Amie Steel

Biography and Expertise of Amie Steel

Associate Professor Amie Steel is a globally recognized public health researcher whose work systematically investigates the role of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in modern healthcare. Her research provides crucial data that informs policy, regulation, and clinical practice, making her a vital voice at the 3rd WCTCIM. Her expertise is particularly relevant to Thematic Axis 2, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” as she examines the TCIM workforce, its capacity, and its place within primary care and specialized services like maternity.

Furthermore, Dr. Steel’s leadership as Co-Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine at UTS places her at the heart of global efforts to implement the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy. This role demonstrates a deep commitment to the congress’s pillar of fostering “Knowledge Diversity” by ensuring that traditional and complementary medicine practices are understood and evaluated with scientific rigor. Her extensive research portfolio, which includes over 200 publications, directly supports Thematic Axis 3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based),” by building a robust foundation for integrating effective TCIM practices into solutions for pressing health challenges.

Her work in maternity care, for instance, explores patient experiences and outcomes, highlighting how integrative approaches can contribute to well-being across the lifespan. Therefore, Amie Steel‘s contributions are instrumental in translating the principles of the Gujarat Declaration into tangible actions that strengthen public health systems through evidence-informed, person-centered care.

Professional Career

Dr. Amie Steel‘s career is marked by a dynamic trajectory through Australia’s academic institutions. She consistently held senior roles combining research leadership, academic rigor, and strategic development in public health and integrative medicine. Her progression from early-career researcher to key figure shaping TCIM research strategy attests to her dedication and expertise. This journey showcases commitment to building institutional and workforce capacity for integrative healthcare.

Her appointments reflect deep involvement in university and specialized research centers, bridging academic cultures. This enriched her perspective on healthcare innovation.

• Director of Research, Naturopathy, National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM), Southern Cross University (2020 – Present): Leads strategic direction for naturopathic research, mentoring researchers, fostering high-impact studies.
• Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (2018 – Present): Senior academic position contributing to teaching, research, and intellectual life at a leading Australian university.
• Senior Research Fellow, Endeavour College of Natural Health (2016 – 2018): Pivotal role in advancing research capacity for prominent natural health education provider.
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), UTS (2013 – 2016): This foundational role allowed her to develop her research profile in one of the world’s premier integrative medicine research centers.
• Research Assistant, The University of Queensland (2010 – 2013): Supported various research projects while completing her doctoral studies.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Amie Steel is uniquely comprehensive, integrating clinical training in naturopathy with advanced expertise in public health and research methodologies. This multidisciplinary background provides her with a distinctive ability to understand TCIM from both a practitioner’s perspective and a public health researcher’s lens. Consequently, her work is grounded in real-world clinical realities while meeting the highest standards of scientific inquiry. This robust educational path has equipped her to lead complex research projects and contribute meaningfully to health policy.

Her qualifications demonstrate a lifelong commitment to learning and a passion for understanding health from multiple paradigms, from human movement to evidence-based healthcare policy.

• Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) – The University of Queensland (2013): Her doctoral work established her as a specialist in public health research, focusing on critical issues related to TCIM.
• Master of Public Health – The University of Queensland (2010): This degree provided her with the core competencies in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health systems analysis.
• Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) – University of New England (2004): This qualification provides her with deep clinical insights into the naturopathic profession she now researches.
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement) – RMIT University (1999): An early degree that grounded her understanding of human physiology and well-being.

Research and Publications

With an extensive portfolio of over 200 publications, Associate Professor Amie Steel has made substantial contributions to the scientific literature on TCIM. Her research is characterized by its focus on real-world issues, including the characteristics of the TCIM workforce, the use of integrative practices in maternity care, and the development of effective health policies. This body of work provides a critical evidence base for healthcare stakeholders, from policymakers and regulators to clinicians and patients. Beyond her own publications, she is dedicated to building the next generation of researchers, actively supervising 15 Higher Degree Research students and shaping future leaders in the field.

Her research aligns closely with the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on evidence-informed practice and policy. For example, her seminal 2018 paper, “The Australian naturopathic workforce: a national survey,” offered a foundational understanding of the profession, directly informing discussions on regulation and integration. Similarly, her recent work on maternity care, such as the 2023 study exploring women’s experiences with private midwives, provides invaluable patient-centered insights. This research directly addresses Thematic Axis 4, “TCIM Across the Lifespan,” by focusing on a critical life stage. Therefore, the work of Amie Steel exemplifies the congress’s commitment to translating rigorous research into tangible improvements in global public health.

Global Leadership and Editorial Roles

Dr. Amie Steel’s influence on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine extends to significant leadership roles within globally recognized organizations. These appointments underscore her standing as a leading authority and highlight her commitment to shaping integrative healthcare globally. Her work fosters global collaboration and upholds scientific inquiry, core themes of the 3rd WCTCIM. These positions contribute directly to global health policy and scholarly communication.

Her involvement in these bodies ensures research is rigorous and relevant to pressing global health needs. She plays a vital role in the global dialogue on health and medicine.

• Co-Director, World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, University of Technology Sydney: In this vital role, she helps lead a center supporting the WHO’s global strategy for traditional medicine. This work promotes research, training, and evidence-based guidelines, directly contributing to the Gujarat Declaration’s principles.
• Deputy Editor, Advances in Integrative Medicine: As a key editor for this important journal, Dr. Steel helps to shape the scholarly discourse in the field. She oversees the peer-review process, ensuring that published research is of high quality, innovative, and impactful, thereby advancing the evidence base for TCIM.
• Scientific Committee Member, 3rd WCTCIM: Her participation in the congress’s scientific committee is instrumental in curating a program that is scientifically robust, thematically coherent, and globally relevant.

Connect with Assoc. Prof. Steel

Explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Associate Professor Amie Steel through her official academic profiles and professional networks. These platforms offer detailed information on her research outputs, ongoing projects, and opportunities for collaboration.

Official Profile at University of Technology Sydney (UTS): View UTS Profile

Official Profile at Southern Cross University (SCU): View SCU Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn