Itana Scher
Itana Scher is a Pharmacist with a Master’s degree in Professional Health Education from the Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health at the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz). Her work centers on the intersection of pharmaceutical sciences and traditional knowledge, with a specific focus on Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacy, and Ethnobotany.
Her experience directly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s mission to promote “Knowledge Diversity.” Consequently, her contributions are valuable for discussions on integrating traditional and popular health practices into broader public health frameworks, reflecting the core principles of the congress and its commitment to recognizing diverse healing modalities.
Biography and Expertise of Itana Scher
Itana Scher has built her career at the vital intersection of formal pharmaceutical science and traditional plant-based medicine. Her background as a pharmacist, combined with a master’s degree in health education, provides her with a unique perspective on validating and disseminating traditional health knowledge. Representing Fiocruz, a prominent public health institution in Brazil, she contributes to research and educational initiatives that bridge scientific understanding with community-based health practices.
Her expertise is concentrated in several key areas. These include Pharmacognosy, the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources, and Ethnobotany, which examines the relationship between people and plants. Furthermore, her focus on Ethnopharmacy involves the scientific study of traditional medicines. This work aligns directly with the WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Diversity of TCIM Modalities,” by exploring codified traditional knowledge and indigenous practices. Additionally, her work in Popular Health Education relates to the axis “TCIM Education and Training,” as it focuses on developing accessible health competencies within communities.
Professional Focus of Itana Scher in Pharmacy and Health Education
The professional career of Itana Scher is characterized by her dedicated work in the field of Pharmacy, with a significant emphasis on disciplines that connect scientific research with cultural and traditional health systems. Her experience is rooted in her roles at the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), where she applies her knowledge to projects involving traditional and complementary health practices. Her work serves as a practical application of the congress’s goal to integrate TCIM into health systems.
Her professional activities are focused on the areas of Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacy, and Ethnobotany. In these capacities, her work involves the scientific investigation of medicinal plants and the documentation of their traditional uses. Moreover, Itana Scher is involved in Popular Health Education, developing and implementing educational strategies that empower communities with knowledge about health, self-care, and the safe use of natural resources, which is a key component of sustainable public health.
Academic Qualifications of Itana Scher
The academic foundation of Itana Scher combines rigorous scientific training in pharmacy with specialized education in health pedagogy. This interdisciplinary preparation equips her to navigate the complexities of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) from both a clinical and an educational standpoint. Her qualifications underscore a commitment to building bridges between formal healthcare systems and community-based knowledge.
Her academic achievements provide the basis for her expertise and contributions to the field. This unique blend of skills is essential for translating scientific findings into practical, culturally sensitive health education programs.
- Master in Professional Health Education: Completed at the Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health – Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), this degree provided her with advanced skills in designing and implementing health education strategies for diverse populations.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy: Graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Federal University of Bahia, this degree established her foundational expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, drug action, and research methodologies.
Research Focus in Ethnopharmacy and Popular Health Education
The research interests of Itana Scher are centered on the documentation, scientific validation, and educational application of traditional knowledge, particularly from Brazilian biodiversity. Her work in Ethnopharmacy and Ethnobotany contributes directly to the preservation of cultural heritage and the exploration of new therapeutic possibilities derived from natural sources. This focus is consistent with the Gujarat Declaration’s call for evidence-based research in traditional medicine.
Through her work, Itana Scher helps to build a stronger scientific foundation for the use of medicinal plants and other traditional practices. Furthermore, her expertise in Popular Health Education informs research on how to effectively communicate this knowledge to communities and health professionals. This ensures that traditional practices are integrated safely and effectively, contributing to the congress motto of fostering “Well-being Societies” through the appreciation of “Knowledge Diversity.”