Marco Dehesa González

Biography and Expertise of Marco Dehesa González

Dr. Marco Dehesa González has established a distinguished career at the intersection of pharmaceutical science and natural medicine. For over three decades, he has been a driving force in formalizing the standards for natural health products in Latin America. As Technical Director for Zonatrade S.A., he oversees the complex landscape of regulatory affairs, ensuring that products meet stringent quality, safety, and efficacy criteria. His work involves the meticulous design, development, and quality control of medicinal natural products, which places him at the forefront of integrating traditional knowledge into modern healthcare systems.

His experience directly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” By implementing Good Storage, Distribution, and Transportation Practices and robust post-market surveillance systems, Marco Dehesa González creates the necessary infrastructure for natural products to be safely incorporated into public health. Therefore, his work exemplifies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for a strong evidence base and sustainable practices in traditional medicine.

Furthermore, his leadership within regional and international bodies reflects the congress’s emphasis on South-South collaboration. By connecting experts and standardizing practices across Latin America, he contributes to a stronger, more unified regional voice in the global conversation on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM).

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Dr. Marco Dehesa González demonstrates a steadfast commitment to elevating the scientific and regulatory standards of the pharmaceutical and natural products industry. His career combines technical leadership with strategic international collaboration, making him a recognized authority. Each role has expanded his influence, from managing corporate quality systems to shaping regional and global policy.

His current position as Technical Director at Zonatrade S.A. places him in a critical role for ensuring product integrity across a diverse portfolio that includes medicines, medical devices, and natural health products. This work requires a deep understanding of both national regulations and international best practices.

• Technical Director, Zonatrade S.A.: Leads the company’s regulatory affairs, overseeing Good Practices for Storage, Distribution, and Transportation. He is also responsible for the quality system and post-market surveillance of a wide range of products.
• Consultant Expert, Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI): Since 2016, he has served as an expert for the Global Pharma Key Opinion Leader (GPKOL) program, advising on pharmaceutical industry trends and facilitating international cooperation.
• President, Latin American Society of Medicinal Plants (Solaplamed): During his tenure from 2015 to 2016, he provided strategic leadership to a key regional organization dedicated to the research and promotion of medicinal plants.
• President, College of Chemists, Biochemists, and Pharmacists of Pichincha: Currently serving a term from 2023 to 2027, he leads this key professional association, advocating for professional standards and ethical practices in Ecuador.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Marco Dehesa González built his extensive expertise on a solid academic foundation in pharmaceutical sciences from the prestigious University of Havana. His educational journey provided him with a comprehensive understanding of drug discovery, formulation, and analysis, with a particular focus on natural product chemistry. This rigorous scientific training has been instrumental in his ability to critically evaluate and validate traditional medicinal products using modern methodologies.

His advanced degrees reflect a deep specialization that is rare and highly valuable in the field of integrative medicine. Consequently, his qualifications empower him to effectively translate complex scientific principles into practical regulatory and quality control frameworks, bridging the gap between academic research and industry application.

• Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD): This terminal degree from the University of Havana represents the culmination of his advanced research and expertise in the pharmaceutical field.
• Master in Pharmaceutical Chemistry: This degree provided him with specialized knowledge in the chemical properties and synthesis of medicinal compounds, a crucial skill for working with complex natural products.
• Pharmacist Degree: His foundational qualification as a pharmacist equipped him with the core competencies in medication management, patient safety, and pharmaceutical care that underpin his entire career.

Standardization and Evidence-Based Contributions

While Dr. Marco Dehesa González‘s primary focus is on industry application and regulation, his contributions to evidence-based practice are profound and far-reaching. His most significant impact comes through his role as a member of the Technical Committee of the Pan-American Compendium of Medicinal Plants. This vital initiative aims to create a standardized, authoritative collection of monographs on medicinal plants used across the Americas, a goal that aligns perfectly with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

A compendium serves as a foundational reference for researchers, regulators, and manufacturers. It provides validated information on the identity, quality, purity, and potency of plant-based materials. Therefore, his work on this committee is a direct contribution to the scientific infrastructure needed to ensure the safety and efficacy of TCIM products. This effort helps build trust among healthcare providers and consumers alike.

By helping to develop these standards, Marco Dehesa González plays a crucial role in advancing the “Evidence-Informed Contributions” thematic axis of the 3rd WCTCIM. His work provides the tools necessary for other researchers to conduct high-quality clinical trials and for governments to develop sound public health policies regarding natural medicine. This standardization is a critical step toward the global harmonization of TCIM practices.

Leadership and Professional Engagement

Dr. Marco Dehesa González actively shapes the professional landscape of pharmacy and natural medicine through his leadership in key national and international organizations. His involvement in these boards and committees is a testament to his commitment to advancing the field, fostering collaboration, and upholding the highest standards of professional practice. These roles provide him with a platform to influence policy, promote education, and advocate for the scientific validation of traditional knowledge.

His leadership extends from local professional bodies to influential regional societies, demonstrating his ability to operate effectively at multiple levels. His engagement ensures that the perspectives of practitioners and scientists from Latin America are well-represented in global discussions.

• President, College of Chemists, Biochemists, and Pharmacists of Pichincha (2023-2027): He guides a major professional body in Ecuador, focusing on professional development, ethical conduct, and public advocacy.
• Member, Technical Committee of the Pan-American Compendium of Medicinal Plants: He contributes his technical expertise to this crucial regional effort to standardize medicinal plant information, promoting safety and quality across the Americas.
• Past President, Latin American Society of Medicinal Plants (Solaplamed) (2015-2016): His leadership enhanced its role in promoting research and collaboration on medicinal plants throughout Latin America.
• Member, Global Pharma Key Opinion Leader (GPKOL): As a consultant expert for the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), he provides valuable insights into the Latin American pharmaceutical market, fostering international partnerships.

Connect with Dr. González

For more detailed information on the professional background and activities of Dr. Marco Dehesa González, you can visit his professional profiles. These links offer further insight into his extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and natural products sectors.

ORCID Profile: View Scientific Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn