Fabio Carmona

Biography and Expertise of Fabio Carmona

Dr. Fabio Carmona is a distinguished pediatrician and academic whose career is dedicated to the scientific advancement and clinical application of phytotherapy. As an Associate Professor at the University of São Paulo, he has become a leading voice in Brazil for the integration of medicinal plants into mainstream medical care. His work is characterized by a commitment to evidence-based practices, ensuring that traditional knowledge is validated through modern research methodologies before being applied in clinical settings, especially for children and adolescents.

His expertise is profoundly relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM, particularly under the Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems.” Dr. Carmona’s role as the technical coordinator of the Phytotherapy Outpatient Clinic at Farmácia da Natureza is a practical demonstration of this integration. This initiative, operating within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), provides a powerful example of South-South collaboration by showcasing a scalable model for incorporating traditional medicine into public health infrastructure. Therefore, his experience offers invaluable insights for other nations seeking to implement similar programs.

Furthermore, Dr. Fabio Carmona‘s work resonates with the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” He not only researches and prescribes phytotherapeutics but also leads comprehensive training programs for health professionals. This educational focus directly supports the Thematic Axis, “TCIM Education and Training,” by building the necessary competencies for a new generation of healthcare providers. His efforts ensure that knowledge of medicinal plants is preserved, expanded, and safely applied, contributing to the development of more holistic and sustainable well-being societies.

Professional Career of Fabio Carmona

Dr. Fabio Carmona’s professional trajectory reflects a commitment to academic excellence, clinical practice, and public health innovation. His journey began in pediatrics and evolved to focus on integrating phytotherapy into the national healthcare system. This path has positioned him at the forefront of a movement that blends traditional knowledge with scientific rigor for public well-being.

His career has been marked by a dedication to service and education. His work within the University of São Paulo and the Unified Health System (SUS) demonstrates an ability to navigate both academic research and frontline healthcare. His career serves as a model for professionals aiming to impact integrative medicine.

• Current Position: Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School – University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), where he teaches and conducts research.
• Since 2008: Technical Coordinator of the Phytotherapy Outpatient Clinic at Farmácia da Natureza. He oversees the clinical application of herbal medicines, providing free consultations and prescriptions within the SUS framework.
• Concurrent Role: Coordinator of the Social Paediatrics Outpatient Clinic, demonstrating commitment to community health and accessible care for underserved populations.
• Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011): Completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard University, honing his research skills and gaining international experience in a leading pediatric institution.
• Early Career: Completed his medical residency in Paediatrics at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School University Hospital (HCFMRP-USP), establishing his clinical expertise.

Academic Qualifications

The academic background of Dr. Fabio Carmona is both comprehensive and distinguished, providing the solid scientific foundation upon which his pioneering work is built. His education at some of Brazil’s and the world’s most respected institutions has equipped him with the critical thinking and research skills necessary to rigorously evaluate and apply phytotherapeutic treatments. This strong academic record underscores his credibility as a leader in the field of integrative pediatrics.

His qualifications progress logically from core medical training to advanced research and the highest levels of academic achievement. This journey highlights a deep-seated passion for learning and a continuous drive to advance medical science. Beyond his formal degrees, this educational path reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and scholarly contribution.

• Habilitation (Livre-Docência) (2017): Achieved this highest academic qualification from the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), granting him the title of Associate Professor and the authority to supervise senior researchers.
• Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011): Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard University, focusing on advanced pediatric research.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (2009): Earned from FMRP-USP, with a research focus that laid the groundwork for his future work in phytotherapy and pediatrics.
• Master of Science (MSc) (2006): Completed at FMRP-USP, where he began his postgraduate research training.
• Residency in Paediatrics (2001): Completed at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School University Hospital (HCFMRP-USP).
• Medical Doctor (MD) (1998): Graduated from the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT).

Research and Publications on Phytotherapy

Dr. Fabio Carmona is a prolific researcher whose work provides crucial evidence for the clinical use of medicinal plants. He supervises a diverse portfolio of preclinical and clinical studies, investigating the efficacy and safety of phytotherapeutics, particularly in the context of child and adolescent health. His research is supported by major Brazilian funding agencies, including the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), which signifies the high quality and national importance of his work.

His research agenda directly supports the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for a robust evidence base for traditional medicine. By conducting rigorous scientific inquiries, Dr. Carmona contributes to a global body of knowledge that helps policymakers and clinicians make informed decisions. His studies often focus on practical applications within the public health system, ensuring that research outcomes can be translated into accessible treatments for the population.

A key aspect of his research involves mentoring the next generation of scientists. Dr. Fabio Carmona actively supervises undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral students, instilling in them the principles of ethical and rigorous scientific investigation in the field of traditional and integrative medicine. This mentorship ensures the sustainability and continued growth of phytotherapy research in Brazil and beyond, creating a lasting legacy of scientific inquiry and innovation.

Leadership in Clinical and Educational Programs

Dr. Fabio Carmona demonstrates exceptional leadership by coordinating innovative clinical services and educational programs. This work is central to his mission of institutionalizing phytotherapy in Brazil’s healthcare and education systems, developing models for national and international replication.

His work aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s axis on “TCIM Education and Training.” By creating and leading specialized courses, he builds expertise among health professionals, a critical step for the safe and effective integration of TCIM. His efforts are foundational to preparing a workforce for a more integrative future in medicine.

• Coordinator, Fitoterapia USP Programme: Since 2013, he has led this program offering specialized training for health professionals, bridging traditional knowledge with modern clinical practice.
• Course Director, “Clinical Phytotherapy”: A flagship course equipping physicians, pharmacists, and other health professionals to prescribe herbal medicines safely and effectively.
• Course Director, “The Art of Cultivating Medicinal Plants”: Provides hands-on training in cultivating and preparing medicinal plants, connecting professionals to the source of phytotherapeutic medicines.
• Course Director, “From Seed to Patient”: A comprehensive program covering the phytotherapy value chain, from botanical principles to clinical application, fostering a holistic understanding.
• Curriculum Development: Coordinated and implemented phytotherapy courses within the FMRP-USP Medical School curriculum, ensuring future doctors are exposed to integrative medicine principles early in their training.

Connect with Dr. Carmona

To further explore the impactful work of Dr. Fabio Carmona in phytotherapy, pediatrics, and public health, several resources are available. His academic profiles provide detailed information on his publications, research projects, and contributions to the University of São Paulo and the broader scientific community.

Official University Profile: View FMRP-USP Profile

Lattes Curriculum (Brazilian Academic Platform): View Full Academic CV

ResearchGate Profile: Explore Publications on ResearchGate