Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira

Biography and Expertise of Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira

Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira has established herself as a pivotal figure in the development and scientific recognition of osteopathy in Brazil. Her career blends clinical practice with rigorous academic research and strategic leadership. As a director of the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN), she plays an instrumental role in shaping the dialogue around Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) within Brazil’s national health landscape, advocating for the inclusion of practices like osteopathy grounded in scientific footing.

Her expertise aligns with two critical thematic axes of the 3rd WCTCIM. Firstly, her research on palpatory methods addresses Thematic Axis 3: Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based). By validating osteopathic diagnostic techniques, she builds the robust evidence base required by global health strategies. This work is essential for ensuring osteopathic interventions are seen as credible, reliable, and effective.

Secondly, her role as a professor at the Instituto Brasileiro de Osteopatia (IBO) connects deeply with Thematic Axis 5: TCIM Education and Training. She cultivates the next generation of osteopaths, embedding critical thinking and scientific inquiry. This focus on research literacy and evidence-based practice prepares practitioners to contribute to integrated healthcare teams. Her work advances osteopathy and strengthens its sustainable integration into health systems, reflecting “Knowledge Diversity.”

Professional Career in Osteopathy and Research

Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira demonstrates deep commitment to osteopathy, encompassing clinical care, education, and research. Her background in physiotherapy and neurophysiology enriches her practice and teaching, bridging concepts across rehabilitation sciences.

Clinical work in Rio de Janeiro grounds her research and education in patient care realities. This dual role as clinician and academic is central to her identity. Her influence extends through leadership in national and international organizations shaping integrative medicine.

• Director and Coordinator of the Osteopathic Committee, CABSIN – Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health: Helps integrate osteopathy and TCIM practices into Brazil’s health policies and academia, fostering institutional collaboration.
• Visiting Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Complementary & Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM): Connects her with global researchers at UTS, Sydney, facilitating international and global collaboration.
• Professor of Osteopathy Training, Instituto Brasileiro de Osteopatia (IBO): Educator at IBO, instrumental in defining quality and scope of osteopathic education in Brazil.
• Member of the Board of Directors, COME Collaboration – Centre for Osteopathic Medicine Collaboration: Global leader in COME Collaboration, contributing to worldwide osteopathic standards and research.
• Clinician, Private Osteopathy Clinic: Maintains active clinical practice in Rio de Janeiro, applying knowledge to patient care and informing academic work.

Robust Academic Foundations in Science and Health

The academic background of Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira provides a solid scientific framework. Her education progressed from human movement to specialized, research-intensive osteopathy and rehabilitation sciences. This training equipped her to challenge, validate, and advance her field.

Her postgraduate studies emphasize evidence-based practice. Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Rehabilitation Sciences provided expertise in research methodology, data analysis, and therapeutic intervention evaluation. This rigor applies to osteopathic principles, elevating the profession’s scientific standing. Her qualifications attest to a career integrating clinical practice and robust scientific inquiry.

• Doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD), UNISUAM RJ: Pinnacle of her research training, enabling her to design, lead, and publish high-impact studies in osteopathy and health.
• Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences (MSc), UNISUAM RJ: Deepened understanding of rehabilitation, laying groundwork for doctoral research and evidence-based methodologies.
• Degree in Osteopathy, Instituto Brasileiro de Osteopatia (IBO): Provided foundational clinical skills and philosophical principles of the osteopathic profession.
• Specialization in Neurophysiology, IBMR/RJ: Gained sophisticated understanding of the nervous system, critical for holistic osteopathy.
• Degree in Physiotherapy, Faculdades Integradas Augusto Motta /RJ: Provided strong base in anatomy, biomechanics, and therapeutic exercise, integrated into osteopathic practice.

Pioneering Research in Osteopathic Methods and Validation

Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira researches to build an evidence base for osteopathy, validating subjective diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. This strategic effort aims to integrate osteopathy safely into conventional healthcare, aligning with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Her work focuses on validating palpatory methods, central to osteopathy. Palpation, the use of touch for diagnosis and treatment, is being translated into verifiable science through rigorous methodology. This is crucial for standardizing education, ensuring consistent outcomes, and meeting modern medicine’s evidence requirements.

Advancing the Evidence Base for Osteopathy

Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira’s research covers diverse osteopathic subjects beyond palpation, creating a comprehensive evidence base. This work addresses the ‘how,’ ‘why,’ and ‘for whom’ of clinical applications, exploring mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of osteopathic treatments.

Fostering a Culture of Research

Beyond personal research, her roles at CABSIN, ARCCIM, and COME Collaboration foster a global osteopathic research culture. She collaborates, mentors, and helps set a global agenda. This collaborative spirit generates strong evidence, propelling the profession towards scientific credibility and full healthcare partnership, aligned with the Gujarat Declaration.

Leadership and Influence in National and International Organizations

Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira‘s leadership in professional organizations amplifies her osteopathy/integrative health contributions. Her roles shape strategic direction, ethics, and global scientific advancement, aiding TCIM integration.

Her roles advocate for evidence-based policies, high standards, and global collaboration. Reflecting institutional importance for growth, these activities extend her clinical/academic work, aiming for osteopathy’s sustainable future.

• CABSIN – Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health: Director/Coordinator of Osteopathy Committee, leading TCIM advocacy in Brazil, unifying institutions, advancing research/education, influencing osteopathy.
• ARCCIM – Australian Research Centre in Complementary & Integrative Medicine: Visiting Research Fellow, a leading international TCIM researcher. Facilitates global research/knowledge exchange, embodying collaboration.
• COME Collaboration – Centre for Osteopathic Medicine Collaboration: Board member, influencing global standards for osteopathic research/practice, vital for global quality/consistency.
• American Academy of Osteopathy: International affiliate member, connecting to a major osteopathic body, ensuring global best practices.
• Brazilian Registry of Osteopaths: Membership confirms professional standing, ethical/practice standards adherence, demonstrating accountability/excellence.

Connect with Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira

To further explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira, you can access her detailed academic and professional profiles through the following links. These resources provide insight into her publications, research projects, and ongoing activities in the field of osteopathy and integrative health.

Official Lattes CV (CNPq): View Full Curriculum

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/ana-paula-antunes-ferreira-81b49959