Explore the Approved Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Training Workshop for Capacity Building in Advocacy and Communication for TCIH
Chair(s)
Ossy Kasilo, Natalia Sofia Aldana Martinez, Raj Kumar Manchanda, Tabatha Parker, Elisa Baldini / Cristal Skaling-Klopstock
Team
To be confirmed (WPRO); To be confirmed (EMRO)
Objective
To equip TCIH practitioners, academics, researchers, educators, and stakeholders with advocacy and communication skills aligned with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, aiming to increase visibility, mobilize political support, and enhance collaboration in the TCIH field.
Deliverables
Global Advocacy Roadmap (GAR) identifying shared regional advocacy challenges and areas of improvement.
Method
Biweekly virtual workshops via Zoom from June to October 2025; Six 90-minute sessions with expert trainers, case studies, and interactive Q&As; Targeting congress registrants and TCIH Declaration signatories.
State of the Art of Understanding: Exploring Best Qualitative Research Methods in Traditional and Integrative Medicine
Chair(s)
Sarah B. Blakeslee, Wiebke Stritter
Team
Barbara Stöckigt, Suzanne Grant, Ariela Popper-Giveon, Yael Keshet, Xun Li, Rachel Frost, Elyse R. Park
Objective
To advance qualitative methodologies in TCIM by fostering international collaboration that improves evidence collection, captures nuanced patient and provider experiences, and supports clinical practice, capacity building, and policy development in TCIM.
Deliverables
Establishment and expansion of an international qualitative research network in TCIM throughout 2025. Conducting a mapping review of current qualitative research evidence in TCIM starting in 2026.
Method
Founding members and qualitative researchers attending the 3rdWCTCIM will form the group. The group will curate experts from diverse TCIM fields, prioritizing expansion in the global South. Use and promote diverse qualitative methodologies such as ethnography, interviews, focus groups, and visual or written documentation. Iterative strategic planning to gather rigorous qualitative evidence tailored to TCIM research questions.
Education SIG – Innovative Medical Education Strategies for Integrative Health: Bridging TCIM and Conventional Training
Chair(s)
Melanie Brown, Janet Siddiqui
Team
Ratan Chaturvedi, Nooshig Salvador, Michelle Loy, Jan E. Patterson, Anna B. Shannahan, Lixing Lao, Donna M. Kaminski
Objective
To develop and disseminate culturally sensitive, evidence-informed educational resources that support the integration of TCIM into mainstream health professions education globally.
Deliverables
International survey on TCIM education in medical and training programs (Early 2025); Development of a TCIM teaching toolkit (Late 2025–2026); Peer-reviewed, competency-based TCIM educational module with case studies, assessments, and guides (by Q4 2026).
Method
Monthly virtual meetings and use of a shared project management platform; Literature review on existing TCIM educational models; Global survey design and implementation in 2025; Development and piloting of the TCIM educational module in at least three academic institutions by end of 2026; Ongoing global outreach to ensure international relevance and diverse representation.
Cupping Therapy Standards Special Interest Group (CTS-SIG)
Chair(s)
Layla AlMansoori, Zainab AlMusleh
Team
Tamer Aboushanab, Fatima AlAli, Samira AlHagri, Mohammed Khalil, Anees Alyafie
Objective
To establish globally applicable standards for cupping therapy in clinical practice for back and neck pain, including standards for safe patient selection in cupping therapy clinical trials.
Deliverables
Clinical Guideline with consensus recommendations for cupping therapy in chronic neck and back pain (indications, techniques, safety). Cupping Therapy Research Patient Selection Protocol (CTR-PSA) including inclusion/exclusion criteria matrix, suitability checklist, assessment tool, and flow chart. Peer-reviewed publications: protocol submission and guideline report publication.
Method
Phase 1: Systematic Scoping Review (PRISMA). Phase 2: Modified Delphi Process (3 rounds) with 25 experts. Phase 3: Presentation at Congress Symposium with live demonstration and Stakeholder Workshop for tool refinement.
Disseminating and Promoting Evidence – Osteopathic Contributions in Global Health (SIG – DPE – OCGH)
Chair(s)
Boyd R. Buser, Philippe Sterlingot
Team
Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira, Jackson Nesi, Kendi Hensel. Additional regional representatives to be invited after SIG approval.
Objective
To promote osteopathic principles and practices as recognized evidence-based contributors to global health through research dissemination, collaborative partnerships, and advocacy for integrated healthcare approaches.
Deliverables
Expanded research portfolio in global health areas; Advocacy campaign with policy briefs; Established regional networks; Quality improvement initiatives; Evidence-based documents for health policymakers.
Method
Regular teleconferences of three Working Groups (Policy, Dissemination, Partnership Development); Sharing research findings; Presenting at conferences; Building collaborations with international health organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions.
Regulatory Harmonization and Scientific Roadmap for Enhancing Access to Traditional Medicine Products
Chair(s)
Caio Portella, Olga Silva
Team
Carolina Oi Lam Ung, Frederico Carvalho, Rachel O. Castilho, Institutional Representatives: University of Macau; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon; CABSIN; BASE MTC (Brazil)
Objective
To compare regulatory pathways across selected countries and develop a collaborative scientific roadmap supporting evidence-based access to traditional medicine products.
Deliverables
Comparative Regulatory Matrix; Scientific Roadmap Report; Summary Document for WCTCIM presentation; Peer-reviewed publication.
Method
Monthly virtual meetings from June to October 2025; structured data collection via questionnaires, expert interviews, and literature review; development of roadmap through gap analysis and stakeholder consultation; presentation and feedback at the 3rd WCTCIM.
Pharmacists' Contribution to the Safe and Appropriate Use of Traditional & Complementary Medicine
Chair(s)
Joanna Harnett, Carolina Oi Lam Ung
Team
Afonso Miguel Cavaco, Noordin Othman, Mohd Shahezwan Abd Wahab, Puree Anantachoti, Alexandre Chan
Objective
To conduct a Delphi study to achieve international consensus on the professional roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in the context of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM).
Deliverables
Conduct the Delphi process; Draft guideline (September 2025); Final guideline and educational framework (December 2025); Presentation of findings at WCTCIM 2025; Establishment of a global collaboration network.
Method
Bi-monthly virtual meetings beginning July 2025, one in-person meeting at WCTCIM 2025. Activities include refining 18 identified professional responsibilities, stakeholder consultations, drafting and finalizing consensus guidelines, and developing a dissemination and education strategy.
Integrative Ophthalmology
Chair(s)
Renato Leca, Cristina Muccioli
Team
Acácia Jordão, Karine Koller, Karla Tratsk, Helena Fraga, Honassys Silva, Isa Maria Jordão, Renata Portela, Gabriela Streit, Orlando Silva, Maria Emilia Serra, Gonzalo Fernandez, Efraim Olszewer, Carlos Jaldin
Objective
To develop and present recommendations on Integrative Ophthalmology approaches, supported by scientific evidence, and promote new research initiatives.
Deliverables
Recommendations on integrative approaches such as nutrition, gut-eye axis, acupuncture, Ayurveda, phytotherapy, and homeopathy for ocular health; Identification of new research lines in Integrative Ophthalmology.
Method
Collaborative group work and scientific development to be presented at the congress.
Global Integrative Oncology: Bridging Borders to Support Integration and Excellence in Clinical Practice
Chair(s)
Nina Fuller-Shavel, Massimo Bonucci
Team
Eran Ben-Arye, Ricardo Ghelman, Cecilia Plaza. Additional members from the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Global Committee.
Objective
To co-author a series of articles on the practice and implementation of integrative oncology guidelines across different regions, focusing on global integration and excellence in clinical practice.
Deliverables
A project plan for a series of articles over 12 months; Initial findings presented at the WCTCIM 2025 within the SIG.
Method
Monthly meetings to establish the project and expand the working group. Focus areas include SIO-ASCO guideline implementation and integrative oncology mapping through literature reviews and regional surveys.
International Network for Integrative Pediatrics (INIP) – Special Interest Group (SIG-IP)
Chair(s)
Team
Ricardo Ghelman, Tido von Schoen Angerer, Jan Vagedes, Ines von Rosenstiel, Michelle Loy, Nina Fuller-Shavel, Sunita Vohra
Objective
Official launch in 2025 of the International Network for Integrative Pediatrics (INIP) to promote collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and policy advocates in evidence-informed integrative pediatric medicine.
Deliverables
Official launch event at the 3rd WCTCIH Conference 2025; Pre-congress side event and 90-minute Integrative Pediatrics session at the Congress; Platform for knowledge exchange, training, networking, and research collaboration; Joint efforts in research, education, advocacy, and clinical implementation.
Method
Regular online meetings every 4-6 weeks; Organization of webinars, workshops, lectures, and international events including the pre-congress day at WCTCIH 2025; Engagement with global organizations (WHO, SIO, TCIH) and diverse international experts; Development of educational modules, research protocols, clinical care pathways, and advocacy initiatives.
