Fernando Janer-Sánchez

Biography and Expertise of Fernando Janer-Sánchez

Fernando Janer-Sánchez brings a combination of clinical training, social work, and academic administration to his role in naturopathic medicine. His career is centered on building educational structures that support the growth of integrative health. As Dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine at Universidad Ana G. Méndez, he is responsible for guiding the academic and clinical training of future naturopathic doctors in Puerto Rico and the wider region.

His work is directly relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis on “TCIM Education and Training.” With over ten years dedicated to naturopathic medical education, first as an assistant professor and now as dean, his efforts focus on curriculum development, academic standards, and the cultivation of leadership among students. Moreover, his experience in community practice provides a practical foundation for the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” ensuring that academic programs are grounded in the real-world health needs of diverse populations.

The expertise of Fernando Janer-Sánchez also supports the principles of the Gujarat Declaration by promoting evidence-informed education. By preparing the next generation of practitioners with rigorous academic and clinical skills, he contributes to building sustainable and effective health systems. His leadership is therefore instrumental in advancing the professionalization and integration of naturopathic medicine within the broader landscape of global public health.

Professional Career of Fernando Janer-Sánchez

The professional trajectory of Fernando Janer-Sánchez shows a consistent dedication to the field of naturopathic medicine within an academic context. His career has been centered at the Universidad Ana G. Méndez, where he has progressed through key roles that combine teaching, project management, and high-level academic leadership. This path demonstrates a deep commitment to institutionalizing and advancing naturopathic education in the Americas.

His experience has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in TCIM education. Each position has built upon the last, culminating in his current leadership role where he shapes the future of the profession.

• Dean, Naturopathic Medicine School (2024-Present): In this senior leadership role at Universidad Ana G. Méndez, he oversees all academic, clinical, and administrative functions of the school. His responsibilities include strategic planning, faculty development, and ensuring the quality of the naturopathic medical program.
• Project Director, Health Ambassadors Project (2018-2021): As director of this project funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, he managed a community-focused health initiative. This role required expertise in project implementation, community engagement, and addressing health disparities from an integrative perspective.
• Assistant Professor, Naturopathic Medicine School (2015-Present): For nearly a decade, he has been involved in the direct education of naturopathic medical students. This foundational role involved teaching, mentoring, and contributing to the academic environment of the Universidad Ana G. Méndez.

Academic Qualifications

Fernando Janer-Sánchez has a diverse academic background that provides a solid, interdisciplinary foundation for his work in health and education. His educational journey bridges sociology, social work, and naturopathic medicine, equipping him with a unique skill set to address health from both a clinical and a socio-structural perspective. This combination is central to his approach to community health and medical education.

His training reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development. Each qualification has progressively added a new layer to his expertise, from understanding societal dynamics to providing direct clinical care and leading health initiatives.

• Clinical Scholars Fellow, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2018-2021): This prestigious fellowship provided advanced leadership training for health professionals. The program focuses on addressing complex health problems through interdisciplinary collaboration and equity-centered solutions.
• Naturopathic Medicine Doctorate, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2014): He earned his doctorate in Toronto, Canada, where he received comprehensive training in naturopathic principles, diagnostics, and therapeutics. This degree is the cornerstone of his clinical and academic identity.
• Master in Social Work, Hunter College (2005): His master’s degree from New York provided him with expertise in social welfare systems, community organizing, and counseling, skills that are highly relevant to his community-based health work.
• B.A. in Sociology, University of Puerto Rico (1995): His undergraduate degree from Rio Piedras gave him a foundational understanding of social structures, institutions, and cultural dynamics, which informs his holistic view of health.

Project Leadership and Scholarly Activities

While specific publications are not detailed, the scholarly work of Fernando Janer-Sánchez is demonstrated through his leadership in significant health-focused projects and fellowships. His engagement with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a major health philanthropy, highlights his capacity to contribute to evidence-informed health initiatives. These activities reflect a commitment to applying academic knowledge to solve practical community health challenges.

His experience as a Clinical Scholars Fellow involved intensive training in leadership and the application of research to create tangible health improvements. This program selects professionals to work on complex issues, indicating a high level of scholarly and practical competence. This fellowship experience prepared him for leadership roles aimed at fostering health equity and innovation.

Furthermore, his role as Project Director for the Health Ambassadors Project at Universidad Ana G. Méndez was a direct application of his expertise. Leading a foundation-funded project required rigorous planning, execution, and evaluation, contributing to the body of knowledge on community-based health interventions. The work of Fernando Janer-Sánchez in this capacity translates academic principles into impactful, real-world practice.

Connect with Fernando Janer-Sánchez

Further information about the work of Fernando Janer-Sánchez and his role in advancing naturopathic medicine can be found through the official channels of his affiliated institution. These resources provide details on the programs and initiatives at the School of Naturopathic Medicine.

For details on the academic programs and faculty at his institution, please consult the official website for the Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Gurabo Campus.