Cecilia Plaza
Cecilia Plaza, MD, MPH, is a leading public health physician and the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Traditional and Complementary Medicine at the University of Chile. Her work is pivotal in advancing evidence-based integrative medicine policies across the Americas, making her a crucial voice at the 3rd WCTCIM.
Dr. Plaza’s leadership in a key Latin American institution exemplifies the congress’s spirit of South-South collaboration. Consequently, her expertise directly supports the implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 by translating global health goals into regional and national action plans.
ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3638-8364
Biography and Expertise of Cecilia Plaza
Dr. Cecilia Plaza has dedicated her career to the strategic integration of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) within public health systems. Her journey began in primary care, which provided her with a foundational understanding of community health needs. Subsequently, she transitioned into national health policy, where she now plays an instrumental role in advising the Chilean Ministry of Health on developing and implementing a regulatory framework for TCIM.
Her work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis 2, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems.” As Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre in Santiago, Dr. Plaza leads initiatives that generate and synthesize evidence to guide policymakers. This focus on rigorous science aligns perfectly with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, ensuring that the integration of TCIM is safe, effective, and sustainable. Therefore, her contributions are vital for building robust health systems that embrace the congress motto of “Knowledge Diversity” to achieve “Well-being Societies.”
Beyond policy, her expertise extends to the well-being of health professionals, an often-overlooked aspect of healthcare sustainability. Dr. Cecilia Plaza’s lectures and research in this area highlight the importance of caring for caregivers, which is a critical component of resilient health systems. This holistic perspective reinforces her position as a thought leader in creating comprehensive public health strategies.
Professional Career
Dr. Cecilia Plaza‘s professional trajectory demonstrates a clear and impactful progression from frontline clinical service to high-level national and international policy leadership. This path has equipped her with a unique, ground-up perspective on the challenges and opportunities of integrating TCIM into public health.
Her career is marked by sustained service within key public health institutions in Chile, culminating in her current international role. This experience provides her with deep insight into the practicalities of policy implementation.
- 2018 – Present: Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile.
- 2014 – 2017: Head of the Studies Unit, Department of Public Policies and Studies, Chilean Ministry of Health.
- 2010 – 2018: Advisor in the Department of Public Policies and Studies, Chilean Ministry of Health.
- 2001 – 2008: Physician in Primary Health Care, Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur-Oriente, Santiago.
Academic Qualifications
The academic foundation of Dr. Cecilia Plaza skillfully combines clinical medical training with a broad, global perspective on public health. This dual expertise enables her to bridge the gap between individual patient care and the systemic needs of entire populations, a crucial skill for her work in TCIM policy.
Her postgraduate studies, in particular, provided the global context necessary to lead a WHO Collaborating Centre and engage with international health strategies. This strong educational background is the bedrock of her evidence-based approach to health policy.
- 2010: Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in Global Health, completed at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
- 2000: Medical Doctor (Médico Cirujano), earned from the prestigious Faculty of Medicine at the University of Chile, Santiago.
Research and Publications
Dr. Cecilia Plaza’s research agenda is centered on creating a robust evidence base for the integration of TCIM into national health services. Her scholarly work addresses critical policy questions, analyzes implementation challenges, and synthesizes clinical evidence to inform practice and regulation. Consequently, her publications serve as vital resources for health ministries and researchers in Latin America and beyond.
Her work aligns with Thematic Axis 3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based),” by focusing on tangible health outcomes. A significant area of her research is mental health, where she has explored the effectiveness of complementary medicine for anxiety disorders. This contributes valuable knowledge for addressing a major global public health challenge.
Key publications led or co-authored by Dr. Cecilia Plaza include:
- An influential 2023 overview of systematic reviews on the effectiveness and safety of complementary medicine in anxiety disorders, published in BMJ Open.
- A 2022 qualitative study in BMJ Open that examined Chile’s national framework for TCIM integration, identifying key facilitators and barriers to implementation.
- A foundational 2017 policy brief analyzing the impact of Chile’s Decree N°42, which provided critical insights into the real-world incorporation of complementary and alternative medicines into the public health network.
Leadership and Institutional Recognition
While formal awards are one measure of impact, the most significant recognition of Dr. Cecilia Plaza‘s expertise comes from her sustained appointment to high-level institutional roles. These positions of trust and authority underscore her standing as a leader in public health and integrative medicine within Chile and the international community.
These roles are not merely administrative; they are a testament to her ability to shape policy, guide research, and foster collaboration. Therefore, they represent a powerful acknowledgment of her professional contributions and influence.
- Directorship of the WHO Collaborating Centre: Her appointment as Director places her at the helm of a key strategic institution within the WHO’s global network. This role recognizes her capacity to support the WHO’s agenda and provide technical assistance on TCIM to Member States throughout the Americas.
- Advisory Role to the Chilean Ministry of Health: Her long-term engagement as an advisor reflects the deep trust the national government places in her expertise. This position allows her to directly influence the development of public health policies that affect millions of citizens, demonstrating a clear and tangible impact on the nation’s health system.
Contributions to National and Global Health Policy
Dr. Cecilia Plaza’s influence extends through her active participation in national and global health policy frameworks. Her work is a prime example of how expert leadership can connect international health strategies with on-the-ground implementation, a central goal of the 3rd WCTCIM.
As Director of a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre, she is part of a prestigious global network of institutions that directly support the WHO’s programs. In this capacity, her center contributes to the development and implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy. This work involves generating regional evidence, promoting education, and advising on regulatory models, directly furthering the congress’s objectives.
Moreover, her advisory role at the Chilean Ministry of Health (MoH) ensures that global recommendations are translated into effective national policies. Dr. Plaza helps navigate the complexities of integrating TCIM into the existing healthcare infrastructure, addressing legal, educational, and clinical challenges. This dual engagement ensures that policy is both globally informed and locally relevant, creating a sustainable model for other nations, particularly in the context of South-South cooperation.
Connect with Dr. Plaza
Further explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Dr. Cecilia Plaza through her official and academic platforms. These resources offer deeper insights into her research, publications, and ongoing projects in the field of integrative medicine and public health.
Official University Profile: View her profile at the University of Chile
LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn
Google Scholar: Review her academic publications