Daniel Amado

Biography and Expertise of Daniel Amado

Daniel Amado has dedicated over a decade to the strategic implementation and expansion of integrative medicine within Brazil’s public health framework. His career began with hands-on clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which provided him with a foundational understanding of TCIM’s practical applications. This perspective became invaluable as he transitioned into public administration, first at the municipal level and later as a national leader.

His work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” As the coordinator of Brazil’s National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC), he oversees a program that offers diverse modalities to millions of citizens, from TCM and Ayurveda to herbal medicine and homeopathy. Therefore, his experience provides a concrete and successful model for creating well-being societies, a key pillar of the congress motto.

Furthermore, the leadership of Daniel Amado in promoting evidence-based approaches aligns perfectly with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. By commissioning evidence gap maps and rapid reviews, he ensures that policy decisions are grounded in scientific rigor. This commitment strengthens the credibility and sustainability of TCIM, contributing significantly to the goals of the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Professional Career and Contributions

Daniel Amado‘s professional trajectory reflects a systematic progression from local implementation to national policy leadership. This journey has allowed him to accumulate a wealth of experience in the operational challenges and strategic opportunities involved in institutionalizing TCIM. His career is distinguished by a consistent focus on public service and the advancement of integrative health for all.

This path has uniquely positioned him to understand the full spectrum of TCIM integration, from the primary care unit to the federal government. Consequently, his insights are both practical and visionary, providing a comprehensive roadmap for other nations.

• 2010 – Present: Coordinator, National Coordination of Integrative and Complementary Practices, Ministry of Health of Brazil. In this capacity, he leads the development, management, and expansion of the PNPIC across Brazil’s vast and diverse territory.
• 2010 – Present: Research Consultant, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) and Ministry of Health. He collaborates with one of Latin America’s foremost public health institutions to generate evidence that supports and refines TCIM policies.
• 2008 – 2011: Coordinator of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, João Pessoa. This early role provided him with critical experience in establishing and managing TCIM services at the municipal level, building the foundation for his national work.
• Early Career: For five years prior to his public service, he worked in private practice as a specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine, gaining direct clinical skills and patient care experience that inform his policy work today.

Academic Foundation of Daniel Amado

The academic background of Daniel Amado is a distinctive blend of conventional health sciences and traditional medical systems. This interdisciplinary training provides him with a holistic viewpoint, enabling him to bridge the gap between different knowledge systems effectively. His education has been a cornerstone of his success in public health administration, allowing him to communicate with and command respect from professionals across various disciplines.

This unique combination of qualifications equips him to address the complexities of integrating diverse medical practices into a unified national health system. His academic journey underscores a commitment to both preventative health and integrative therapeutic approaches.

• Specialist in Public Health: This postgraduate qualification provides him with the expertise in epidemiology, health policy, and management necessary to oversee a national-level public health program.
• Specialist in Acupuncture: His specialization in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine gives him in-depth knowledge of one of the world’s most recognized TCIM systems, ensuring authenticity and quality in policy development.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education: This foundational degree instilled a strong understanding of human physiology, wellness, and preventative health, which aligns perfectly with the health promotion principles of TCIM.

Advancing Evidence-Based TCIM Policy

A central pillar of Daniel Amado‘s work is his unwavering commitment to building a robust evidence base for TCIM. He actively coordinates projects that develop evidence gap maps and rapid reviews for the Brazilian Ministry of Health. These tools are essential for identifying research priorities and making informed decisions about which TCIM practices to incorporate and scale within the public health system, directly supporting the principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

His collaboration with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) is particularly significant. This partnership ensures that the research informing national policy is of the highest scientific caliber. Beyond research, Daniel Amado plays a key role in knowledge dissemination and professional education. He is a contributing writer for the official Primary Health Care Books published by the Ministry of Health.

These publications are vital educational resources for healthcare professionals working in the SUS. They provide guidance on a wide range of TCIM modalities, including Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anthroposophical Medicine, Medicinal Plants, and Thermalism. Consequently, his work contributes directly to the Thematic Axis on “TCIM Education and Training,” building capacity and ensuring standardized, high-quality care across the country.

Leadership in National Health Strategy

The primary contribution of Daniel Amado to governance in the health sector is his leadership role within the Brazilian Ministry of Health. As the head of the National Coordination of Integrative and Complementary Practices, he effectively chairs the central steering committee responsible for the strategic direction of TCIM in Brazil. This position involves continuous collaboration with state and municipal health secretaries, academic institutions, and professional councils.

His role is instrumental in fostering a cohesive national strategy, ensuring that policies are implemented consistently and effectively across a country of continental dimensions. Through this work, he actively promotes dialogue and builds consensus among diverse stakeholders.

• National Policy Steering: He directs the technical teams responsible for creating guidelines, monitoring outcomes, and planning the future expansion of the PNPIC, ensuring its alignment with broader public health goals.
• Inter-institutional Collaboration: He facilitates partnerships between the Ministry of Health and key research bodies like FIOCRUZ, guaranteeing that policy is continually informed by the latest scientific evidence.
• Scientific and Editorial Contribution: His participation in writing the Primary Health Care Books places him on a de facto national editorial committee, shaping the educational content that trains the next generation of healthcare professionals in the SUS.
• International Representation: In his capacity, he often represents Brazil in international forums, sharing the nation’s successful experience and contributing to global discussions, including those related to the WHO’s Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Connect with Daniel Amado

To further explore the work of Daniel Amado and Brazil’s groundbreaking National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices, you can consult his professional profile and official government resources. These links offer additional information on his contributions to public health and the evolution of TCIM within the Unified Health System (SUS).

LinkedIn Profile: Connect with Daniel Amado on LinkedIn

Official Policy Information (Brazil): Learn about the National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC)