Brenda Leung

Biography and Expertise of Brenda Leung

Dr. Brenda Leung has established herself as a pivotal figure in bridging the worlds of conventional public health and traditional and complementary medicine. Her career is built on a rare dual foundation as a trained naturopathic doctor and a PhD-level epidemiologist. This combination allows her to investigate integrative health practices with the highest degree of scientific rigor, generating evidence that is both credible and clinically relevant.

Her work resonates deeply with the core themes of the 3rd WCTCIM. For instance, Dr. Leung’s extensive research into micronutrient interventions for childhood ADHD directly supports Thematic Axis 2.3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” By leading and contributing to high-quality randomized controlled trials, she exemplifies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for science and evidence to guide the integration of traditional medicine. Beyond this, her focus on maternal and child health aligns perfectly with Thematic Axis 2.4, “TCIM Across the Lifespan,” highlighting how integrative approaches can support well-being from the earliest stages of life.

Furthermore, Dr. Leung’s leadership roles in national and international research organizations demonstrate a commitment to fostering global collaboration, a cornerstone of the congress’s emphasis on South-South cooperation. Her advocacy for evidence-based TCIM helps build the knowledge base necessary for integrating these practices into healthcare systems worldwide, contributing to the development of more holistic and person-centered “Well-being Societies.”

Professional Career of Dr. Brenda Leung

Dr. Brenda Leung‘s professional path showcases a deliberate and impactful progression from clinical practice to influential academic and research leadership roles. Her journey began with direct patient care, which provided her with invaluable insights into the practical application of integrative medicine. Subsequently, she transitioned into academia, where she has dedicated herself to building a robust evidence base for the field.

This trajectory has allowed her to mentor a new generation of researchers and clinicians, shaping the future of integrative health in Canada and beyond. Her leadership positions reflect a deep commitment to institutional capacity building and fostering collaborative research environments. This experience makes her a key voice in discussions on healthcare system integration at the 3rd WCTCIM.

• Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge
• Director, Collaborative Health Research Institute of Southern Alberta (CHRI)
• Visiting Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), University of Technology, Sydney (2015-2020)
• Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary
• Associate Professor & Clinic Faculty, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2004-2011)
• Naturopathic Doctor, Private Practice, Calgary

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Brenda Leung is exceptionally comprehensive, providing her with a unique skill set to navigate the complexities of integrative medicine research. Her education seamlessly blends foundational health sciences, clinical naturopathic training, and advanced epidemiological research methods. This diverse training is critical to her ability to design studies that are both methodologically sound and relevant to real-world clinical and public health challenges.

This powerful combination of qualifications enables her to critically evaluate traditional and complementary practices through a scientific lens, translating clinical observations into testable hypotheses. Therefore, her work is instrumental in building the evidence required to integrate TCIM safely and effectively into mainstream healthcare, a central goal of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Epidemiology, University of Calgary
• Master of Science (MSc), Epidemiology, University of Calgary
• Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
• Bachelor of Science (BSc), Kinesiology, University of Waterloo

Research and Publications

As a prolific researcher, Dr. Brenda Leung concentrates her work on the critical intersections of nutrition, mental health, and chronic disease. Her research portfolio is characterized by a strong emphasis on maternal and child health, where integrative approaches can have a profound and lasting impact. She employs a range of rigorous methodologies, including systematic reviews, longitudinal cohort studies, and, most notably, large-scale clinical trials, to generate high-quality evidence.

The MADDY ADHD Trial and Micronutrient Research

A cornerstone of Dr. Leung’s recent work is her role as a co-investigator on the Micronutrients for ADHD in Youth (MADDY) Study. This multisite, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial represents the gold standard in clinical research, providing robust evidence on the efficacy of broad-spectrum micronutrients for treating ADHD. Her contributions to this landmark study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, are a significant step forward in evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatments for youth mental health.

Building on this work, she also co-authored a major comparative effectiveness review in The Lancet Psychiatry, further solidifying the state of the evidence in this area. These publications underscore her commitment to the scientific validation of TCIM, directly addressing global health priorities and providing clinicians and families with credible, safe, and effective therapeutic options.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Brenda Leung‘s significant contributions to integrative medicine and public health have been recognized through prestigious appointments and honors. These recognitions highlight her leadership, the impact of her research, and her international standing in the field. Such accolades are a testament to her dedication to advancing complementary and alternative healthcare through rigorous scientific inquiry.

These roles not only honor her past achievements but also provide platforms for her to continue shaping the future of health research and education. Her appointment to an endowed research chair, in particular, signifies a deep institutional investment in her vision for a more integrated and evidence-informed healthcare landscape.

• Emmy Droog Chair in Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: This endowed chair at the University of Lethbridge recognizes Dr. Leung’s exceptional research leadership and her pioneering work in generating evidence for integrative health practices. It supports her ongoing efforts to explore innovative solutions for chronic health conditions.
• Visiting Research Fellow, ARCCIM: Her five-year fellowship at the Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine at the University of Technology, Sydney, acknowledges her status as a leading international scholar and facilitated valuable global research collaborations.

Board and Committee Activities of Brenda Leung

Dr. Brenda Leung actively contributes to the advancement of her field through significant leadership roles in key national and international organizations. Her participation on these boards and committees is crucial for setting research agendas, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring high standards of governance in the global TCIM research community. This work is vital for creating a sustainable and cohesive ecosystem for integrative medicine.

Through these strategic positions, she helps guide the direction of the field, advocating for methodologically rigorous research and fostering networks that connect scholars across continents. This involvement demonstrates a profound commitment to service and to building the institutional foundations necessary for the long-term growth and integration of TCIM into healthcare.

• Treasurer and Board of Directors, International Society of Complementary Integrative Traditional Medicine Research (ISCMR): In this role, Dr. Leung helps steer one of the world’s foremost organizations dedicated to promoting high-quality research in the field, influencing global standards and collaboration.
• Director, Collaborative Health Research Institute of Southern Alberta (CHRI): As Director, she leads an institute focused on fostering interdisciplinary health research, directly facilitating the kind of collaborative work needed to tackle complex public health challenges.
• Former Board Member, Canadian Interdisciplinary Network in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (INCAM) Research: Her service on this board was instrumental in developing the integrative medicine research network within Canada, contributing to its growth and sustainability.

Connect with Dr. Leung

To further explore the impactful research and academic contributions of Dr. Brenda Leung, you can access her professional profiles and publications through the following links. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of her work, including her extensive list of scholarly articles and ongoing projects.

University of Lethbridge Faculty Profile: View Profile

Google Scholar Profile: View Publications

Collaborative Health Research Institute of Southern Alberta (CHRI): View Institute Profile