Paulo R. S. Rocha

Biography and Expertise of Paulo R. S. Rocha

Paulo R. S. Rocha has dedicated his professional life to the strategic implementation of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) within public health. His journey began with a foundation in physiotherapy and acupuncture, providing him with direct clinical insights into the value of these therapies. This practical experience was subsequently broadened by advanced studies in public health, which equipped him to address the systemic challenges of healthcare policy at a national level.

His role as Deputy Coordinator for the PNPIC places him at the nerve center of TCIM in Brazil. He is responsible for helping guide the policy that has institutionalized practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and others across thousands of municipalities. Therefore, his work is a living example of the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” The Brazilian experience under his co-leadership serves as a critical model for other nations seeking to implement the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

Furthermore, the efforts of Paulo R. S. Rocha directly contribute to building “Well-being Societies,” a pillar of the congress motto. By working to expand access to a diverse range of therapeutic options, he helps foster a more holistic and person-centered approach to healthcare within the SUS. His work demonstrates how a government can champion knowledge diversity and translate it into tangible public health benefits for millions of citizens, aligning perfectly with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

Professional Career

The career of Paulo R. S. Rocha is distinguished by a steadfast commitment to public service and the advancement of integrative health in Brazil. His trajectory shows a clear progression from clinical practice to a position of significant national influence, where he shapes the landscape of healthcare for an entire country. His work within the Ministry of Health has been pivotal in transforming a visionary policy into a widespread reality.

This path has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system, from the needs of individual patients to the complexities of federal policymaking. Consequently, his leadership is grounded in both practical experience and strategic insight.

• Deputy Coordinator, National Policy for Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC), Ministry of Health (2010 – Present): In this long-standing role, he has been instrumental in the expansion, qualification, and consolidation of the PNPIC. His responsibilities include technical supervision, strategic planning, and articulation with state and municipal health managers to ensure the policy’s effective implementation nationwide.
• Technical Consultant, Ministry of Health: Prior to his current coordination role, he provided specialized technical advice on TCIM, contributing to the development of guidelines, protocols, and educational materials that support health professionals in the SUS. This work laid the groundwork for the policy’s successful expansion.
• Clinical Physiotherapist and Acupuncturist: In the earlier stages of his career, he worked directly with patients, utilizing his expertise in physiotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This clinical foundation continues to inform his people-centered approach to public health policy.

Academic Qualifications

The academic background of Paulo R. S. Rocha reflects his interdisciplinary approach to health, merging the precision of clinical sciences with the broad perspective of public health management. His education provided the essential tools to navigate the complex intersection of traditional knowledge, scientific evidence, and governmental policy. Each qualification represents a building block in his capacity to lead one of Brazil’s most innovative health initiatives.

This unique combination of credentials enables him to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from clinical practitioners to high-level policymakers, thereby fostering the collaborative environment necessary for successful policy implementation.

• Master’s in Public Health (Mestrado em Saúde Pública): This advanced degree provided him with the epidemiological, managerial, and policy analysis skills required to oversee a national health program and to base decisions on population-level evidence.
• Specialization in Traditional Chinese Medicine: This specialized training gave him in-depth knowledge of one of the world’s most comprehensive traditional medical systems, underpinning his expertise in acupuncture and other related practices.
• Specialization in Aromatherapy and Floral Therapy: These qualifications demonstrate his commitment to a wide spectrum of complementary practices, reflecting the diversity of modalities included within the PNPIC.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy: His foundational degree in physiotherapy provided him with a strong understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation, grounding his approach in the principles of biomedical science while remaining open to integrative methods.

Contributions to Public Health Policy and Knowledge Translation

While his primary role is in policy coordination, the work of Paulo R. S. Rocha is a form of applied research and knowledge translation on a massive scale. His contributions are measured not only in academic publications but in the development and refinement of national guidelines, technical reports, and strategic documents that shape the delivery of TCIM services in Brazil. He plays a crucial role in translating scientific evidence and best practices into actionable policies for the SUS.

His efforts focus on creating a robust framework for the safe and effective integration of these practices. This includes establishing standards for training, defining scopes of practice for various health professionals, and developing systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the PNPIC. Therefore, his work directly supports the evidence-informed principles of the Gujarat Declaration, ensuring that policy is dynamic and responsive to new data.

Moreover, Paulo R. S. Rocha is actively involved in disseminating the lessons learned from Brazil’s experience. Through official reports, presentations at national and international conferences, and participation in technical forums, he contributes to a global dialogue on integrating TCIM into public health systems. This makes him a key voice in the South-South collaboration that is a cornerstone of the 3rd WCTCIM.

National Leadership and Committee Involvement

As a senior figure within the Brazilian Ministry of Health, Paulo R. S. Rocha is centrally involved in the governance and strategic direction of integrative healthcare. His participation in national committees and working groups is fundamental to ensuring that the PNPIC remains a dynamic component of the national health strategy. His leadership extends beyond administrative duties to include advocacy and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders.

These activities are crucial for aligning the PNPIC with other health policies, securing resources, and promoting inter-sectoral collaboration. His committee work is essential for the sustainability and growth of integrative practices within the SUS.

• National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC) Committee: As Deputy Coordinator, he is a permanent member of the central governing body for this policy, responsible for its strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Inter-Ministerial Working Groups: He frequently represents the Ministry of Health in committees involving other government sectors, such as education, environment, and social development, to promote a holistic approach to well-being.
• Technical Chambers and Advisory Boards: He contributes his expertise to various technical advisory groups focused on specific integrative practices, helping to develop regulations, clinical guidelines, and educational standards for health professionals.
• Organizer and Speaker at National Health Conferences: He is a regular participant and organizer of national events focused on public health and integrative practices, fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge with managers, health professionals, and researchers across Brazil.

Connect with Paulo R. S. Rocha

For a detailed overview of the academic and professional trajectory of Paulo R. S. Rocha, his official curriculum on the Lattes Platform offers a comprehensive record of his qualifications, publications, and activities. The Lattes system is the primary repository for the curricula of researchers and professionals in Brazil. Further details on his scientific contributions can be found via his ORCID profile.

Official Brazilian Academic Curriculum (Lattes): View Lattes CV

ORCID Profile: View ORCID Profile