Iveth Juliana Jerez Bustos

Biography and Expertise of Iveth Juliana Jerez Bustos

Iveth Juliana Jerez Bustos has developed a professional identity centered on the convergence of conventional, ancestral, and functional medicine. Her clinical philosophy views medicine as an art of accompanying profound healing, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual origins of illness. Therefore, she seeks to promote a state of harmony between the body, mind, and spirit for both individuals and communities.

Her work directly embodies the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” Through her engagement with Nasa indigenous communities and her academic research into their traditional practices, she actively promotes the value of ancestral wisdom in modern healthcare. Furthermore, her experience aligns with the Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” as she has worked on the front lines of primary care, implementing intercultural health models in rural and underserved areas of Colombia. Her efforts demonstrate a tangible pathway for blending traditional knowledge with biomedical frameworks to create more comprehensive and culturally sensitive health services.

Professional Career of Iveth Juliana Jerez Bustos

The professional trajectory of Iveth Juliana Jerez Bustos is marked by a profound commitment to community health and intercultural collaboration. Her experience demonstrates a consistent focus on applying her medical training in settings where the integration of different health paradigms is most needed. She has worked directly with underserved populations, contributing to the development of more inclusive and effective primary care models.

Her roles have involved direct patient care, health education, and community engagement, all informed by a holistic perspective. Consequently, her career showcases a practical application of the principles of integrative medicine in challenging real-world environments.

• Health Professional – Basic Health Teams (EBS), Colombia: As a member of interdisciplinary primary healthcare teams, she provided essential medical services to rural and underserved communities. This role involved conducting home visits and family health assessments. Additionally, she was responsible for health education, promoting self-care practices, and strengthening community networks to improve healthcare access and quality of life.
• Community Work with Indigenous Nasa Communities – Cauca, Colombia: She participated in intercultural health processes that integrated traditional Nasa knowledge with biomedical approaches. This work aimed to promote holistic well-being by placing equal emphasis on spiritual, emotional, and territorial aspects of health, fostering a dialogue between different medical traditions.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Iveth Juliana Jerez Bustos combines rigorous training in conventional medicine with specialized postgraduate studies in alternative and traditional systems. This dual path has provided her with a unique skill set to navigate and integrate diverse medical perspectives. Her education reflects a deliberate choice to expand beyond standard biomedical training and explore holistic and functional approaches to health and healing.

This comprehensive academic background supports her research and clinical work, enabling her to facilitate meaningful dialogue between different knowledge systems. Therefore, her qualifications are central to her capacity to contribute to the field of integrative medicine.

Formal Education

• Master’s Degree Candidate in Alternative Medicine: Currently completing her master’s with an emphasis in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at the National University of Colombia (expected 2025).
• General Physician: Graduated from the Central University of Valle del Cauca (UCEVA), Colombia, in 2016.

Complementary Education

• Diploma in Alternative Medicine: Completed at the Central University of Valle del Cauca (UCEVA).
• Course in Functional Medicine Applied to Clinical Practice: Trained with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
• Training in Integrative and Holistic Medicine.
• Training in Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Health.

Research by Iveth Juliana Jerez Bustos

The research conducted by Iveth Juliana Jerez Bustos focuses on the critical intersection of ancestral knowledge and contemporary health practices, particularly within indigenous communities. Her master’s thesis represents a significant contribution to understanding and preserving traditional medical wisdom. Her work utilizes qualitative methodologies to give voice to traditional healers and explore their practices from a culturally respectful perspective.

This research is vital for creating evidence that supports the integration of traditional practices into formal health systems. Moreover, it highlights the importance of dialogue between traditional medicine and Western biomedicine to improve patient care.

Master’s Thesis Research

• Title: “Experiences and Preconception Care of Nasa Traditional Healers and Midwives from the Indigenous Reservation of Toribío, Cauca, Colombia.”
• Methodology: This qualitative study explored the ancestral wisdom and spiritual practices of the Nasa people related to preconception care. The research documented the unique approaches of traditional healers and midwives.
• Objective: The study aimed to highlight the importance of establishing a respectful and collaborative dialogue between traditional indigenous medicine and Western biomedicine. Consequently, it provides valuable insights for developing culturally appropriate maternal and child health programs.