Lara Vieira S. Meira

Biography and Expertise of Lara Vieira S. Meira

Lara Vieira S. Meira is a dedicated pediatrician who combines clinical practice with research to advance integrative health for children. Her work is centered on building evidence and practical models for incorporating TCIM into conventional pediatric settings. Dr. Meira’s profile aligns directly with several key thematic axes of the 3rd WCTCIM, reflecting a commitment to knowledge diversity and improved public health outcomes.

Her focus on child health places her contributions squarely within the congress’s thematic axis, “TCIM Across the Lifespan.” Additionally, her leadership in a public hospital’s long-term care unit and her efforts to establish a TCIM center demonstrate a direct engagement with the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems” axis. Through her research, she also addresses the axis “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based),” by generating data essential for policy and clinical guidelines.

Dr. Meira’s career illustrates a comprehensive approach to integrative medicine. This includes her academic pursuits, such as her current studies in Clinical Phytotherapy at the University of São Paulo, and her hands-on community work. Therefore, her participation provides a practical perspective on implementing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration within a major Latin American healthcare system.

Professional Career of Lara Vieira S. Meira

The professional trajectory of Lara Vieira S. Meira showcases progressive leadership within Brazil’s public healthcare system, specifically at the Saint Mary Regional Hospital of the Institute of Strategic Health Management of the Federal District in Brasília. Her roles have involved significant managerial responsibilities, where she oversees complex pediatric care and contributes to the hospital’s clinical administration. This experience provides her with a practical understanding of integrating new care models into established institutional frameworks.

Her career reflects a deep commitment to serving the public sector while applying her specialized knowledge in integrative pediatrics. Consequently, Dr. Meira has developed expertise not only in patient care but also in the operational aspects of healthcare management, ensuring that innovative practices are implemented effectively and sustainably.

• Head of Pediatric Long-Term Care Department (June 2023 – present; June 2020 – November 2021): Manages the second-largest public hospital unit of its kind in Brasília, overseeing care for children with complex and chronic health conditions.
• Clinical Medicine Manager (November 2021 – June 2023): Held a broader administrative role at the Saint Mary Regional Hospital, contributing to the overall management of clinical services and patient care strategies.

Academic Qualifications

Lara Vieira S. Meira has built a strong academic foundation that combines conventional medical training with specialized education in integrative health. Her journey began with a rigorous medical residency in pediatrics, which provided her with essential clinical skills in child health. Following this, she pursued advanced certifications to deepen her expertise in complementary and integrative approaches, reflecting a commitment to a more holistic model of patient care.

Her ongoing studies further demonstrate her dedication to continuous learning and the scientific validation of traditional practices. This combination of qualifications allows her to bridge the gap between different medical paradigms. Therefore, her academic background equips her to contribute to evidence-based discussions on integrative pediatrics.

• Graduate Student of Clinical Phytotherapy (Current): Enrolled at the University of São Paulo (USP), focusing on the scientific application of plant-based medicine in clinical settings.
• Graduate Certificate in Integrative Pediatrics (2021): Completed at the Brazilian Institute of Medical Sciences in São Paulo, gaining specialized knowledge in applying integrative therapies to child health.
• Medical Residency in Pediatrics (2019): Fulfilled at the Higher School of Health Sciences in Brasília, completing her specialist training as a pediatrician.

Research and Publications from Lara Vieira S. Meira

The research activities of Lara Vieira S. Meira are central to her work in advancing integrative pediatrics in Brazil. She is recognized for conducting the first national survey on the use of TCIM in pediatric care, a foundational project that provides critical data for health planners and researchers. This work established a baseline for understanding the landscape of integrative practices for children in the country.

Currently, she continues to contribute to the evidence base through her involvement with CABSIN, where she is part of a project to map existing scientific evidence in the field. Furthermore, her authorship of a key book chapter demonstrates her role in disseminating knowledge and educating other healthcare professionals on the principles and practices of integrative pediatrics.

Key Research Projects

• Evidence Map in Integrative Pediatrics (2023 – current): A researcher in this ongoing project with the Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN), under the advisement of Dr. Ricardo Ghelman.
• A New Health Care Paradigm: The Use of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices in the Scope of Pediatrics (2019): As her medical residency final project, this survey was the first of its kind in Brazil, providing crucial insights into the use of TCIM for children.

Main Publication

• Book Chapter: Meira, L. V. S. contributed as a co-author to Chapter 41, “Integrative pediatrics,” in the book Integrative medicine in clinical practice (1st ed.), published by Manole in 2021.

Awards and Recognitions

The dedication and clinical acumen of Lara Vieira S. Meira were formally acknowledged by her peers and students during her medical training. This recognition highlights her commitment to both patient care and the education of future medical professionals. Such an honor reflects the high regard in which she was held during a formative period of her career.

This award, presented by medical school interns, serves as an early indicator of her collaborative spirit and her ability to serve as a positive role model in a demanding clinical environment. Consequently, it underscores the personal and professional qualities that continue to define her work in the healthcare sector.

• Pediatrics Resident Honored (2019): Recognized by medical school interns from the Catholic University of Brasília for her exemplary performance and mentorship during her residency at the Higher School of Health Sciences.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Lara Vieira S. Meira has demonstrated a profound commitment to community health through significant volunteer work and leadership in non-profit initiatives. Her activities extend beyond the hospital setting and into public health advocacy and direct community service, where she has been instrumental in creating access to integrative care for underserved populations. Her work in this area shows a dedication to building sustainable health solutions from the ground up.

From 2016 to 2021, she served as the president of the Sol Institute, a non-profit organization focused on sustainable development and a culture of peace. In this capacity, she led several impactful projects that directly integrated TCIM into the public health system. Furthermore, her current role at CABSIN allows her to influence integrative pediatrics at a national level.

• Assistant Coordinator of the Integrative Pediatrics Technical Committee: Contributes to strategic development and knowledge sharing at the Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN).
• President of the Sol Institute (2016 – 2021): Led a non-profit organization in Goiás, Brazil.
• Project Leadership: Headed the Life’s Flower Project, which promoted integrative care and well-being for the local population.
• Public Health System Development: Inaugurated the Center for TCIM in the Public Health System of Alto Paraíso de Goiás municipality.
• Voluntary Clinical Service: Carried out 1,030 voluntary TCIM consultations for the community over an 18-month period.
• Municipal Health Policy: Assisted with the formation of the TCIM Municipal Committee and served as a member.

Connect with Dr. Lara Vieira S. Meira

Lara Vieira S. Meira brings a wealth of practical and research-based knowledge to the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Her work in public health systems and her research on integrative pediatrics in Brazil provide valuable insights for attendees interested in evidence-based care across the lifespan.

Participants are encouraged to attend her sessions to learn more about her pioneering survey on TCIM in Brazilian pediatrics and her experiences in managing integrative care within a hospital setting. Further engagement and discussion can take place during the congress’s networking opportunities.