Martha Villar Lopez

Biography and Expertise of Martha Villar Lopez

Dr. Martha Villar Lopez is a transformative leader whose career has been instrumental in shaping public health policy in Peru and across the Americas. Her work is defined by a steadfast commitment to bridging the gap between conventional medicine and traditional knowledge systems. As the Executive Director of the National Center for Intercultural Health (CENSI), she leads the development of policies that respect and integrate the diverse medical traditions of Peru into a unified, national health framework.

Her expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems.” For instance, during her tenure at Peru’s Social Health Insurance (EsSalud), she founded and managed its Complementary Medicine program, a pioneering initiative that brought integrative practices to thousands of patients. This work exemplifies the congress motto “Knowledge Diversity” by creating institutional space for different healing traditions. Therefore, her experience provides a replicable model for other nations engaged in South-South collaboration.

Furthermore, Dr. Martha Villar Lopez‘s international role as a consultant in Primary Health Care and her active participation in formulating the Astana Declaration underscore her influence on global health policy. Her efforts are deeply connected to the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, advocating for science, evidence, and sustainability in traditional medicine. Her leadership in establishing the first World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for T&CM in the Americas further solidifies her position as a key architect of integrative health in the region.

Professional Career

Dr. Martha Villar Lopez has built a remarkable career over three decades, marked by a progression from clinical practice to national and international leadership in public health management. Her trajectory demonstrates a consistent focus on institutionalizing traditional and complementary medicine within formal healthcare structures. This path has been characterized by innovation, strategic leadership, and a deep understanding of the complexities of health systems.

Each role she has undertaken has expanded her impact, from managing clinical programs to directing national health centers and advising on global policy. This journey reflects a profound dedication to creating sustainable and culturally sensitive health solutions.

• Executive Director, National Center for Intercultural Health (CENSI), National Institute of Health of Peru.
• Manager of Complementary Medicine, Social Health Insurance (EsSalud) of Peru, where she founded the program.
• First Director, World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre in Traditional and Complementary Medicine for the Region of the Americas.
• Past-President, Committee of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Medical College of Peru (Colegio Médico del Perú).
• International Consultant in Primary Health Care, contributing to the development of the Astana Declaration.
• Founder, “Reforma de Vida” (Life Reform) Program, a public health initiative focused on promoting healthy lifestyles.

Academic Qualifications

The influential work of Dr. Martha Villar Lopez is supported by a robust and multidisciplinary academic foundation that combines clinical science, public health, and ethics. This diverse training provides her with the unique perspective needed to navigate the intersection of medical practice, health policy, and intercultural dialogue. Her education reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and a holistic understanding of health.

This comprehensive academic background has been essential for designing evidence-based public health programs and shaping national policy. Consequently, it has equipped her to lead complex initiatives that require both scientific rigor and cultural sensitivity.

• Master in Bioethics and Biojuridica, providing a strong ethical framework for her policy and research work.
• Master in Public Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, equipping her with expertise in health systems management.
• Master in Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), deepening her advanced clinical knowledge.
• Specialist in Internal Medicine, building upon her foundational clinical skills as a physician.
• Medical Doctor (Médico Cirujano), Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), where she began her distinguished career in medicine.

Research and Publications

Dr. Martha Villar Lopez is a dedicated researcher and scholar whose work provides critical evidence for the integration of traditional and complementary medicine into public health systems. Her research focuses on the clinical efficacy of medicinal plants and complementary therapies, directly supporting the Gujarat Declaration’s call for a strong scientific basis for TCIM. As the former head of the Clinical Research Center for Complementary Medicine at EsSalud, she oversaw studies that evaluated the real-world impact of these therapies.

Her scholarly contributions extend to shaping the academic discourse in the field. Dr. Martha Villar Lopez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Revista Peruana de Medicina Integrativa (Peruvian Journal of Integrative Medicine), a crucial platform for disseminating research from Latin America. This role demonstrates her commitment to building a robust body of scientific literature to guide policy and practice throughout the region.

Beyond clinical research, her publications have influenced health policy at both national and international levels. Her co-authored works, such as the reflection on the Astana Declaration from a Peruvian perspective and the comprehensive overview of TCIM public policies in Latin America, serve as foundational texts for health administrators and policymakers. For example, her clinical study on the effectiveness of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis provides tangible data for its inclusion in public health services.

Awards and Recognitions

The pioneering and impactful contributions of Dr. Martha Villar Lopez to public health and integrative medicine have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. These accolades highlight her innovative approach to health management and her success in implementing effective, large-scale public health programs. They serve as a testament to her leadership and the tangible benefits of her work for society.

These honors, awarded by both national and international bodies, validate her efforts to create more inclusive and effective healthcare systems. Consequently, they underscore the significance of her contributions to the field of social security and public administration.

• Public Management Award (2016): Acknowledged for excellence and best practices in public administration for her work at EsSalud.
• International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award (2012): Received two distinct awards from ISSA, recognizing the “Reforma de Vida” program as a global best practice in promoting health and well-being.
• Innovation Award (2009): Honored for her creative and effective solutions in developing and implementing public health strategies.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Martha Villar Lopez extends her leadership and expertise through active participation in key professional organizations and academic bodies. Her involvement in these committees is crucial for setting standards, guiding policy, and fostering the growth of integrative medicine in Peru and beyond. These roles demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing her field through collaborative governance and scholarly oversight.

By serving in these capacities, she helps shape the strategic direction of TCIM, ensuring that its development is grounded in evidence, ethics, and a commitment to public health. Therefore, her committee work is a vital component of her broader effort to build a strong institutional foundation for integrative medicine.

• Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Revista Peruana de Medicina Integrativa, where she guides the scholarly direction and quality of the premier integrative medicine journal in Peru.
• Past-President, Committee of Traditional and Complementary Medicine of the Medical College of Peru (Colegio Médico del Perú), where she led advocacy and professional standard-setting for TCIM practitioners.
• Manager and First Director, World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre in Traditional and Complementary Medicine for the Americas, establishing a key regional hub for research and policy.

Connect with Dr. Lopez

For further information on Dr. Martha Villar Lopez‘s extensive publications, research activities, and professional background, her official academic and governmental profiles provide a comprehensive overview of her work. These resources offer detailed insights into her contributions to science, technology, and public health policy in Peru.

Official Researcher Profile (CONCYTEC DINA): View DINA Profile

National Center for Intercultural Health (CENSI): Learn more at the National Institute of Health