Iracema Benevides

Biography and Expertise of Iracema Benevides

Dr. Iracema Benevides has established a remarkable career at the intersection of clinical medicine, public health policy, and the institutionalization of integrative medicine. Her journey began with a strong foundation in conventional medicine as a general surgeon and family health doctor, which provided her with firsthand experience of the challenges within public health systems. This practical understanding fueled her passion for exploring more holistic and patient-centered models of care, leading her to specialize in anthroposophic medicine, homeopathy, and medical nutrition.

Her expertise directly addresses the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Dr. Benevides was instrumental in the development and implementation of Brazil’s groundbreaking National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices during her tenure as a consultant at the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Therefore, her work serves as a powerful case study in South-South collaboration, offering valuable lessons for nations seeking to integrate TCIM into their own public health frameworks. Her deep involvement with both national policy and international organizations like IVAA and RedePICS Brazil showcases a profound commitment to fostering “Knowledge Diversity,” a core pillar of the congress motto.

Beyond policy, the work of Iracema Benevides consistently champions an evidence-based approach, aligning with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. Her focus on research, teaching, and multi-stakeholder collaboration through organizations like the TCHI Collaboration and RedePICS Brazil underscores her dedication to building a solid scientific foundation for integrative practices. This ensures that the expansion of TCIM is not only inclusive but also safe, effective, and sustainable for future generations.

Professional Career

Dr. Iracema Benevides‘s career seamlessly transitioned from direct clinical care to high-level national and international health policy, showing a consistent commitment to strengthening public health through integrating diverse medical systems. Starting in primary care and surgery, she gained deep insight into patient needs and systemic gaps, informing her impactful policy and advocacy work.

Each role expanded her influence from local health services to shaping national policies and fostering global networks. Her career serves as a model for leveraging clinical expertise to drive systemic change and promote more holistic and equitable healthcare solutions.

• Current: Vice-President, International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA), guiding global strategy for anthroposophic medicine.
• Current: Board Member, RedePICS Brazil, a national network for research and practice in integrative health.
• Current: Executive Medical Director, Instituto Clínico e Terapêutico Ártemis, leading a clinical and therapeutic center.
• 2014 – 2020: President, Brazilian Association of Anthroposophic Medicine, leading the organization for six years.
• 2010 – 2020: Lecturer, Faculdade da Saúde e Ecologia Humana and Pontifícia Universidade Católica in Belo Horizonte, educating medical professionals.
• 2004 – 2010: Consultant, Technical Assistant, Project Coordinator, Brazilian Ministry of Health, contributing to the National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices.
• 1996 – 2003: General Surgeon and Family Health Doctor in Public Health, providing essential community medical care.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Iracema Benevides‘ academic foundation is exceptionally diverse, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to health and wellness. Her education uniquely combines conventional medical training with specialized knowledge in integrative disciplines and international health management. This background enables her to navigate complex discussions involving clinical efficacy, economic viability, and public policy with equal proficiency.

This blend of qualifications is rare, positioning her as a credible and effective bridge between medical paradigms. Her academic credentials are a testament to her lifelong commitment to building a more integrated and holistic healthcare future.

• Master in International Health Care Management, Economics and Politics: Provided high-level skills to analyze and shape global health systems.
• Specialization in Public Health: Underpins extensive policy development and focus on community/population health interventions.
• Specialization in Anthroposophic Medicine: Formal training in holistic, whole-person medicine, informing her integrative work.
• Specialization in Homeopathy: Expertise in another major complementary medicine system, widely used in Brazil and globally.
• Specialization in Medical Nutrition: A crucial qualification emphasizing the foundational role of diet and nutrition in preventing and managing chronic diseases.
• Specialization in General Surgery: Foundational training in conventional medicine, providing strong clinical and diagnostic skills.
• Medical Doctor (MD): Her primary medical qualification, forming the base of her extensive career in healthcare.

Policy Development and Institutional Impact

Dr. Iracema Benevides’s most significant research contribution is in the realm of applied health policy, where she has been instrumental in creating the institutional frameworks necessary for the advancement of TCIM. During her pivotal role at the Brazilian Ministry of Health, she was a key figure in the team that developed, implemented, and monitored Brazil’s landmark National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC). This initiative represents one of the world’s most ambitious efforts to institutionalize TCIM within a public health system, making these practices available to millions of citizens through the Unified Health System (SUS).

Her work in “Monitoring and Evaluation” for the Primary Health Care Strategy was critical in this process. It involved rigorous data collection and analysis to measure the impact of integrative practices, providing the evidence base required to justify the policy’s expansion and sustainability. This aligns directly with the Gujarat Declaration’s emphasis on science and evidence. Therefore, her research is not confined to academic journals but is reflected in the tangible, large-scale implementation of public health policy.

Furthermore, as a lecturer at two medical schools for a decade, Iracema Benevides has played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and training a new generation of health professionals to be open to and knowledgeable about integrative approaches. This educational contribution is vital for the long-term cultural and institutional acceptance of TCIM in Brazil and beyond, directly supporting the congress’s Thematic Axis on TCIM Education and Training.

Leadership and Global Collaboration

Dr. Iracema Benevides shapes the global and national landscape of integrative medicine through leadership roles in influential organizations. These positions are active platforms for policy advocacy, international collaboration, and the promotion of rigorous standards for practice and training, demonstrating her commitment to building the institutional architecture for TCIM to flourish globally.

Through extensive board and committee work, she bridges the gap between grassroots health initiatives and international policy bodies (WHO, PAHO). Her leadership translates WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy principles into actionable policies and programs, particularly in the Americas.

• International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA): As Vice-President, she leads a global organization representing and advocating for anthroposophic medicine in over 35 countries.
• RedePICS Brazil: As a Board Member of this national research network, she generates evidence and promotes integrative practices within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).
• TCHI Collaboration: She advocates for TCIM at the highest levels through the Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare collaboration, including interactions with the WHO.
• Brazilian Association of Anthroposophic Medicine: As past President, she led the primary organization for anthroposophic medicine in Brazil, demonstrating national leadership for six years.
• Collaboration with PAHO and UNICEF: She consults for PAHO and collaborates with UNICEF, applying her expertise to public health challenges in the Americas.

Connect with Dr. Benevides

To further explore the work and professional contributions of Dr. Iracema Benevides, you can access her detailed academic and professional profiles through the links below. These resources offer comprehensive information on her publications, career history, and ongoing activities in the field of public and integrative health.

LinkedIn Profile: Connect with Iracema Benevides on LinkedIn

Lattes Curriculum: View Full Academic CV (in Portuguese)

IVAA Profile: Learn about the International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations