Marcelo Demarzo

Biography and Expertise of Marcelo Demarzo

Dr. Marcelo Demarzo stands as a seminal figure in the integration of contemplative sciences into mainstream healthcare in Brazil and Latin America. As the first Brazilian physician certified as a mindfulness instructor, he has dedicated his career to validating and disseminating mindfulness-based interventions for mental health and well-being. Consequently, he founded Mente Aberta, a leading research and training center at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) that has become a benchmark for excellence in the region.

His expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Demarzo’s rigorous research, including numerous randomized controlled trials, provides the robust evidence required to incorporate mindfulness into health systems for managing conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. This work strongly supports the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which emphasizes science and evidence in traditional medicine.

Beyond clinical applications, the work of Marcelo Demarzo champions the concept of “attentional intelligence” and supported self-care, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health. This approach resonates with the congress motto pillar of “Well-being Societies,” as it fosters personal resilience and proactive health management. His efforts thus represent a vital contribution to building sustainable public health models for the future.

Professional Career and Leadership

Dr. Marcelo Demarzo‘s career reflects a commitment to advancing preventive medicine and mental health via evidence-based approaches. Progressing from a family physician to an influential academic and researcher, he has shaped public health discourse in Brazil and globally, establishing himself as a key innovator in integrative medicine.

His leadership includes collaborations with renowned institutions and advisory positions that influence health policy. His career fuses clinical insight, scientific rigor, and a forward-thinking vision for health promotion.

• Tenured Associate Professor: At the Paulista School of Medicine (UNIFESP), he supervises master’s and doctoral students, shaping future public health leaders.
• Founder and Coordinator: Leads Mente Aberta – Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion (the first in Brazil) and coordinates the Specialization in Mindfulness at UNIFESP.
• Honorary Visiting Professor: At the School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), fostering international research collaboration.
• Affiliated Researcher: At the Contemplative Studies Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia, engaging with global leaders.
• Senior Fellow: Recognized by the International Primary Care Research Leadership Programme (University of Oxford) and the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Research Leadership Program (ARCCIM, Australia).
• CNPq Productivity Fellow (Level 1D): Prestigious recognition from Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) for his research impact.

Academic Foundation

Dr. Marcelo Demarzo‘s academic background is distinguished by its interdisciplinary nature, combining medicine with pathology, public health, and contemplative sciences. This diverse education gives him a multifaceted perspective on health, enabling scientifically sound and humanistic research. His qualifications underscore a dedication to learning and integrating different fields of knowledge to improve well-being.

His international specializations highlight a commitment to global best practices and cross-cultural collaboration. This academic preparation was essential to his pioneering work bringing mindfulness into Brazil’s healthcare system with credibility and rigor.

• PhD in Pathology: Earned from the University of São Paulo (USP) in 2005, making him the first Family and Community Physician in São Paulo to achieve this advanced degree.
• Medical Doctor (MD): Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP) in 2000.
• International Specializations: Advanced studies in Mindfulness, Mental Health, and Supported Self-Care at the University of Zaragoza, Spain (2012–2013), and University of Technology Sydney, Australia (2023–2024).
• Certified Mindfulness Instructor: First Brazilian physician certified, training with the Breathworks for Mindfulness Foundation in the UK in 2011.
• Board Certifications: Specialist certifications in Family and Community Medicine and Sports and Exercise Medicine.
• Early Studies: Undergraduate studies in Business Administration at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV-EAESP), providing a strategic perspective to his health initiatives.

Pioneering Research in Mindfulness and Mental Health

Dr. Marcelo Demarzo is a highly productive and influential researcher whose work is central to the scientific validation of mindfulness-based interventions. As a CNPq Level 1D Productivity Fellow, he is recognized among Brazil’s top scientists for the impact and consistency of his research. His work primarily involves designing and conducting randomized controlled trials and implementation studies that explore the effectiveness of mindfulness and self-care strategies for promoting mental health and managing chronic conditions. This focus is crucial for generating the high-quality evidence demanded by the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Through his leadership at Mente Aberta, Dr. Demarzo has established a powerful research hub that collaborates with leading global institutions, including Harvard University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Melbourne. These partnerships facilitate large-scale, cross-cultural studies that enhance the generalizability of his findings. Therefore, his research not only benefits Brazil but also contributes significantly to the international evidence base for integrative medicine.

The publications of Marcelo Demarzo frequently appear in high-impact journals, with several papers receiving awards for being the most cited or viewed. His research areas are diverse, covering mental health, preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, digital health innovation, and longevity. This breadth demonstrates his ability to apply contemplative science to a wide range of contemporary public health challenges, making his work exceptionally relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM’s mission.

Awards and International Recognition

The significant contributions of Dr. Marcelo Demarzo to medicine and public health have been consistently recognized through numerous national and international awards. These accolades reflect the high quality of his research, the innovative nature of his clinical work, and his leadership in the field of mindfulness and health promotion. The honors he has received underscore his status as a respected authority and a key influencer in integrative health.

These awards are not merely personal achievements; they also validate the importance of integrating evidence-based complementary practices into mainstream healthcare. Consequently, they serve to legitimize and promote the adoption of mindfulness and self-care interventions in health systems worldwide.

• Galeno Prize (2004 and 2010): A prestigious award recognizing excellence in medical practice and research in Brazil.
• Honorable Mention from the Brazilian Navy: A special distinction acknowledging his contributions to health and well-being.
• Camino de Santiago Award (Spain): An international award that highlights his impactful work beyond Brazil’s borders.
• Most Cited and Viewed Paper Distinctions: His research has been recognized by leading journals like PLOS One and JMIR mHealth and uHealth for its significant scientific impact and reach.
• CNPq Productivity Fellowship: A continuous recognition from Brazil’s foremost scientific council, affirming his position as a leading national researcher.

Global Influence and Committee Engagement

Dr. Marcelo Demarzo extends his impact through active participation in influential international boards and committees. These roles allow him to contribute to the strategic direction of contemplative research, clinical practice standards, and global health policy. His involvement fosters a collaborative, high-integrity ecosystem for integrative medicine. Through these activities, he helps shape the field’s future, ensuring its evolution with scientific rigor and ethical responsibility.

His advisory positions place him at the forefront of global dialogues on mental health, self-care, and mindfulness. For instance, his early role as a consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO) Bangkok Charter on Health Promotion highlights his dedication to shaping global health frameworks. This engagement is vital for translating research into policy and practice.

• Consultant and Signatory, Bangkok Charter: Contributed to this foundational health promotion document at the 6th WHO Global Conference on Health Promotion in 2005.
• Advisory Council Member: Serves on the council for the International Society for Contemplative Research (ISCR), guiding the advancement of scientific inquiry.
• Founding Member and Consultant: Plays a key role at The Self-Care Observatory, an initiative of The Global Self-Care Federation, promoting evidence-based self-care worldwide.
• Advisory Board Member: Contributes his expertise to ACCESS MBCT, an organization dedicated to increasing access to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.
• International Consultant: Serves on the EDI Task Force of the British Association for Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA), promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the UK.

Connect with Dr. Demarzo

For more detailed information on the research, educational programs, and professional activities of Dr. Marcelo Demarzo, please explore the official resources below. These links offer direct access to his work at Mente Aberta and provide opportunities to connect with him on professional networks.

Mente Aberta – Official Website: Explore the Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion

LinkedIn Profile: Connect with Marcelo Demarzo on LinkedIn