Gonza Ngoumou

Biography and Expertise of Gonza Ngoumou

Dr. Gonza Ngoumou stands at the forefront of a crucial movement to integrate nutrition, sustainability, and social equity into pediatric medicine. As a researcher at the Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine, she investigates how evidence-based dietary strategies can shape long-term health outcomes in children and adolescents. Her work provides a compelling bridge between modern clinical science and the principles of holistic health, emphasizing prevention and systemic well-being.

Her focus aligns perfectly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Planetary Health, One Health, and Well-being Societies.” Dr. Ngoumou’s research on plant-based diets and fermented foods explores not only their biological effects but also their potential to create more sustainable and equitable food systems. Therefore, her contributions directly address the congress motto by demonstrating how localized, traditional food knowledge can be leveraged to foster both human and planetary health.

Furthermore, the work of Gonza Ngoumou is a powerful example of the Gujarat Declaration in action. By leading rigorous randomized controlled trials, she generates the high-quality evidence needed to integrate these nutritional interventions into mainstream healthcare. This commitment to scientific validation ensures that her findings can inform public health policies and clinical guidelines, making a tangible impact on community health and resilience worldwide.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Dr. Gonza Ngoumou reflects a deep and evolving commitment to pediatric care, culminating in a leadership role in integrative medical research. Her journey began with extensive clinical training in diverse hospital settings, where she built a strong foundation in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. This hands-on experience provided her with invaluable insights into the health challenges facing young people today, which now inform her innovative research questions.

This path from dedicated clinician to pioneering researcher illustrates a career dedicated to finding more effective and holistic solutions for her patients. Consequently, each position has served as a stepping stone toward her current focus on systemic health interventions.

• 2020 – Present: Researcher at the Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (CCCTIM), Berlin, where she leads and coordinates cutting-edge clinical studies on nutrition.
• 2016 – 2020: Served as a Pediatric Specialist in the pediatric rheumatology outpatient clinic at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, gaining specialized expertise in chronic inflammatory diseases in children.
• 2007 – 2015: Completed her residency at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Berlin, a specialized center for pediatric care.
• 2004 – 2007: Began her residency at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at St. Elisabethen Hospital in Lörrach, an academic teaching hospital of the University of Freiburg.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Gonza Ngoumou’s academic background is characterized by a firm grounding in conventional medical science complemented by advanced specialization in integrative and natural medicine. This dual expertise allows her to approach complex health issues with a uniquely comprehensive perspective. Her education demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and a passion for bridging different medical paradigms to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Her rigorous scientific training, combined with specialized studies in integrative health, provides the ideal foundation for her research, which demands both clinical acumen and an open-minded, evidence-based approach to traditional knowledge.

• 2022 – 2024 (ongoing): Pursuing a Master’s level 7 Diploma for Integrative Medicine at the National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM) in Bristol, England, to further deepen her expertise in holistic healthcare models.
• 2014 – 2016: Completed advanced training in Phytotherapy for Physicians, enhancing her knowledge of evidence-based herbal medicine.
• 2010: Achieved Pediatric Board Certification, marking her official qualification as a specialist in child and adolescent health.
• 2006: Earned her doctorate (Dr. med.) from the University of Freiburg for her dissertation on regulatory T cells in cord blood, showcasing her early engagement with immunology research.
• 2004: Received her medical license, authorizing her to practice medicine in Germany.
• 2001: Successfully completed her medical examination at the University of Giessen, Germany.

Research and Publications

Dr. Gonza Ngoumou is an active researcher building a robust evidence base for nutritional and integrative therapies in pediatrics. Her research agenda is innovative and practical, focusing on real-world interventions improving health equity and well-being. She leads high-impact clinical trials exploring the power of food as medicine.

Her work is particularly relevant to the global health community, validating low-cost, accessible interventions that can be implemented in diverse settings. Therefore, her findings have significant potential to inform the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Key Research Projects

• Happy Kraut Study (2024-2026): As Principal Investigator, Dr. Ngoumou leads this randomized controlled trial examining the effects of fermented red cabbage, a traditional food, on allergic rhinitis. This study elegantly combines traditional dietary wisdom with modern microbiome science.
• NutriJIA Study (2021-2025): In her role as Study Coordinator, she oversees this important trial investigating the impact of plant-based nutrition on children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a chronic autoimmune condition.

Impact on Medical Education

Beyond her clinical trials, Gonza Ngoumou is also passionate about transforming medical education. A recent key publication in BMC Medical Education details her successful development of an interactive course on nutrition for medical students at Charité, addressing a critical gap in conventional medical training. This work directly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “TCIM Education and Training,” by creating scalable models for educating the next generation of healthcare professionals in integrative medicine.

Institutional Roles and Academic Contributions

Dr. Gonza Ngoumou plays a vital role in shaping the future of integrative medicine at one of Europe’s leading university hospitals through her significant academic and institutional contributions. While not serving on external boards, her influence is profoundly felt within Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, where she is actively involved in curriculum development and teaching. These roles are equivalent to committee-level work, directly influencing the institution’s educational strategy and research priorities.

Her dedication to education ensures that future doctors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to practice a more holistic and sustainable form of medicine. Consequently, her work is instrumental in institutionalizing integrative health principles for the long term.

• Curriculum Development Lead (2022 – Present): She has spearheaded the creation and implementation of a new elective course at Charité focusing on nutrition, fasting, and Planetary Health, a pioneering initiative in German medical education.
• Integrative Medicine Lecturer: Dr. Ngoumou is a regular contributor to teaching modules on Integrative Medicine, sharing her expertise with medical students and fostering an evidence-based understanding of the field.
• Graduate Program Contributor: She actively participates in the Graduate Program for Integrative Medicine, helping to mentor and train the next generation of researchers and academic leaders in this discipline.

Connect with Dr. Ngoumou

For those interested in a deeper exploration of Dr. Gonza Ngoumou‘s research, publications, and professional activities, several online resources are available. These platforms offer comprehensive information on her groundbreaking work in pediatric integrative medicine and her contributions to the scientific community. They provide valuable insights into her ongoing projects and academic output.

Official Profile at Charité University: View Institutional Profile

ResearchGate Profile: Access Publications on ResearchGate