Hildebrando Sábato

Biography and Expertise of Hildebrando Sábato

Dr. Hildebrando Sábato stands as a preeminent authority in Brazilian integrative medicine, recognized as one of the pioneers who championed the establishment of acupuncture as a formal medical specialty. His professional journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary medical science, particularly in the challenging domain of pain management. This dual focus has positioned him at the forefront of efforts to build credible, evidence-based frameworks for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in Latin America.

His work aligns seamlessly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s core objectives, especially the Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” For decades, Dr. Sábato has navigated the complex institutional landscape of Brazilian medicine to secure a recognized place for acupuncture. Beyond that, his commitment to scientific validation, demonstrated by his coordination of an evidence map on acupuncture’s effectiveness, directly supports the congress’s emphasis on “Evidence-Based Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health.” This initiative reflects the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for robust scientific backing to guide the integration of traditional practices.

Therefore, the career of Hildebrando Sábato not only embodies the motto of “Knowledge Diversity” but also provides a practical roadmap for implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy. His leadership in Brazil serves as a powerful case study in South-South collaboration, offering valuable lessons for other nations seeking to formalize and scale TCIM within their own public health systems.

Professional Career

The career of Dr. Hildebrando Sábato reflects his dedication to establishing medical acupuncture in Brazil. Starting his studies in 1989, he became a foundational leader, co-founding key medical societies and creating educational programs for hundreds of physicians. His work shows a strategic vision for transforming the therapy into a respected and regulated medical specialty.

His extensive leadership roles, including multiple presidencies of national and regional colleges, show the trust of his peers. These positions enabled him to advocate for professional standards, fair remuneration, and the inclusion of acupuncture in mainstream healthcare. Consequently, his work has had a lasting structural impact on Brazilian medicine.

• 1996 – Present: Founding Partner and Director of the Brazilian Medical Institute of Acupuncture (IMBA), a clinic for acupuncture, pain medicine, research, and education.
• 2010 – Present: Member of the Technical Chamber of Acupuncture at the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), helping shape national regulation.
• 1998 – Present: Coordinator of the Specialization Course in Acupuncture, initially with SMBA and later with IMBA, now overseeing the 17th cohort.
• 1995: Co-founder of the Medical Society of Acupuncture of Minas Gerais (SOMA/MG), serving six terms as its president (1996–2008).
• 2007 – 2010: Served two terms as President of the Brazilian Medical Society of Acupuncture (SMBA).
• 2011 – 2014: President of the Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture (CMBA), the specialty’s leading national body.
• 2009 – 2023: Five-term President of the Acupuncture Medical College of Minas Gerais (CMA/MG).

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Hildebrando Sábato‘s academic foundation skillfully combines rigorous conventional medical training with deep, specialized education in traditional practices. This blend of disciplines has been instrumental to his success, providing him with the credibility to engage with the established medical community and the profound knowledge to advance acupuncture with authenticity and precision. His educational journey began with a strong base in science and medicine, which he later enriched with international training.

This commitment to lifelong learning, including master’s level studies and advanced training in China, underscores his dedication to both the scientific and traditional roots of his practice. This comprehensive background enabled him to develop robust educational curricula for other physicians, ensuring that the next generation of practitioners is equally well-grounded.

• 2005: Awarded a diploma from the Advanced Course in Acupuncture at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, affiliated with the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in Beijing, China.
• 1989: Began studies in Acupuncture, concurrently with pursuing a master’s degree in Nutritional Physiology at the Institute of Biological Sciences of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).
• 1987: Graduated from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais with a degree in Medicine.
• Specialty Titles: Holds the official title of Specialist in Acupuncture, recognized by the Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture (CMBA) and the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB), as well as a specialty title in the Area of Practice in Pain.

Evidence Mapping and Scientific Contributions

A cornerstone of Dr. Hildebrando Sábato‘s contribution to integrative medicine is his leadership in promoting evidence-based practice. He understands that for acupuncture to be fully integrated into public health systems, it must be supported by a robust body of scientific evidence that is accessible and understandable to clinicians, policymakers, and patients. His work in this area is a direct response to the global call for more rigorous research in traditional medicine.

His most significant initiative in this domain is his role as the coordinator of the Evidence Map of the Clinical Effectiveness of Acupuncture. First developed in 2019 and currently undergoing an update for 2025, this project systematically synthesizes high-quality research on acupuncture for various health conditions. Evidence maps are powerful tools that provide a visual overview of the state of research, identifying both areas where acupuncture is well-supported by evidence and gaps where more research is needed.

Therefore, this project led by Dr. Hildebrando Sábato is a vital contribution to the field. It provides Brazilian healthcare professionals with a reliable resource for clinical decision-making and supports advocacy efforts for the inclusion of acupuncture in public health services. This work exemplifies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration and strengthens the scientific foundation necessary for the successful implementation of the WHO’s global strategy on traditional medicine.

Connect with Dr. Sábato

To learn more about the work of Dr. Hildebrando Sábato and the Brazilian Medical Institute of Acupuncture (IMBA), which he directs, you can visit the official website. You can also connect with him through his professional profile on LinkedIn to follow his activities and contributions to the field of integrative medicine.

Official Institute Website: Instituto Médico Brasileiro de Acupuntura – IMBA

LinkedIn Profile: Connect with Hildebrando Sábato on LinkedIn