Edna Marina de Souza

Biography and Expertise of Edna Marina de Souza

Dr. Edna Marina de Souza represents a new generation of scientists dedicated to building rigorous, evidence-based bridges between distinct fields of knowledge. Her career is a compelling narrative of how deep expertise in a highly technical field like medical physics can be applied to investigate and validate integrative health therapies. Based at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, her work embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity,” demonstrating that innovation often arises from the thoughtful combination of different perspectives.

Her expertise is particularly significant for the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Dr. Souza works directly within the Clinical Hospital of UNICAMP, a major public university hospital, striving to introduce scientifically validated integrative techniques to patients of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Therefore, her efforts provide a practical model for how TCIM can be incorporated into large-scale public healthcare, aligning perfectly with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

Beyond her institutional work, the research of Edna Marina de Souza into anthroposophic therapies using advanced imaging techniques directly supports the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for the application of science and technology to advance traditional medicine. Her unique approach seeks to provide objective, measurable data on the effects of these therapies, strengthening the scientific foundation for their use in clinical practice.

A Career Bridging Technology and Integrative Health

Dr. Edna Marina de Souza‘s 17-year career is dedicated to applying physics and engineering to improve healthcare. Her multifaceted work combines clinical practice, teaching, and research, evolving from technical mastery in medical imaging to a holistic vision of patient care that includes integrative therapies.

She is a key figure at UNICAMP, contributing to clinical services, professional training, and research. Her roles reflect a commitment to quality, education, and the responsible integration of new health approaches.

• Medical Physicist, Biomedical Engineering Center (CEB) at UNICAMP: Applies her expertise to the development and quality assurance of medical imaging devices and clinical protocols, ensuring the safety and efficacy of diagnostic technologies.
• Researcher in Integrative Therapies, Neurodiagnosis and Neurotherapy Clinic: Designs and conducts studies on the mechanisms and outcomes of integrative therapies, often using the imaging tools she helps refine.
• Professor, Medical and Multiprofessional Residence at Campinas Medical School (UNICAMP): Trains the next generation of healthcare professionals, having mentored over 400 individuals. She imparts critical knowledge on medical imaging and fosters an evidence-based approach to patient care.
• Researcher, Cancer Theranostics Innovation Center (CancerThera), UNICAMP: Contributes to a cutting-edge center seeking innovative solutions for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Supervisor, Nuclear Medicine Service at the Clinical Hospital of UNICAMP: Oversees quality assurance and operational excellence for advanced molecular imaging services, managing over 150 scanners to ensure high standards of clinical performance.

Academic Foundation in Science and Engineering

The academic background of Dr. Edna Marina de Souza was forged entirely at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), a renowned center of excellence in science and technology in Latin America. Her rigorous training provided her with the deep analytical and technical skills necessary to excel in the demanding field of medical physics and biomedical engineering. This solid foundation is now the platform from which she explores new frontiers in integrative medicine.

Her educational progression shows a logical path, with each degree building upon the last to create a comprehensive and specialized skill set. This focused academic journey has enabled her to make unique contributions to healthcare.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Engineering, UNICAMP, Brazil: Her doctoral research allowed her to delve into complex problems at the intersection of medicine, biology, and engineering. This terminal degree signifies her capacity to conduct independent, original research of the highest caliber, a skill she now applies to studying integrative therapies.
• Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering, UNICAMP, Brazil: During her master’s studies, she deepened her knowledge of developing and applying technological solutions to medical challenges. This degree was a critical step in transitioning from the theoretical principles of physics to the practical applications of biomedical device development and analysis.
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical Physics, UNICAMP, Brazil: Her undergraduate education provided the fundamental principles of physics as they apply to medicine, in radiation, diagnostics, and therapy. This foundational knowledge underpins her entire career in medical imaging and quality assurance.

Pioneering Research in Medical Imaging and TCIM

The research portfolio of Dr. Edna Marina de Souza is exceptionally innovative, as it creates a direct dialogue between two worlds that rarely interact: high-technology medical imaging and holistic integrative therapies. Her work is not just about applying one to the other; it is about creating a new synthesis where advanced diagnostics can be used to understand, validate, and potentially refine TCIM practices. This approach is vital for building the evidence base that health systems and policymakers require.

At the Cancer Theranostics Innovation Center (CancerThera), her work contributes to the development of novel strategies for treating cancer, a critical global health challenge. Simultaneously, her research at the Neurodiagnosis and Neurotherapy Clinic explores non-pharmacological approaches to well-being. This dual focus demonstrates a holistic view of health, addressing both severe pathology and the promotion of wellness. Consequently, her research directly addresses the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis on “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).”

A significant part of her contribution lies in the development of clinical protocols and quality assurance for a wide array of imaging technologies, including radiology, molecular imaging, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). By ensuring the reliability and accuracy of data from over 150 scanners, Edna Marina de Souza establishes a foundation of trust upon which new research, including studies on TCIM, can be built. Her work aims to publish findings that can withstand rigorous scientific scrutiny, thereby advancing the field as a whole.

Leadership in Academic and Clinical Governance

Dr. Edna Marina de Souza significantly contributes to the academic and clinical governance at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). While not holding formal external board titles, her roles at this top Latin American university are equivalent to committee leadership, focusing on setting standards, ensuring quality, and shaping future professional practice.

Her work is integral to maintaining high standards in clinical care and medical education at the Clinical Hospital of UNICAMP and the Campinas Medical School. She influences the institutional integration of new technologies and therapeutic approaches, including evidence-based TCIM.

• Educational Leadership at Campinas Medical School: As a Professor for Medical and Multiprofessional Residence programs, she is crucial to curriculum development and mentorship. Her training of over 400 healthcare professionals helps build capacity and promotes a culture of evidence-based practice and lifelong learning in the Brazilian public health system.
• Clinical Standards and Quality Assurance: As a supervisor and medical physicist, she assured the quality of 150 diagnostic scanners. This technical governance involves establishing and enforcing protocols that ensure patient safety and diagnostic accuracy, a cornerstone of any reputable health institution.
• Contribution to Research Consortia: As a researcher at the Cancer Theranostics Innovation Center (CancerThera), her role is equivalent to a key strategic research committee position. The consortium defines research priorities, and her participation ensures biomedical engineering and physics principles are integrated into cutting-edge cancer research.

Connect with Dr. Souza

For more detailed information on the academic publications, professional background, and ongoing research projects of Dr. Edna Marina de Souza, please consult her official professional and academic profiles. These platforms provide a comprehensive overview of her contributions to biomedical engineering and integrative medicine.

LinkedIn Profile: View Professional Network

Lattes Curriculum (Brazilian Academic Platform): View Academic Profile