Gali Stoffman

Biography and Expertise of Gali Stoffman

Dr. Gali Stoffman has established herself as a formidable force in the evolution of healthcare in Israel and beyond. For over two decades, she has skillfully combined the diagnostic and therapeutic tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with the rigorous framework of Western medicine. Her journey began with an MD from Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Medical Faculty, which provided a solid foundation in conventional medical science. However, her vision extended toward a more holistic model of care, particularly for children.

This vision led her to specialize in Pediatric Chinese Medicine, a field where she has become an international authority. Her work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” as she has successfully designed and implemented integrative services within both a public hospital and one of Israel’s largest healthcare organizations. Furthermore, her focus on pediatrics aligns with the “TCIM Across the Lifespan” axis, demonstrating the value of integrative approaches from an early age.

The expertise of Gali Stoffman supports the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity” by championing the systematic application of TCM in clinical settings. Her approach is not one of substitution but of thoughtful integration, where ancient wisdom and modern science collaborate to improve patient outcomes. Therefore, her career serves as a powerful case study for healthcare leaders worldwide seeking to build sustainable, evidence-informed, and truly integrative health systems.

Professional Career and Leadership in Integrative Health

Dr. Gali Stoffman’s career features pioneering leadership roles shaping integrative medicine in Israel. She has moved beyond individual practice to architecting systems for large-scale integrative care. This demonstrates her ability to navigate complex healthcare bureaucracies while focusing on patient well-being and clinical excellence.

Her dual leadership positions at the nexus of public and private healthcare offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of widespread TCIM integration, providing invaluable insights for health policy and administration.

• Medical Director, Complementary and Integrative Services of Maccabi Healthcare Organization (Maccabi Tivi) (2020 – Present): In this significant role, Dr. Stoffman oversees a vast network of 1,100 TCIM practitioners. Her responsibilities include setting clinical standards, ensuring quality of care, developing professional training programs, and strategically expanding services to meet growing patient demand across Israel.
• Director of Integrative In-patient Services, Barzilai Medical Center (2019 – Present): She established and now leads one of the first in-hospital integrative medicine units in Israel. This service provides TCIM therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to patients in various departments, aiming to reduce pain, manage side effects of conventional treatments, and improve overall patient experience.
• Integrative Medical Doctor (20+ years): Alongside her institutional roles, Dr. Gali Stoffman has maintained a clinical practice, treating both children and adults. This hands-on experience ensures her leadership remains grounded in the realities of patient care.

Academic Qualifications and Educational Contributions

Dr. Gali Stoffman’s impact is profoundly amplified through her extensive work in education, where she has been instrumental in training the next generation of medical professionals in the principles and practice of integrative medicine. She recognizes that the sustainable integration of TCIM into mainstream healthcare depends on robust, high-quality education. Her commitment is evident in the breadth and depth of her teaching activities across Israel’s most prestigious academic institutions.

This focus directly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “TCIM Education and Training,” by showcasing a successful model for incorporating TCIM into medical and post-graduate curricula. Therefore, her work helps build the necessary competencies for a future healthcare workforce proficient in both conventional and traditional medical systems.

• Doctor of Medicine (MD): Acquired her foundational medical degree from the Sackler Medical Faculty at Tel Aviv University (TAU), one of Israel’s leading medical schools.
• Post-Graduate Educator (14+ years): Dr. Gali Stoffman has designed and taught post-graduate programs in Pediatric Chinese Medicine. She has held teaching positions at the medical faculties of Tel Aviv University (TAU), the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ), and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, as well as the faculty of East-Asia studies at Bar-Ilan University (BIU).
• International Lecturer: Her expertise is sought globally. She teaches seminars on Pediatric Chinese Medicine in Europe and the United States and has been a key speaker at major international congresses, sharing her knowledge with a worldwide audience.

Research, Publications, and Thought Leadership

While deeply engaged in clinical practice and leadership, Dr. Gali Stoffman is also committed to advancing the scientific evidence base for integrative medicine. Her contributions as a co-author of research papers and books underscore her dedication to the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for rigorous science and evidence in the field of traditional medicine. Her work helps validate the clinical applications of TCIM, making it more accessible and accepted within the global medical community.

Her thought leadership extends to addressing contemporary public health challenges. A notable example is her keynote lecture at the 2024 European Integrative Medicine conference in Madrid, titled “The Role of Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Societies in Crisis.” This topic is exceptionally relevant, exploring how TCIM can support community resilience, mental health, and well-being during times of collective stress and trauma. This aligns with the “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health” axis.

By engaging in research and high-level discourse, Gali Stoffman helps translate clinical observations into systematic knowledge. This process is crucial for developing best practices, informing health policies, and ensuring that the integration of TCIM is both safe and effective. Her work, therefore, serves as a vital bridge between ancient healing traditions and the demands of modern, evidence-based healthcare.

Recognitions and Keynote Engagements

Dr. Gali Stoffman’s expertise and influence in the field of integrative medicine are recognized through prestigious invitations to serve as a key speaker at major international forums. These engagements are a testament to her standing as a global leader and innovator, particularly in the specialized area of Pediatric Chinese Medicine and the systemic integration of TCIM into healthcare.

These platforms allow her to share her unique insights gained from managing large-scale clinical services and to advocate for a more holistic and inclusive model of healthcare. Consequently, these recognitions highlight her role in shaping the international dialogue on the future of medicine.

• Keynote Speaker, European Integrative Medicine Conference (Madrid, 2024): Delivering a keynote lecture at this prominent conference underscores her status as a leading voice in Europe. Her topic on the role of CIM in societies in crisis demonstrates her focus on applying integrative health solutions to pressing global challenges.
• Key Speaker, Rothenburg TCM Congress (Germany): Being repeatedly invited as a key speaker for the Pediatric Day at this congress, one of the most respected TCM events in the world, confirms her authority in the field of Pediatric Chinese Medicine. It recognizes her as a primary source of knowledge and advanced training for practitioners across the globe.

Professional Affiliations and Advocacy

Dr. Gali Stoffman actively contributes to the advancement and governance of her profession through her involvement in key medical associations. This work is crucial for establishing standards, promoting ethical practice, and advocating for the formal recognition and integration of TCIM at the national policy level. Her role within Israel’s primary medical body is particularly significant.

This engagement in professional advocacy demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring that integrative medicine develops with the same rigor and professional oversight as conventional medicine. Therefore, her activities are essential for building trust and fostering collaboration between different medical disciplines.

• Board Member, Israeli Society for Complementary and Integrative Medicine in the Israeli Medical Association (IMA): Dr. Gali Stoffman‘s position on this board is highly influential. The Israeli Medical Association (IMA) is the main professional body for physicians in Israel. The existence and official sanctioning of a society for complementary and integrative medicine within the IMA signifies a landmark achievement in the formal integration of these practices into the national healthcare landscape. Her role involves shaping policy, guiding professional standards, and promoting collaboration between conventional and integrative practitioners under the umbrella of the country’s most respected medical institution.

Connect with Dr. Stoffman

To further explore Dr. Gali Stoffman‘s work and contributions to integrative medicine, you can access her professional profiles and publications. These resources offer more detailed information about her pioneering initiatives in Israeli healthcare and her academic activities.

Professional Profile at Maccabi Healthcare Services: Learn About Maccabi Tivi

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn