

Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi
Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi, MSc, is a physician and public health leader serving as the Director of the Health Promotion Division and Coordinator of Integrative Health (PICS) for the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo, Brazil. He is responsible for one of the world’s most extensive public initiatives for integrating Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into a primary healthcare system.
His work provides a crucial model for urban health systems globally, directly aligning with the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on South-South collaboration and the implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy. Therefore, his experience is vital for discussions on creating sustainable and diverse public health solutions.
ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4642-918X
Biography and Expertise of Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi
Dr. Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi stands at the forefront of public health innovation, blending a rich clinical background with high-level administrative expertise to integrate traditional and complementary practices into the fabric of urban healthcare. His career is a testament to a deep commitment to accessible, holistic, and evidence-based medicine. Currently, he directs the PICS program for São Paulo, a megacity with millions of users in its public health system, making his work a landmark case study in large-scale TCIM implementation.
His journey began in clinical medicine as a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, which provided him with a profound understanding of patient needs across the lifespan. This foundation informs his current population-level strategies. Furthermore, his subsequent specialization in acupuncture marked a pivotal expansion of his perspective, leading him to champion the value of diverse knowledge systems in health. Consequently, his work perfectly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” offering practical insights on policy, training, and delivery.
Dr. Aguemi’s approach is firmly rooted in scientific rigor, as evidenced by his Master’s degree in Evidence-Based Healthcare. This enables him to navigate the complexities of validating and scaling TCIM interventions within a public system. Therefore, the work of Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi not only promotes “Knowledge Diversity” but also strongly supports the principles of the Gujarat Declaration by generating real-world evidence for the effectiveness and sustainability of integrative models.
Professional Career
The professional trajectory of Dr. Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi demonstrates a consistent progression from specialized clinical practice to influential roles in public health management and policy. His career path reflects a unique capacity to operate at both the micro-level of individual patient care and the macro-level of city-wide health system strategy. This dual perspective has been instrumental in his success as a leader in integrative health.
Each position he has held has equipped him with critical skills for his current role, from frontline hospital administration to coordinating broad public health initiatives. Beyond his technical expertise, his experience showcases a long-standing dedication to improving Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).
- Director of the Health Promotion Division and Coordinator of Integrative Health (PICS): In his current role at the São Paulo Municipal Health Department, he oversees the strategic implementation and expansion of TCIM services across the city’s vast network of primary care units.
- Coordinator of the Women’s Health Technical Area: At the São Paulo Municipal Health Department, he was responsible for developing and supervising policies and programs related to women’s health, impacting a massive and diverse population.
- Director of Care and Manager of the Obstetrics Center: At the Municipal Maternity School Hospital of Vila Nova Cachoeirinha, he managed high-complexity clinical services, focusing on improving maternal and perinatal health outcomes and optimizing hospital operations.
- Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics: As a practicing physician, he gained extensive hands-on experience in patient care, which remains the foundation of his people-centered approach to public health.
Academic Qualifications
Dr. Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi‘s academic background is interdisciplinary, providing a robust toolkit for modern public health challenges. His education bridges clinical science, traditional medicine, and health administration, building a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems. This diverse knowledge is a cornerstone of his innovative work.
His advanced degrees in evidence-based health and management underscore his commitment to implementing TCIM effectively and with scientific credibility, positioning him to translate policy into sustainable practice.
- Master of Science in Evidence-Based Health: From the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), this degree solidified his expertise in applying scientific evidence to health interventions.
- MBA in Health Services: This degree provided him with advanced management, finance, and strategic planning skills essential for leading large-scale public health programs.
- Specialization in Hospital Administration and Public Health: These qualifications furnished him with the operational knowledge required to manage complex healthcare organizations and design effective public health policies.
- Specialization in Acupuncture: Recognized by the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) and the Medical College of Acupuncture (CMBA), this specialization gave him formal expertise in a key TCIM modality.
- Specialization in Gynecology and Obstetrics: Certified by FEBRASGO, this established his deep clinical expertise in women’s health.
- Degree in Medicine: He earned his medical degree from the State University of Londrina, marking the start of his distinguished career in health.
Contributions to Public Health and Evidence-Based Practice
While his primary role is in public administration, the work of Dr. Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi represents a significant contribution to the field of implementation science in integrative medicine. Overseeing the PICS program in São Paulo, he manages a vast “living laboratory” that generates invaluable data on the real-world application, challenges, and outcomes of integrating TCIM into a large-scale public health system. This practical evidence is crucial for policymakers worldwide.
His academic training in Evidence-Based Healthcare provides the critical framework for this work. It guides the city’s approach to monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that decisions about expanding or refining TCIM services are based on tangible results. Therefore, his efforts directly support the WHO’s goal of building a robust evidence base for traditional medicine, as outlined in the Gujarat Declaration.
The scope of his influence extends across multiple public health domains. His deep experience in maternal and perinatal health, for instance, offers a unique lens for exploring the role of TCIM in supporting maternal well-being and reducing intervention rates. The work led by Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi in São Paulo is helping to write the next chapter in evidence-based public health, demonstrating how ancient wisdom and modern science can converge to create healthier societies.
Leadership in Public Health Systems
Dr. Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi‘s career is defined by significant leadership within one of Latin America’s most complex public health environments. His roles are not merely administrative; they are positions of strategic influence that shape healthcare for millions. As Director and Coordinator within the São Paulo Municipal Health Department, he navigates the intricate web of policy, logistics, professional training, and community engagement required to drive systemic change.
His leadership in the PICS program involves coordinating efforts across hundreds of primary care units, each with its own unique demographic and set of health challenges. This requires exceptional skill in building consensus and fostering collaboration between practitioners of conventional medicine and TCIM. Consequently, he serves as a critical bridge-builder, promoting a culture of mutual respect and integrated care.
Previously, as the coordinator for Women’s Health and director at a major maternity hospital, Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi demonstrated his ability to lead high-stakes clinical programs. This experience in operational and clinical governance honed the leadership capabilities he now applies to the broader goal of health promotion. His sustained leadership within the public sector highlights a profound commitment to strengthening the Unified Health System (SUS) from within.
Connect with Dr. Aguemi
To further explore the work of Dr. Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi and the groundbreaking PICS program in São Paulo, you can consult his professional profiles and official resources. These links offer additional information on his academic contributions and the practical implementation of integrative medicine in Brazil.
LinkedIn Profile: Connect with Adalberto Kiochi Aguemi on LinkedIn
São Paulo PICS Program: Learn about Integrative and Complementary Health Practices in São Paulo
