Cristal Skaling-Klopstock

Biography and Expertise of Cristal Skaling-Klopstock

Cristal Skaling-Klopstock has established a career centered on strategic advocacy for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH). Her work focuses on amplifying the patient’s voice in European and global health policy. Through her leadership roles, she builds strategic partnerships across the TCIH sector to foster a unified approach towards common goals.

Her expertise is directly relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” She actively works to increase access and integration of these practices, representing TCIH patients at high-level meetings with the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes participation in the Director General CSO dialogues, the Global Traditional Medicine Summit in Gujarat, and WHO European meetings. Therefore, her contributions are pivotal in translating patient needs into actionable policy recommendations.

Furthermore, Cristal Skaling-Klopstock is committed to implementing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration through evidence-informed advocacy. Her focus at the congress on creating a Global Advocacy Roadmap for the WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 underscores this commitment. She utilizes her experience to develop communication strategies and training modules that empower organizations to advocate effectively for scientifically validated and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Professional Career of Cristal Skaling-Klopstock

Cristal Skaling-Klopstock‘s career demonstrates a commitment to advancing the TCIH sector through leadership, communication, and advocacy. In influential organizations, she has managed governance, projects, and public engagement at national and international levels.

Engaging with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and patients gave her a deep understanding of the challenges in integrating TCIH into healthcare. Her work has tangibly impacted policy, medicine access, and public perception.

• President of External Relations, European Federation of Homeopathic Patients’ Associations (EFHPA) (November 2018 – Present): She strengthens the voice of homeopathic patients globally, advising on strategy for several coalitions. She represents patients at WHO forums and leads conferences to align sector leaders on communication strategies.
• Communications and Grants Manager, EUROCAM (May 2025 – Present): She manages a significant EU-funded grant, ensuring delivery of work packages. She develops EUROCAM’s communications strategy and creates training modules on advocacy, communications, and media for partners.
• Chief Executive, Homeopathy UK (May 2008 – March 2024): During a sixteen-year tenure, she led major initiatives: co-creating a coalition to promote homeopathy, establishing a network of charitable clinics, challenging the national health service to protect patient access, and campaigning to retain licensing for homeopathic medicines.

Academic and Professional Qualifications of Cristal Skaling-Klopstock

The qualifications of Cristal Skaling-Klopstock reflect a unique blend of business management expertise and esteemed recognition within the homeopathic community. This combination provides a solid foundation for her strategic leadership and advocacy work, enabling her to manage complex organizations and navigate the intricate landscape of healthcare policy.

Her academic training in business administration complements the honorary fellowships that acknowledge her significant contributions to the field. This dual competence allows her to approach challenges with both managerial acumen and a deep understanding of the sector’s values and objectives. As a result, she is well-equipped to lead initiatives that are both impactful and sustainable.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): This postgraduate degree provides her with advanced skills in management, strategy, finance, and organizational leadership, which are applied directly in her executive roles at EFHPA, EUROCAM, and formerly at Homeopathy UK.
• Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of Homeopathy (FFHom(Hon)): This recognition is bestowed by the Faculty of Homeopathy, a leading professional body. It acknowledges her significant contributions to the field of homeopathy, particularly in the realm of patient advocacy and organizational development.
• Honorary Fellow of the Society of Homeopaths (FSHom(Hon)): This fellowship from the Society of Homeopaths, another prominent UK organization, similarly recognizes her impactful work and long-standing dedication to supporting and advancing the practice of homeopathy and the rights of patients.

Knowledge Dissemination and Strategic Development

While the work of Cristal Skaling-Klopstock does not focus on traditional academic research, she makes significant contributions to the field through the development and dissemination of strategic knowledge. Her efforts are centered on creating practical tools and models that empower TCIH organizations to achieve their advocacy and communication goals. This work serves as a form of applied research, translating experience into replicable strategies.

She has developed training modules delivered through prominent organizations like EUROCAM, the TCIH Coalition, and the European Committee for Homeopathy (ECH). These modules provide professional instruction on critical topics such as advocacy, strategic communications, and media management. Consequently, her work enhances the capacity of the entire TCIH sector to engage effectively with policymakers, the media, and the public.

In addition, Cristal Skaling-Klopstock leads conferences and forums for sector leaders across Europe. During these events, she provides insights and presents actionable models to help organizations develop and implement effective communication plans. By consolidating key messages and driving the sector toward common objectives, she contributes to a more unified and powerful voice for TCIH globally. Her planned work on a Global Advocacy Roadmap at the 3rd WCTCIM is a continuation of this strategic knowledge-sharing.

Board and Committee Activities

Cristal Skaling-Klopstock holds multiple board and committee positions, reflecting her central role in the governance and strategic direction of the TCIH sector in Europe. Her active participation in these groups ensures that the patient perspective is integrated into the highest levels of decision-making. This involvement is critical for shaping policies that are responsive to patient needs.

Through these roles, she collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including practitioners, policymakers, and patient representatives from various disciplines. This cross-sectoral work is instrumental in building coalitions and advancing a unified agenda for integrative healthcare. Therefore, her contributions are vital for the cohesion and strategic progress of the organizations she serves.

• Board Member, European Federation of Homeopathic Patients’ Associations (EFHPA): As President of External Relations, she is an active board member, guiding the organization’s strategy, projects, and governance to support homeopathic patients throughout Europe.
• Council Member, TCIH Coalition: She sits on the council of this coalition, which brings together various stakeholders to advocate for TCIH at the European level, contributing to a collective and influential voice.
• Council Member, European Committee for Homeopathy (ECH): Her position on the ECH council involves advising on strategy and governance for this organization, which represents homeopathic doctors across Europe.
• Committee Member, EUROCAM: She works closely with EUROCAM, an organization that promotes the contribution of TCIH to better health in Europe, participating in its governance and strategic initiatives.

Connect with Cristal Skaling-Klopstock

For more detailed information on the professional background and activities of Cristal Skaling-Klopstock, her ORCID profile provides a comprehensive record of her affiliations and contributions to the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8337-8564