Kieran Cooley

Biography and Expertise of Kieran Cooley

Kieran Cooley is a researcher dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of naturopathic and integrative medicine. As the Director of Research at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, he oversees initiatives that investigate the efficacy, safety, and application of complex health interventions. His work addresses the need for rigorous scientific evaluation of traditional and complementary practices, a central theme of the 3rd WCTCIM.

His expertise directly supports the Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Cooley’s focus on evidence synthesis, including meta-analyses, and the application of evidence-based medicine principles helps translate research findings into credible clinical guidance. Furthermore, his research into “whole-practice, multi-modal interventions” is crucial for the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” as it examines how these complex approaches function in realistic healthcare settings to manage chronic diseases.

Additionally, the work of Kieran Cooley in educating future health professionals at the University of Toronto contributes to the “TCIM Education and Training” axis. By teaching undergraduate students about integrative medicine, he helps build a foundation of knowledge and critical thinking necessary for the next generation of healthcare providers. This educational role is vital for fostering interprofessional understanding and collaboration in patient care.

Professional Career of Kieran Cooley

The professional career of Kieran Cooley is characterized by leadership in research and education within naturopathic and integrative medicine. His primary role is steering the research agenda at one of Canada’s leading institutions for naturopathic medicine, while his academic appointments at other universities broaden his impact. These roles allow him to build research capacity, disseminate knowledge, and advance the field.

His career path reflects a commitment to bridging complementary medicine and mainstream academia. His work has secured competitive research funding and established important research precedents in Canada.

• Director of Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine: In this position, he oversees research conduct and capacity at the institution, guiding research strategy, managing projects, and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry.
• Instructor, University of Toronto: He teaches a key undergraduate course on Integrative Medicine, introducing future health professionals to the principles and evidence behind integrative care.
• Adjunct Research Faculty, Southern Cross University: This appointment facilitates international research collaborations and reflects his global academic standing in traditional and complementary medicine.
• Principal Investigator: He served as the principal investigator on his institution’s first catalyst grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), a significant achievement validating his research vision.
• Investigator: Dr. Cooley was an investigator on the first Canadian whole-practice evaluation of naturopathic medicine for low back pain, a landmark study for the profession.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Kieran Cooley‘s qualifications are centered on his expertise in naturopathic medicine and his extensive experience in academic research and education. His professional designation as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND, non-clinical) provides the foundational knowledge for his research, which focuses on the principles and practices of the profession. His career is distinguished by appointments at multiple respected academic institutions, underscoring his role as a research leader and educator.

These academic affiliations are a core component of his professional identity, enabling him to conduct research, secure funding, and teach within established university frameworks. Therefore, his qualifications are demonstrated not only by his professional designation but also by his active and ongoing contributions to the academic field of integrative medicine.

• Professional Designation: Holds the designation of Naturopathic Doctor (ND, non-clinical), indicating his training in the field of naturopathic medicine.
• Academic Appointments: Serves as Director of Research at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, an Instructor at the University of Toronto, and Adjunct Research Faculty at Southern Cross University, which collectively represent his academic credentials and areas of influence.
• Research Fellowship: Was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Australian Research Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), a prestigious position that supported his development as an international research leader.

Kieran Cooley’s Research Focus and Methodologies

Kieran Cooley’s research program is multifaceted, addressing critical questions in integrative medicine with various scientific methods. His focus is on methodologies for complex or holistic health approaches, characteristic of naturopathic medicine. This involves evaluating whole-practice, multi-modal interventions over single treatments for a realistic assessment of their effectiveness in managing chronic diseases.

His work has attracted competitive funding from governmental and non-governmental sources. Securing grants from organizations like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) indicates the scientific merit and relevance of his research.

Methodological Expertise

Kieran Cooley has a broad skill set in diverse research methodologies, enabling him to select the best approach for each question.

• Synthesis Research: He is experienced in synthesis research, including meta-analysis, which statistically combines data from multiple studies for a more robust conclusion.
• Clinical Trials: His expertise covers various clinical trial designs, from pilot studies to pragmatic and effectiveness trials that assess interventions in ideal and real-world conditions.
• Observational Research: He uses observational methods, including Delphi consensus, health services research, and qualitative inquiry to explore perspectives and patterns in healthcare.
• Community-Based Participatory Research: This approach involves collaborating with community members to ensure the research is relevant and addresses their health needs.

Professional Affiliations and Leadership

Kieran Cooley extends his influence in the field through active participation in national and international research organizations. These leadership roles and memberships demonstrate his commitment to fostering collaboration, building research capacity, and promoting high standards of evidence in integrative medicine. His involvement helps shape the direction of research and policy on a broader scale.

Through these activities, he collaborates with other researchers and stakeholders to advance the profession’s scientific foundation. Consequently, his contributions support the global development of naturopathic and integrative medicine.

• World Naturopathic Federation (WNF): He is an active member of the WNF’s Research Working group, contributing to global initiatives aimed at promoting and coordinating naturopathic research worldwide.
• Canadian Interdisciplinary Network of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Researchers (INCAM): As a past Chair of INCAM, he played a key leadership role in a national network that connects researchers from various disciplines to strengthen complementary medicine research in Canada.
• Australian Research Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM): He was a Visiting Research Fellow at ARCCIM, University of Technology, Sydney. This position was part of the International Naturopathy Research Leadership and Capacity Building Program, highlighting his role as an emerging leader in the field.

Connect with Kieran Cooley

For more detailed information on the research, publications, and professional background of Kieran Cooley, you can consult his official ORCID profile. This registry provides a comprehensive list of his scholarly work and contributions to the field of integrative and naturopathic medicine.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7960-6504