Georg Seifert
Prof. Dr. med. Georg Seifert is a distinguished German physician and researcher who serves as the Head of Integrative Oncology & Supportive Care within the Department of Pediatric Oncology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. His pioneering work focuses on integrating evidence-based complementary and traditional therapies into conventional cancer treatment for children, improving both clinical outcomes and their quality of life.
As a leading voice in European pediatric integrative medicine, his participation in the 3rd WCTCIM offers critical insights into creating robust, evidence-based healthcare models for vulnerable populations. Consequently, his expertise directly aligns with the congress’s mission to advance global public health through scientifically validated integrative approaches.
ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7109-9277
Biography and Expertise of Georg Seifert
Prof. Dr. med. Georg Seifert is a leading authority in pediatric integrative oncology at Charité, one of Europe’s most prestigious university hospitals. His career focuses on improving the well-being of children with cancer through rigorous evaluation and application of complementary therapies alongside standard medical care. This approach places him at the forefront of patient-centered oncology, extending focus beyond survival to encompass holistic quality of life for young patients and their families.
His expertise directly informs key themes of the 3rd WCTCIM. His work is a powerful example of the thematic axis, “TCIM Across the Lifespan,” demonstrating how integrative medicine can be tailored to the unique physiological and psychological needs of pediatric patients. By embedding these practices within a major academic hospital, his efforts exemplify “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” providing a scalable model. The research portfolio of Georg Seifert also supports “Knowledge Diversity,” showing how different medical traditions can be scientifically investigated to create a more comprehensive and effective healthcare paradigm.
Beyond his clinical innovation, he is a key figure in fostering international collaboration. His leadership in EU-funded projects on pediatric TCIM resonates with the congress’s spirit of South-South collaboration, showcasing how structured, multi-national research networks accelerate high-quality evidence generation. This commitment to scientific validation aligns with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which champions an evidence-based approach to integrating traditional medicine into global health.
Professional Career
Prof. Dr. med. Georg Seifert‘s career at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin shows deep commitment, cultivating expertise and building a comprehensive program for integrative pediatric oncology. His path progressed from clinical practice to leadership, combining patient care, research, and strategic development.
His work positioned Charité as Europe’s center of excellence for pediatric integrative medicine. His influence shapes physicians and contributes to the global evidence base for clinical practice.
- Head of Integrative Oncology & Supportive Care: Within Charité’s Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department, he leads a working group. This involves designing clinical protocols, overseeing research, and providing expert consultation on complementary therapies for pediatric cancer patients.
- EU Project Coordinator: He coordinates significant EU-funded projects, like the ITC-IM network. This role involves managing international research, harmonizing data across countries, and developing tools for advancing patient-reported outcomes in integrative medicine.
- Founding Board Member, ESIM: As a founding board member of the European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM), he has been pivotal in shaping the field’s direction continent-wide. This involves setting standards for research, education, and clinical practice to ensure safe, effective TCIM integration into mainstream healthcare.
Academic Qualifications
The academic foundation of Prof. Dr. med. Georg Seifert was forged within Germany’s rigorous medical education system, providing him with the scientific discipline that underpins his innovative work in integrative medicine. His training at the Freie Universität Berlin, which later integrated with Humboldt University to form the modern Charité, equipped him with a profound understanding of conventional medicine, which he uses as a solid base for exploring and validating complementary approaches.
This dual mastery of conventional and integrative principles allows him to communicate effectively with colleagues across medical disciplines and build the necessary bridges for true healthcare integration. His academic credentials are a testament to a career dedicated to both clinical excellence and scholarly contribution.
- Professor (Prof.): This title, conferred by the university, recognizes his significant and sustained contributions to medical research and teaching. It acknowledges his role as a senior academic figure who guides research, mentors junior faculty, and helps shape the medical curriculum.
- Doctor of Medicine (Dr. med.): He earned his medical doctorate in 1998, a research-intensive degree in the German system that signifies a deep engagement with scientific inquiry early in one’s career. This qualification laid the groundwork for his subsequent leadership in clinical trials and academic publications.
- Medical Degree: He completed his medical studies at the prestigious Freie Universität Berlin, one of Germany’s leading universities, successfully passing the state examinations to become a licensed physician in 1998.
Research and Publications
Prof. Dr. med. Georg Seifert‘s research, comprising over 150 peer-reviewed articles, significantly contributes to pediatric integrative medicine. His work focuses on practical clinical questions, evaluating complementary therapies’ safety and efficacy, and understanding young patients’ supportive care needs, crucial for mainstreaming TCIM in pediatric oncology.
His publications offer clinicians evidence-based information for decision-making, directly supporting the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy by generating high-quality data for policy and guideline development.
Key Research Areas and Contributions
- Systematic Evaluation of Therapies: His work includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses. His 2021 publication on medical cannabis in children, for example, offers a comprehensive evidence overview, guiding clinical practice in a controversial area.
- Patient-Centered Outcomes: Prof. Dr. Seifert emphasizes quality of life and patient-reported outcomes. His longitudinal study on young cancer patients identified key supportive care needs, reflecting a holistic, patient-centered care model.
- Investigation of Diverse TCIM Systems: His research spans various modalities. His 2022 observational study on anthroposophic medicine for pediatric infections evaluates established TCIM systems scientifically, contributing to “Knowledge Diversity” (3rd WCTCIM).
- Building Research Infrastructure: As ITC-IM network coordinator, Georg Seifert develops a standardized electronic system for patient data in integrative pediatrics. This work is essential for large, multi-center clinical trials and strengthening the field’s evidence base.
Board and Committee Activities
Prof. Dr. med. Georg Seifert demonstrates his commitment to advancing integrative medicine not only through his clinical and research work but also through active leadership in key professional organizations. His involvement at a strategic level helps to foster collaboration, establish high standards of practice, and advocate for the inclusion of integrative approaches in healthcare policy across Europe. This work is essential for the long-term professionalization and sustainability of the field.
His most significant contribution in this area is his role as a founding member of the European Society of Integrative Medicine (ESIM). This position places him among the original architects of one of the continent’s most important bodies dedicated to TCIM.
- Founding Board Member of the European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM): As a founding board member, Georg Seifert helped shape the mission and vision of ESIM from its inception. The organization is dedicated to promoting excellence in integrative medicine through research, education, and clinical practice. His leadership has been instrumental in building a collaborative European network of clinicians, researchers, and policymakers committed to advancing evidence-based, patient-centered healthcare. ESIM plays a crucial role in harmonizing standards and fostering dialogue, and his foundational involvement underscores his status as a key leader in the international integrative medicine community.
Connect with Prof. Dr. Seifert
For a deeper understanding of the work and contributions of Prof. Dr. med. Georg Seifert, several professional online resources are available. These profiles provide detailed information about his academic publications, his role at Charité, and his leadership in European research networks and societies.
These links offer direct access to his scientific output and institutional affiliations, providing valuable context for his participation in the 3rd WCTCIM.
Official Charité Profile: View institutional profile at Charité
European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM): View his profile as a Founding Board Member
ITC-IM Network Coordinator Profile: Learn about his role in the EU-funded research network