Sarah B. Blakeslee

Biography and Expertise of Sarah Blakeslee

Dr. Sarah Blakeslee is a leading voice in qualitative health research, focusing on the nuanced intersection of patient experience and integrative medicine. As the Head of Qualitative Methods at the prestigious Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine, she designs and leads studies that uncover the lived realities of patients, providing invaluable data for health services research, psycho-oncology, and health promotion. Her work gives depth and context to clinical findings, ensuring that the human element remains at the forefront of medical innovation.

Her expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” While quantitative research provides the ‘what,’ Dr. Blakeslee’s qualitative approach delivers the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ explaining patient decision-making and the personal impact of integrative therapies. This focus on deep understanding embodies the congress motto’s pillar of “Knowledge Diversity,” demonstrating that robust evidence is a mosaic of different types of information. Therefore, her work is crucial for translating the principles of the Gujarat Declaration into patient-centered, sustainable healthcare models.

Professional Career

Dr. Sarah Blakeslee‘s professional career is firmly rooted in the esteemed environment of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Europe’s largest university hospitals. Her trajectory within this institution reflects a clear and consistent path of increasing responsibility and leadership in the field of qualitative health research. This journey showcases her dedication to building a methodologically rigorous evidence base for integrative medicine from within a world-class academic setting.

Her progression from a research associate to a senior leadership position underscores her expertise and the growing recognition of the importance of qualitative methods in medical research. Consequently, she has been instrumental in shaping the research agenda and capabilities of her department.

• Since 2025: Senior Researcher and Head of Qualitative Methods at the Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine. In this leadership role, she oversees the qualitative research portfolio, mentors junior researchers, and develops innovative projects focused on health promotion and prevention.
• 2021-2024: Research Associate within the Research Group for Prevention, Integrative Medicine and Health Promotion. During this period, she contributed to key projects in the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, honing her skills in applying qualitative methods to understand the experiences of vulnerable patient populations and their families.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Sarah Blakeslee is notably interdisciplinary, merging a deep understanding of social sciences and humanities with rigorous training in public and international health. This unique combination provides her with a multifaceted perspective, enabling her to analyze health issues not just from a clinical standpoint but also through cultural, social, and individual lenses. Her education has been pivotal in shaping her patient-centered approach to research.

Each stage of her academic journey has systematically built upon the last, culminating in specialized expertise in qualitative health research methodologies. This strong scholarly background is the bedrock of her contributions to evidence-based integrative medicine.

• 2021 – Doctorate (Dr. rer. Medic): Earned from the Berlin School of Public Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Her dissertation, “Knowing the Unknown: Experience and Decision Making of American Women At Risk of Breast Cancer,” established her expertise in exploring complex patient decision-making processes in oncology.
• 2008 – Master of Science in International Health (MSc IH): Completed at Charité’s Institute for Tropical Medicine. Her thesis on social support during childbirth in rural Bangladesh provided her with foundational field experience in global health and cross-cultural qualitative research.
• 2001 – Bachelor of Science in International Studies (BSc): From Michigan State University, this degree provided a broad, interdisciplinary social science perspective on global issues.
• 2001 – Bachelor of Arts in German Language (BA): Also from Michigan State University, this degree equipped her with the linguistic and cultural fluency essential for her international career in Germany.

Research and Publications

Dr. Sarah Blakeslee’s research portfolio is centered on elevating the patient’s voice to inform and improve health interventions, particularly within integrative oncology and health promotion. Her work provides critical insights into how patients experience care, how they make decisions, and how healthcare systems can better meet their needs. Beyond merely collecting data, her publications contribute to a more holistic and compassionate understanding of health and illness, which is a cornerstone of integrative medicine.

Her findings have practical implications for the integration of TCIM into mainstream healthcare, a central theme of the 3rd WCTCIM. For example, by exploring stakeholder perspectives, her research identifies real-world barriers and facilitators to creating collaborative care models. This evidence is essential for policymakers and health system administrators working to implement the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Key Research Contributions

• Implementation of Integrative Oncology: In a 2023 study, she assessed stakeholder perspectives on implementing a regional network for integrative oncology in Germany. This work is vital for understanding the practical steps needed to build effective, integrated health systems.
• Digital Health Interventions: Her qualitative study on cancer patients’ experiences with an online mindfulness program (2023) explores the impact of digital tools on well-being, shedding light on the importance of human connection in technology-based care.
• Health Literacy in Pediatrics: A 2024 scoping review on the role of health literacy in the quality of life of children with cancer and their parents demonstrates her commitment to research across the lifespan and highlights a critical factor in patient empowerment.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Sarah Blakeslee demonstrates a profound commitment to advancing the field of qualitative research and integrative medicine through her active participation in academic and professional networks. Her involvement goes beyond personal research to include mentoring the next generation of scholars and contributing to the institutional structures that uphold research quality and visibility. These roles underscore her position as a respected expert and community builder in her field.

Her engagement in these groups is crucial for fostering a collaborative and high-quality research culture. Consequently, she plays an important part in strengthening the methodological rigor of integrative medicine research across Europe.

• European Society of Integrative Medicine (ESIM): As a member since 2023, she engages with a broad international community of clinicians and researchers dedicated to advancing integrative health.
• Doctoral and Master’s Advisor: Since 2021, she has served as a Doctoral Advisor at Charité and, since 2018, as a Master Thesis Advisor at the Berlin School of Public Health, guiding students in developing and executing rigorous research projects.
• Qualitative Research Networks: Her long-standing involvement in the Netzwerk Qualitative Forschung (since 2021) and the Qualitative Research Workshop Forschungswerkstatt (since 2018) at Charité highlights her dedication to maintaining high standards and fostering a vibrant community for qualitative researchers within her home institution.

Connect with Dr. Blakeslee

For further information on the work and publications of Dr. Sarah Blakeslee, you can access her professional profiles on various academic platforms. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of her research contributions, professional activities, and ongoing projects at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Official Profile at Charité: View Institutional Profile

ResearchGate Profile: Explore Publications on ResearchGate