Caio Portella

Caio Portella, ND, PhD, President of the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN)

Caio Portella

Caio Portella, ND, PhD, serves as the President of the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN) and President of the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF) 2025-2027. His work focus on advancing the scientific integration of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into health systems, both in Brazil and internationally.

Furthermore, Dr. Portella’s leadership in fostering international cooperation, such as directing the China-Brazil Cooperation Base for Traditional Chinese Medicine, directly aligns with the congress’s focus on South-South collaboration. Consequently, his expertise in evidence-based policy is a significant contribution to the event’s mission of implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1317-1493


Biography and Expertise of Caio Portella

Dr. Caio Portella has a distinguished career dedicated to building bridges between traditional and conventional health practices through academic rigor and strategic leadership. His academic foundation includes a PhD in Gynecology and Obstetrics from the University of São Paulo’s Faculty of Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health, providing him with a perspective on clinical research and health policy. This dual expertise enables him to navigate the complexities of incorporating TCIM into established healthcare frameworks.

His work directly addresses key thematic axes of the congress. As a leader of CABSIN and WNF, his efforts in policy development and academic collaboration are central to the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Moreover, his experience coordinating evidence mapping projects with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) underscores his commitment to the “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based),” a principle at the heart of the Gujarat Declaration. Therefore, Caio Portella‘s work exemplifies the scientific validation needed to strengthen public health on a global scale.

Professional Career and Leadership of Caio Portella

The professional trajectory of Caio Portella is characterized by influential leadership in key organizations that shape the future of integrative medicine. His roles involve actively spearheading strategic initiatives that promote research, education, and the evidence-based integration of TCIM into public health policies, creating collaborative platforms for advancing the field.

His leadership fosters dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders, including academic, governmental, and international health organizations. This focus on consensus is vital for the sustainable growth of integrative health.

  • President, Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN): Leads a major national organization promoting research and education in integrative health in Brazil, fostering a collaborative academic environment.
  • Vice-President, World Naturopathic Federation (WNF): Representing the global naturopathic community, he contributes to setting international standards for education, practice, and regulation, advocating for the profession at high levels, including with the WHO.
  • Coordinator of International Scientific Initiatives: He has coordinated projects, such as evidence mapping with PAHO, to synthesize scientific data and inform public health policy regarding TCIM.

Academic Qualifications of Caio Portella

Dr. Caio Portella‘s academic background provides the strong scientific foundation upon which his career in integrative health is built. His education at the prestigious University of São Paulo (USP), one of Latin America’s top research institutions, equipped him with rigorous methodological skills in both clinical and public health research. This training is essential for his work in generating and evaluating evidence for TCIM practices.

The combination of a clinical PhD with a public health Master’s degree, complemented by his qualification as a Naturopathic Doctor, allows him to approach integrative medicine from a comprehensive and interdisciplinary standpoint. This diverse academic profile is a cornerstone of his ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Gynecology and Obstetrics: Awarded by the Faculty of Medicine at the University of São Paulo (USP), this doctorate provided him with advanced training in clinical research methodologies and specialized medical science.
  • Master’s in Health, Life Cycles, and Society: Obtained from the School of Public Health at the University of São Paulo (USP), this degree focused on the social and public health dimensions of wellness across different stages of life, informing his policy-oriented work.
  • Naturopathic Doctor (ND): This qualification provides him with expertise in a distinct system of primary healthcare that emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage the person’s inherent self-healing process.

International Cooperation and Scientific Initiatives

A central focus of Dr. Caio Portella‘s work is the coordination of international scientific initiatives designed to build a robust evidence base for TCIM. His activities are geared towards systematic data collection and analysis, which are critical for informing healthcare policy and promoting the safe and effective integration of traditional practices. This work is essential for translating research into real-world public health outcomes.

One of his key contributions is in the area of evidence synthesis. By leading evidence mapping projects in collaboration with prominent health bodies like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Caio Portella helps to identify gaps in research and consolidate existing knowledge. This process is fundamental for guiding future research agendas and for providing policymakers with reliable information to support their decisions regarding TCIM integration into national health systems.

Furthermore, his role as Director of the China-Brazil Cooperation Base for Traditional Chinese Medicine is another pillar of his scientific work. This initiative not only strengthens diplomatic and academic ties but also creates a structured platform for conducting high-quality clinical research on Traditional Chinese Medicine, adapting ancient knowledge to meet contemporary health challenges in Brazil and beyond.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Caio Portella holds significant governance roles in several of the most important organizations dedicated to integrative medicine in Brazil and worldwide. His participation on these boards and committees is instrumental in setting the strategic direction for the field, ensuring that it develops with a strong commitment to scientific evidence, ethical practice, and inter-professional collaboration. These activities amplify his impact on a systemic level.

Through his leadership, he contributes to the development of regulatory frameworks, educational standards, and research priorities. His work within these organizations directly supports the professionalization and recognition of TCIM disciplines globally, aligning with the strategic objectives of the World Health Organization (WHO).

  • Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN): As President, he guides the primary academic body for integrative health in Brazil, uniting researchers and institutions to advance the field through collaborative projects and policy advocacy.
  • World Naturopathic Federation (WNF): In his capacity as Vice-President, he plays a key role in the global governance of the naturopathic profession, representing the interests of members from around the world and promoting high standards of care.
  • Pan American Health Organization (PAHO): His collaboration as a coordinator for scientific initiatives, such as evidence mapping, demonstrates his active engagement with major international health agencies to shape evidence-informed public health strategies for the Americas.

Connect with Dr. Portella

For more detailed information on the work and publications of Dr. Caio Portella, you can consult his official profiles and institutional affiliations. These resources offer deeper insight into his contributions to integrative health policy, research, and global cooperation.

CABSIN Official Website: Visit the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn

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