Michelle J. Bombacie

Biography and Expertise of Michelle J. Bombacie

Michelle J. Bombacie holds a key role at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) as the Program Manager for the Integrative Therapies Program. Situated within the Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, she is responsible for the strategic implementation of integrative care for children facing serious and chronic health conditions. Her work focuses on personalized, non-pharmacological interventions designed to complement conventional medical treatments.

Her experience directly addresses several core themes of the congress. For instance, her focus on pediatric populations is a clear example of “TCIM Across the Lifespan,” highlighting the unique needs of children in healthcare. Furthermore, by managing an integrative program within a leading academic medical center, her work exemplifies the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” providing a practical model for embedding these therapies in specialized, hospital-based care. The emphasis on evidence-based therapies in palliative cancer care also connects her work to the global public health agenda.

In addition to her program management duties, Michelle J. Bombacie contributes to the academic foundation of her field through scholarly writing. Her co-authorship of chapters in specialized textbooks on pediatric oncology and palliative care underscores her commitment to building and disseminating an evidence base for integrative practices. Therefore, she helps advance knowledge that supports the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for scientific validation and evidence-informed health policies.

Professional Career and Leadership Roles

The career of Michelle J. Bombacie is distinguished by her leadership in the administration and development of integrative medicine programs within a highly specialized clinical environment. Her primary role as Program Manager at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) places her at the forefront of operationalizing integrative care for pediatric patients with complex medical needs. This position requires a combination of clinical knowledge, administrative skill, and strategic planning to ensure therapies are delivered safely and effectively.

Beyond her responsibilities at CUIMC, she has taken on leadership roles within professional organizations and internal wellness initiatives. These activities demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field of integrative oncology and promoting well-being among healthcare professionals. Her professional trajectory reflects a deep engagement with both patient care and the systems that support it.

• Program Manager, Integrative Therapies Program: Manages the integration of complementary therapies within the Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation at CUIMC.
• Co-chair, Program Manager Special Interest Group: Served in a leadership capacity for this group within the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), fostering collaboration and best practices among peers in the field.
• Co-chair, P.O.W.E.R. Initiative: Co-chairs the “Promoting Overall Well-being, Engagement and Resilience” initiative for employees in the Department of Pediatrics at CUIMC, highlighting her dedication to workforce sustainability.

Academic and Professional Credentials

The qualifications of Michelle J. Bombacie provide the foundation for her work in clinical program management and integrative therapies. Her credentials reflect a multidisciplinary background essential for navigating the complexities of integrating complementary practices into conventional medical settings. This training equips her to understand and apply various therapeutic modalities within a structured, evidence-informed framework.

These professional designations are central to her ability to oversee a program that offers diverse, non-pharmacological options to patients. Consequently, her academic and licensure background is integral to the credibility and function of the Integrative Therapies Program at a major medical institution.

• MS: Holds a Master of Science degree.
• LAc: Is a Licensed Acupuncturist.
• LMT: Is a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Contributions to Scholarly Publications

Michelle J. Bombacie contributes actively to the scientific and clinical literature in her field, helping to build a robust evidence base for pediatric integrative medicine. Her work as a co-author on chapters for specialized textbooks is critical for educating the next generation of clinicians and researchers. These publications focus on the application of non-pharmacological therapies in challenging clinical contexts, such as pediatric cancer care and palliative support.

By documenting best practices and evidence-based approaches, her writings help standardize and validate the use of integrative therapies in oncology. Therefore, her contributions support the broader mission of organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) to integrate evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine into global health. The publications from Michelle J. Bombacie serve as important resources for healthcare providers seeking to implement similar programs.

• Co-authored a chapter in Evidence-based Non-pharmacological Therapies for Palliative Cancer Care.
• Co-authored a chapter in Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Secrets.
• Contributed a co-authored chapter on Pediatric Integrative Oncology for the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Textbook.

Committee Leadership and Professional Service

Michelle J. Bombacie demonstrates a strong commitment to professional service through her active involvement in committees and special interest groups. This work extends her impact beyond her direct role at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), allowing her to contribute to the advancement of integrative oncology and workplace well-being on a broader scale. Her leadership in these areas helps shape standards and build community among professionals.

Her participation in these groups is significant for fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge. Consequently, these activities are vital for the growth and sustainability of the integrative medicine field and for supporting the healthcare professionals who work within it.

• Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO): Served as co-chair of the Program Manager Special Interest Group. This role involved facilitating discussions and developing resources for professionals who manage integrative oncology programs across different institutions.
• P.O.W.E.R. Initiative at CUIMC: Co-chairs a comprehensive employee wellness initiative within the Department of Pediatrics. This program, titled “Promoting Overall Well-being, Engagement and Resilience,” focuses on creating a supportive and healthy work environment for clinical and administrative staff.

Scholarly Profile

For more detailed information on the scholarly work and contributions of Michelle J. Bombacie, her ORCID profile provides a comprehensive record of her professional activities and publications. This platform allows for a deeper look into her engagement with the scientific community.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4408-1822