Karen Berenice Denez

Biography and Expertise of Karen Berenice Denez

Karen Berenice Denez has dedicated her professional career to strengthening the role of pharmaceutical sciences within public and integrative health. As a consultant for the Farmácia Viva in Santa Rosa de Lima, Santa Catarina, she is directly involved in the cultivation of medicinal plants and the production of phytotherapeutic remedies for distribution through the public health system. This work places her at the forefront of implementing sustainable healthcare solutions.

Her expertise is firmly aligned with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems.” This connection is evident through her role at the National Health Council, where she contributes to national policies on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). Furthermore, her Master’s research focused specifically on evaluating the incorporation of phytotherapy into primary healthcare, providing an evidence-based foundation for her policy and practical work. Therefore, the contributions of Karen Berenice Denez are central to discussions on expanding access to safe and effective integrative practices.

Professional Career of Karen Berenice Denez

The professional trajectory of Karen Berenice Denez demonstrates a consistent commitment to public service and the advancement of integrative practices within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Her career combines hands-on pharmaceutical practice with high-level policy involvement, allowing her to bridge the gap between community health needs and national health strategy.

This dual focus ensures that her contributions are both practical and strategic. The experience she has gained in different roles provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in integrating phytotherapy and other practices into conventional healthcare settings.

• 2021 – Present: Member of the National Health Council. In this capacity, she serves on the Intersectoral Commission for Prevention, Promotion, and Integrative and Complementary Practices, representing the Federal Council of Pharmacy and contributing to the formulation of national health policies.
• 2012 – Present: Consultant at the Farmácia Viva of Santa Rosa de Lima, SC. Her responsibilities include technical oversight of the production of phytotherapeutics and supporting the integration of these products into local primary care services.
• 2012 – Present: Pharmacist for the Municipal Government of Santa Rosa de Lima, SC. This role involves responsibilities within the public pharmaceutical assistance framework of the municipality.

Academic Qualifications

The academic background of Karen Berenice Denez provides the scientific and administrative foundation for her work in pharmaceutical assistance and public health. Her education combines core pharmaceutical training with specialized knowledge in health management and advanced research in the application of integrative practices.

This structured academic progression has equipped her with the necessary skills to conduct research, manage health programs, and contribute effectively to policy development. Consequently, her qualifications are integral to her ability to advocate for evidence-based integration of TCIM.

• 2018 – 2020: Master’s in Pharmaceutical Assistance from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). Her master’s thesis was titled “Avaliação da incorporação da Fitoterapia na Atenção Primária à Saúde de Santa Catarina,” which translates to “Evaluation of the incorporation of Phytotherapy in the Primary Health Care of Santa Catarina.”
• 2014 – 2015: Specialization in Health Management from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). This degree provided her with expertise in the administration and organization of health services.
• 2007 – 2011: Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the Universidade do Contestado (UNC), where she obtained her foundational training as a pharmacist.

Research by Karen Berenice Denez

The research activities of Karen Berenice Denez are centered on the practical implementation and evaluation of phytotherapy within public health systems. Her work aims to build an evidence base to support the expansion and qualification of integrative practices in primary care. This focus is critical for ensuring that TCIM modalities are integrated safely and effectively.

Her primary research contribution is her master’s thesis, which provides a detailed analysis of how phytotherapy is being incorporated in Santa Catarina. This study offers valuable data and insights for health managers and policymakers. In addition, her work has been presented in various academic and professional forums, contributing to the broader dissemination of knowledge in this field.

Key Research Project

• Project Title: Avaliação da incorporação da Fitoterapia na Atenção Primária à Saúde de Santa Catarina (Evaluation of the incorporation of Phytotherapy in the Primary Health Care of Santa Catarina)
• Period: 2018 – 2020
• Institution: Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
• Summary: This research project investigated the process of integrating phytotherapy into the primary care network of the state of Santa Catarina. The study assessed the existing models, challenges, and outcomes, providing recommendations for strengthening this public health policy. The findings were consolidated in her master’s dissertation.

Board and Committee Activities of Karen Berenice Denez

Karen Berenice Denez plays an active role in national-level governance of health policy through her participation in a key commission of the National Health Council. This involvement reflects her standing in the pharmaceutical community and her dedication to advancing integrative health practices on a systemic level.

Her work in these forums is essential for translating local experiences and scientific evidence into actionable national policies. Therefore, her participation ensures that the perspective of pharmaceutical professionals is represented in discussions that shape the future of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

• Organization: National Health Council (Conselho Nacional de Saúde – CNS)
• Committee: Intersectoral Commission for Prevention, Promotion, and Integrative and Complementary Practices (Comissão Intersetorial de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde – CIPICS/CNS)
• Role: Member representing the Federal Council of Pharmacy (Conselho Federal de Farmácia – CFF)
• Period: 2021 – Present
• Contribution: In this role, Karen Berenice Denez contributes to debates, technical opinions, and recommendations regarding the National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC) within the SUS.

Connect with Karen Berenice Denez

For more detailed information on the academic publications and professional background of Karen Berenice Denez, you can consult her official scientific profile on the ORCID platform. This resource provides a comprehensive record of her research and contributions to the field of pharmaceutical assistance and integrative health.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5678-2879