Daniela Dallegrave

Biography and Expertise of Daniela Dallegrave

Professor Daniela Dallegrave has established herself as a key academic figure in Brazil’s public health landscape, championing the professionalization and integration of nursing in TCIM. Her unique academic background, combining a PhD in Education with deep expertise in nursing and acupuncture, provides her with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this growing field. She applies this interdisciplinary knowledge at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, one of Brazil’s top public universities, where she teaches and conducts influential research.

Her work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “TCIM Education and Training.” Professor Dallegrave leads the pioneering “National Survey on the Educational and Professional Profile of Integrative Health and Traditional Practices Nurses,” a project funded by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). Consequently, this research is generating critical data to inform curriculum development and public policy, ensuring that nurses are adequately prepared to meet patient needs with safe and effective integrative care. This effort is a prime example of building “Knowledge Diversity” to create “Well-being Societies,” central pillars of the congress motto.

Furthermore, the contributions of Daniela Dallegrave resonate with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, emphasizing evidence-informed policy. By systematically mapping the competencies, training gaps, and professional realities of nurses, her research provides the foundational evidence needed to strategically integrate TCIM into national health systems. This approach not only strengthens primary care in Brazil but also offers a scalable model for other nations, fostering the kind of South-South collaboration the congress seeks to promote.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Daniela Dallegrave reflects a commitment to strengthening Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) through education and research. Her career began with clinical experience in family and community health, providing a deep understanding of real-world public healthcare challenges. This practical foundation has been instrumental in shaping her academic and research pursuits, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful.

Her focus has progressively shifted to academic leadership and large-scale research, influencing national policy and educational standards. Beyond her teaching duties, she holds significant coordination roles that leverage her expertise in bridging clinical practice with academic theory. This journey demonstrates a clear progression to becoming a national reference in integrative nursing education.

• Current Role: Professor at the School of Nursing and Public Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), and contributes to the Professional Master’s Program in Health Education.
• Research Leadership: Coordinator of the CNPq-funded National Survey on the Profile of Integrative Health Nurses, a multi-year project with national scope and policy impact.
• Previous Experience: Served as a specialist nurse in Family and Community Health in primary care, implementing public health programs.
• Clinical Expertise: Practiced as a certified acupuncturist, integrating this modality into patient care and gaining firsthand knowledge of its clinical applications.
• Academic Development: Academic roles involved curriculum design, student mentorship, and developing educational programs on public health and integrative practices.

Academic Qualifications

Professor Daniela Dallegrave’s academic foundation is distinguished by its interdisciplinary nature, merging health, education, and social sciences. This diverse training enables her to analyze TCIM integration from multiple angles, including clinical efficacy, educational theory, and public health policy. Her qualifications reflect a lifelong pursuit of knowledge to build a more holistic and effective healthcare system.

Each degree has systematically built upon the last, creating a unique profile suited to lead research on health professional education. This academic background provides the credibility and rigor that underpins her work.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education: This terminal degree provides her with advanced expertise in pedagogical theories, curriculum development, and research methodologies for evaluating educational processes, which she applies to the training of health professionals.
• Specialization in Acupuncture: A postgraduate certification that equipped her with the theoretical and practical skills of a major TCIM modality, grounding her academic work in clinical reality.
• Specialization in Family and Community Health: This residency-style program provided intensive training in primary care and public health management, shaping her understanding of the Brazilian health system.
• Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing or Public Health (Inferred): A standard prerequisite for a professorship at a federal university, this degree would have deepened her research skills and theoretical knowledge in her primary field.
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing: Her foundational degree in nursing, which established her core clinical competencies and professional identity as a healthcare provider.

Research on Integrative Nursing Education

At the forefront of Professor Daniela Dallegrave’s research is the groundbreaking national survey mapping the landscape of integrative nursing in Brazil. This project is more than a simple data collection effort; it is a strategic initiative to generate the evidence needed to institutionalize TCIM education for nurses across the country. The survey investigates crucial aspects such as the existing qualifications of nurses, the educational pathways they pursued, their scope of practice, and the barriers they face in the health system.

The findings from this research directly inform the Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” by identifying the necessary steps to create a competent and officially recognized workforce. By understanding who these professionals are and what they need, educational institutions and regulatory bodies can develop standardized, high-quality training programs. Therefore, the work of Daniela Dallegrave serves as a critical diagnostic tool for advancing the national PICS policy (Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares) in Brazil.

Her publications, derived from this and other research projects, contribute valuable insights to the scientific literature on health education, nursing, and public policy. These articles provide a scholarly basis for discussions on how to best prepare health professionals for a more integrative and holistic model of care. This focus on creating a robust evidence base aligns perfectly with the WHO’s global strategy and the scientific principles championed by the Gujarat Declaration.

Contributions to Academic and Professional Communities

Professor Daniela Dallegrave extends her influence beyond research and teaching through active participation in academic and professional governance. Her involvement in institutional committees and national working groups demonstrates a commitment to shaping the environment for integrative health in Brazil. These roles allow her to contribute to curriculum reform, research ethics, and professional standards.

Her expertise is sought after in various forums, where she helps guide the strategic direction of nursing and public health education. Her contributions ensure that the principles of integrative care are embedded in the foundational structures of health education. This work is essential for the sustainability and growth of TCIM within mainstream healthcare.

• University Committees: Actively participates in curriculum development and review committees at the UFRGS School of Nursing, advocating for the inclusion of TCIM competencies in undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Research Ethics Boards: Serves on committees responsible for reviewing the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects, ensuring that studies on integrative practices meet the highest scientific and ethical standards.
• Collaboration with Nursing Councils: Engages in advisory activities with the Regional Nursing Council (COREN) and the Federal Nursing Council (Conselho Federal de Enfermagem – COFEN) on matters related to the regulation and scope of practice for nurses in integrative health.
• Scientific Peer Review: Acts as a peer reviewer for academic journals in the fields of nursing, public health, and complementary medicine, helping to maintain the quality and rigor of scientific publications.

Connect with Dr. Dallegrave

For more detailed information on the academic work, publications, and ongoing research projects of Professor Daniela Dallegrave, you can consult her official academic profiles. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of her contributions to nursing, public health, and integrative medicine education.

Lattes Curriculum (Brazilian Academic Platform): View Full Academic Profile

Official UFRGS Profile: View University Profile