Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues

Biography and Expertise

Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues is a central figure in the scientific validation and academic development of integrative medicine in Brazil. His career embodies the journey from clinical practice in naturology to high-level academic research, culminating in a PhD from Latin America’s prestigious University of São Paulo (USP). This offers a unique perspective on TCIM integration challenges and opportunities in mainstream healthcare. His work supports the congress motto pillar of “Well-being Societies” by focusing on scalable solutions for mental health.

Dr. Rodrigues’s expertise is particularly aligned with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis 2.3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” His doctoral thesis, which resulted in a widely cited publication in JAMA Network on the efficacy of auricular acupuncture for depression, is a testament to this focus. Therefore, he demonstrates how traditional therapies can be subjected to rigorous clinical trials, generating the robust evidence needed to inform public policy and clinical guidelines, a core principle of the Gujarat Declaration. Furthermore, his experience in coordinating TCIM projects in primary care settings speaks directly to Thematic Axis 2.2, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems.”

Beyond his research, Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues is a passionate educator and advocate. Through his professorships and leadership roles, he contributes to Thematic Axis 2.5, “TCIM Education and Training,” by developing curricula and mentoring the next generation of TCIM practitioners and researchers. His work helps build a competent workforce capable of navigating the complexities of both traditional knowledge and modern science, which is essential for the sustainable growth of the field in Brazil and beyond.

Professional Career of Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues

Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues‘s career shows dynamic progression from clinical practice to influential academic and leadership positions. He built TCIM capacity in Brazilian universities and professional organizations, fostering sustainable healthcare models.

At UNISUL & Cruzeiro do Sul, he teaches Epidemiology, Public Health, and Integrative Therapies. As UNISUL’s former Naturology Program Coordinator, he modernized curriculum and strengthened its scientific foundation. Key positions include:

• Assistant Professor at Cruzeiro do Sul University (2022–Present), teaches research methodologies & public health.
• Assistant Professor at UNISUL (2008–Present), long-standing faculty in pioneering Naturology program.
• Program Coordinator of Naturology at UNISUL (2016–2019), responsible for academic management, curriculum & student affairs.
• Director of Institutional Relations for SBNAT (2020–Present), leading advocacy & fostering partnerships with governmental & non-governmental organizations.
• Former President and Scientific Director of SBNAT, guiding strategic vision & scientific agenda during critical growth.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues is a compelling blend of complementary and conventional medical sciences. This educational pathway was clearly designed to bridge the gap between traditional healing philosophies and the exacting standards of modern epidemiological research. His qualifications provide him with a rare and valuable skill set to lead evidence-based inquiries into TCIM.

His journey began with a foundational degree in Naturology, which provided a deep understanding of holistic health principles and various therapeutic modalities. He then pursued advanced degrees in public health and epidemiology, systematically acquiring the scientific tools needed to validate these practices. This culminated in a PhD from a world-class medical faculty, solidifying his status as a leading scientist in the field. His academic achievements include:

• PhD in Sciences (Medicine) from the University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Medicine (2023), with a focus on mental health epidemiology and a landmark thesis published in a high-impact journal.
• Master of Science (MSc) in Epidemiology from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) (2013), where he honed his skills in study design, biostatistics, and population health analysis.
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Naturology from the University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL) (2007), one of Brazil’s first and most respected programs in the field.
• Postgraduate Specializations including extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as advanced training in Systematic Review & Meta-analysis from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), further enhancing his research capabilities.

Research, Leadership, and Publications

Dr. Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues is a prolific researcher and influential voice in TCIM. His work focuses on high-quality methodology and pressing public health challenges, especially mental health. As leader of a CNPq-registered research group, he guides studies expanding the evidence base for integrative practices in Brazil.

Landmark JAMA Network Publication

A cornerstone is his doctoral work on auricular acupuncture for depression, published in JAMA Network Open. This achievement lends credibility to his work and the TCIM field, exemplifying how ancient practices are validated via modern, rigorous randomized controlled trials, aligning with WHO’s call for enhanced traditional medicine research.

Leadership in Scientific Dissemination

Beyond his research, Dr. Rodrigues shapes scientific communication. As Editor-in-Chief of Cadernos de Naturologia e Terapias Complementares, he upholds scientific standards for this key Brazilian journal. His role as a scientific reviewer for international journals (e.g., JAMA Network Open, Frontiers in Psychiatry, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine) demonstrates global trust in his expertise.

Driving Innovation Through Funded Projects

Securing competitive funding indicates a researcher’s impact. Dr. Rodrigues secured over R$450,000 for research and extension projects. These funds enable him to lead initiatives implementing and evaluating TCIM interventions in primary care and global mental health, translating findings into tangible community benefits.

Scientific and Academic Recognition

In academic/scientific communities, recognition is often demonstrated by achievements signifying peer-acknowledged excellence and impact. Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues has garnered significant recognition through high-impact publications, leadership in national scientific bodies, and success in competitive funding environments. These accomplishments underscore the quality and relevance of his work in advancing the field of TCIM.

These forms of recognition highlight a career dedicated to scientific rigor and institutional advancement. Each achievement builds a credible, evidence-based foundation for naturology and integrative medicine in Brazil and beyond. Key recognitions include:

• High-Impact Journal Publication: Having his primary PhD research published in JAMA Network Open is major scientific validation, signaling his work meets highest clinical research standards and is of significant interest to the global medical community.
• CNPq Research Group Leadership: Leading a CNPq-registered research group is prestigious recognition in Brazil. It confirms his research agenda’s relevance and promise to the country’s foremost federal S&T agency.
• Successful Peer-Reviewed Funding: Securing over R$450,000 in competitive research/extension funding directly endorses his proposals, affirming their scientific merit and impact.
• Editorship and Peer Review Roles: His Editor-in-Chief role and top-tier international journal reviews clearly indicate his respected standing and expertise within the scientific community.

Leadership and Institutional Contributions

Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues dedicated his career to building Naturology’s foundations in Brazil. His involvement in boards and committees shows a profound commitment to professional service, advocacy, and developing TCIM regulatory frameworks. This work is critical for sustainable integration of these practices into healthcare.

His leadership within the Brazilian Society of Naturology (SBNAT), the primary organization for naturologists, has been impactful. Through various roles, he shaped the profession’s identity, advocated for its recognition, and enhanced scientific credibility. His efforts strengthen the TCIM community in Latin America, fostering regional capacity-building celebrated by the 3rd WCTCIM. Key affiliations and roles include:

• Director of Institutional Relations, SBNAT: Responsible for building strategic alliances with government, educational, and health organizations. This work is vital for policy advocacy and creating new professional opportunities for naturologists.
• Former President, SBNAT: Held ultimate responsibility for the organization’s strategic direction, governance, and public representation, leading the profession’s development.
• Former Scientific Director, SBNAT: Guided the society’s scientific initiatives, promoting research and evidence-based practice among members and organizing conferences and events.
• Project Contributor: Contributed expertise to projects with the Santa Catarina State Health Department and NGOs, applying knowledge to public health challenges.

Connect with Dr. Rodrigues

To further explore the research, publications, and professional activities of Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues, you can consult his detailed academic profiles and connect with him through professional networks. These platforms provide comprehensive information about his contributions to integrative medicine and public health.

Lattes CV (Brazilian Academic Platform): View Lattes CV

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/daniel-mauricio-de-oliveira-rodrigues

University Profile (UNISUL): View Faculty Profile