly respected public health researcher from Australia, making significant contributions to the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). Her work primarily focuses on the TCIM workforce, the nuances of maternity care involving TCIM, and the critical area of health policy. Dr. Steel brings a wealth of experience from her roles at the University of Technology Sydney and the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine. Furthermore, her international standing is highlighted by her role co-leading a WHO Collaborating Centre on Traditional Medicine. As an invited speaker, Amie Steel will share her valuable insights at the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (3rd WCTCIM).
ORCID Profile: You can access her publications and professional profile via ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6643-9444
Academic Foundation and Doctoral Research
Dr. Amie Steel’s robust academic journey culminated in her earning a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in 2013. This prestigious doctoral degree provided her with specialized knowledge and advanced skills in public health leadership, research methodologies, and practical application. Consequently, this rigorous training forms the bedrock of her evidence-based approach to TCIM research. Her doctoral work has significantly shaped her capacity to address complex public health challenges, particularly within the integrative medicine landscape.
Professional Engagements and Leadership
In her professional capacity, Dr. Steel holds key academic and research leadership positions that underscore her influence in the field. She serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), a prominent Australian university known for its innovative research. Within this role, Amie Steel actively contributes to the academic environment through teaching, mentoring, and spearheading impactful research projects.
Additionally, Dr. Steel is the Director of Research, Naturopathy, at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM), affiliated with Southern Cross University. This significant position places her at the forefront of advancing the scientific understanding and evidence base for naturopathic medicine. Therefore, her leadership at NCNM is instrumental in promoting rigorous research standards and fostering the growth of naturopathy as a credible healthcare option. The work of Amie Steel in this area is crucial for the discipline.
Her commitment to global health is further demonstrated by her co-leadership of a WHO Collaborating Centre on Traditional Medicine. This important role involves collaborating with international partners to support the World Health Organization’s objectives concerning traditional medicine. Thus, Dr. Steel plays a part in shaping global strategies for the safe and effective integration of TCIM into national health systems.
Research Specializations and Impact of Amie Steel
The research portfolio of Associate Professor Amie Steel is characterized by its focus on pressing issues within TCIM and public health. One of her primary specializations is the TCIM workforce. In this area, she investigates aspects such as training, regulation, interprofessional collaboration, and the integration pathways for TCIM practitioners within mainstream healthcare. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing a competent, recognized, and sustainable TCIM workforce.
Moreover, Dr. Steel has made substantial contributions to the study of TCIM in maternity care. Her research explores the patterns of use, safety, effectiveness, and experiences of women who utilize complementary therapies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Consequently, her findings provide valuable evidence to inform clinical practice, policy development, and empower women in making informed healthcare choices during this critical life stage. The insights from Amie Steel help to enhance holistic maternity services.
Health policy related to TCIM is another critical domain of her expertise. Dr. Steel analyzes how existing policies impact the accessibility, quality, and integration of TCIM services. She also works towards the development of new, evidence-informed policies that can better support the appropriate role of TCIM in public health. Therefore, her policy-oriented research is vital for translating research findings into tangible improvements in healthcare systems.
Scholarly Contributions and Mentorship
Dr. Amie Steel’s scholarly impact is widely recognized, evidenced by her extensive list of over 200 publications. These include articles in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and significant research reports, all contributing to the body of knowledge in public health and integrative medicine. This prolific output reflects her sustained commitment to research and its dissemination.
Beyond her own research, Dr. Steel actively contributes to the academic community through editorial responsibilities. She serves as a deputy editor for the esteemed journal Advances in Integrative Medicine. In this capacity, she plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and integrity of published research, helping to guide the direction of scholarship in the integrative medicine field.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Steel is also committed to nurturing the next generation of public health and TCIM researchers. She supervises 15 Higher Degree Research (HDR) students, providing guidance and support for their master’s and doctoral research projects. This mentorship is fundamental for building research capacity and ensuring the continued advancement of the field. Through her supervision, Amie Steel helps cultivate future leaders and innovators in TCIM research.
Her participation as a speaker at the 3rd WCTCIM will undoubtedly provide attendees with profound insights drawn from her extensive research and leadership in integrating TCIM into public health frameworks, particularly concerning workforce development, maternity care, and evidence-based policy making. The contributions of researchers like Amie Steel are vital for strengthening global public health through traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine.