Santhosshi Narayanan

Biography and Expertise of Santhosshi Narayanan

Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan stands at the forefront of integrative oncology, a field dedicated to merging evidence-informed complementary therapies with mainstream cancer care. As a Clinical Associate Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s leading cancer institutions, she applies a rigorous, patient-centered approach to improve the well-being of individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Her expertise is grounded in dual board certifications in Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine, which provides her a unique and comprehensive perspective on patient health.

Her work directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Narayanan’s clinical research focuses on validating and implementing non-pharmacological interventions to manage treatment-related side effects and enhance quality of life. This commitment to scientific validation embodies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for robust evidence to guide the integration of traditional medicine into health systems. Therefore, her insights are crucial for building sustainable and effective integrative healthcare models.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan is a passionate advocate for global collaboration and cultural sensitivity in medicine. Her leadership roles within the Society of Integrative Oncology, particularly in founding the Ayurveda Special Interest Group and co-chairing the Global Committee, highlight her dedication to the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” This experience makes her a vital voice in promoting South-South collaboration and adapting care models to meet diverse cultural needs worldwide.

Professional Career and Leadership

Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan‘s professional journey is marked by a clear trajectory toward specialized leadership in academic and clinical integrative medicine. Her career at the MD Anderson Cancer Center showcases a deep commitment to patient care and educating the next generation of physicians in a holistic approach to oncology. This path reflects a strategic progression from internal medicine to a pioneering role in this specialized field.

Her dedication to advancing the field is evident in her transition from a hospitalist role to one focused on integrative oncology. This shift underscores her recognition of the growing need for evidence-based complementary care. Her career is a model for integrating TCIM practices within major healthcare institutions.

• Clinical Associate Professor: In her current role at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she leads clinical initiatives in integrative oncology, providing consultations and developing personalized care plans for patients.
• Exclusive Focus on Integrative Oncology: Dr. Narayanan transitioned her practice to focus on integrative medicine, allowing her to deepen her expertise and expand services for cancer patients seeking complementary therapies.
• Co-Founder and Associate Director, Onco-Hospitalist Fellowship Program: Before her exclusive focus, she played a pivotal role in medical education by co-founding this fellowship, demonstrating leadership and commitment to developing novel training pathways for oncology physicians.
• Board Certifications: She holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine, validating her expertise across conventional and complementary medical domains.

Academic Foundation for an Integrative Approach

The academic qualifications of Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan form the bedrock of her innovative work in integrative oncology. Her medical training provides a foundation in evidence-based medicine, while her specialized certification in integrative medicine equips her to evaluate and apply complementary therapies safely and effectively. This dual expertise is essential for navigating the interplay between conventional cancer treatments and traditional health practices.

This academic background ensures that her recommendations are grounded in scientific evidence and a deep understanding of human physiology. It allows her to serve as a trusted bridge between two often-separate worlds of medicine, fostering trust among patients and colleagues. Therefore, her educational path is a powerful example of the “TCIM Education and Training” thematic axis, highlighting a modern curriculum for 21st-century healthcare professionals.

• Doctor of Medicine (MD): Her foundational medical degree provided a comprehensive understanding of pathology, pharmacology, and clinical care, establishing the core competencies required for a career in a demanding specialty like oncology.
• Board Certification in Internal Medicine: This certification represents a high standard of proficiency in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of adult illnesses, giving her the broad clinical perspective to care for cancer patients with complex comorbidities.
• Board Certification in Integrative Medicine: This specialized certification signifies advanced training and expertise in evidence-informed complementary therapies. It demonstrates her commitment to a holistic approach that considers the full range of physical, emotional, and spiritual influences on health.

Research on Integrative Oncology Practice Patterns

Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan is a prolific author and researcher, with over 45 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Her scholarly work is pivotal in building the evidence base for integrative oncology, providing insights to guide clinical practice and policy. Her research focuses on patient needs and the real-world application of complementary therapies within a major cancer center.

A cornerstone of her research is a comprehensive retrospective analysis of integrative oncology consultations at her institution. This study of 473 adult patients utilized validated assessment tools like Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW) to create personalized care plans. The findings revealed important distinctions between clinician-identified needs and patient-stated priorities, highlighting the need for patient-centered communication in delivering effective care.

The research by Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan identified significant benefits for specific therapies. For instance, acupuncture was effective for hot flashes and peripheral neuropathy, while oncology massage provided pain relief. Mind-body practices for stress and psychological support for anxiety were also validated as key interventions. These evidence-based recommendations are crucial for implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Beyond specific modalities, her work emphasizes counseling on herbs, supplements, nutrition, and exercise. This holistic approach underscores the importance of lifestyle modifications and patient education, ensuring integrative care is delivered safely and synergistically with conventional treatments. Her research demonstrates the feasibility and value of embedding an evidence-informed integrative model within a tertiary cancer center.

Leadership in Global Integrative Oncology

Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan extends her influence through leadership in the Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO), the leading global organization for her specialty. Her involvement demonstrates a profound commitment to advancing the field, fostering international collaboration, and upholding high standards of care, positioning her as a key architect of the future of integrative medicine worldwide.

Through these activities, she helps shape policy, promote research, and build a global community of practitioners. Her work is significant for the 3rd WCTCIM, as it supports the goals of knowledge sharing and creating culturally responsive healthcare. Her leadership is instrumental in translating local clinical insights into global best practices.

• Board Member, Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO): Serving on the SIO board places her in a central governance role, helping steer the organization’s strategic direction and advocate for integrating evidence-based complementary therapies in cancer care globally.
• Founder, SIO Ayurveda Special Interest Group: Her initiative to establish this group is a testament to her dedication to “Knowledge Diversity.” This platform fosters scholarly dialogue and research on one of the world’s oldest codified medical systems, directly supporting the WCTCIM’s goal of honoring and investigating diverse healing traditions.
• Former Co-Chair, SIO Global Committee: In this role, Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan focused on supporting international collaboration and the development of culturally adapted care models. This work is highly relevant to the WCTCIM’s emphasis on South-South collaboration and ensuring that integrative medicine is accessible and appropriate for diverse populations.

Connect with Dr. Narayanan

For more detailed information about the clinical work, research, and publications of Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan, you can visit her official faculty profile at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. You can also connect with her through her professional network on LinkedIn to stay updated on her contributions to the field of integrative oncology.

Official Faculty Profile: View Professional Profile at MD Anderson

LinkedIn Profile: Connect with Dr. Narayanan on LinkedIn