Marina Leal

Biography and Expertise of Marina Leal

Marina Leal operates at the intersection of strategic planning, institutional management, and advocacy for integrative health. As the Executive Secretary for the Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN), she is responsible for translating the consortium’s vision into tangible outcomes. Her work involves coordinating a diverse network of researchers, healthcare professionals, and academic institutions to strengthen the scientific foundation of TCIM in Brazil.

Her expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” She facilitates initiatives that build bridges between academic research and clinical application, ensuring that scientific advancements are effectively integrated into public health policies and practices. Therefore, her role is crucial for materializing the congress motto of “Knowledge Diversity,” as she helps orchestrate the platforms where this diverse knowledge is shared and validated.

Furthermore, Marina Leal’s position places her at the forefront of implementing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration in Latin America. She supports projects that champion scientific rigor, sustainability, and evidence-informed policies, which are essential for the successful execution of the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy. Her leadership within the congress’s Organizing Committee underscores her commitment to creating a legacy of collaboration and progress for global public health.

Professional Career and Contributions

The professional career of Marina Leal is defined by her leadership in organizational management and her dedication to advancing public health initiatives. In her role as Executive Secretary of CABSIN, she is the operational backbone of one of Brazil’s most important bodies for integrative health. This position demands a unique blend of administrative acumen, strategic foresight, and exceptional communication skills to manage the consortium’s complex activities.

Her responsibilities extend beyond daily administration to encompass strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project oversight. She plays a vital role in organizing national and international events, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that CABSIN remains a leading voice in the scientific and political discourse on TCIM. This work is instrumental in building the “Well-being Societies” envisioned by the 3rd WCTCIM.

Within her capacity, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the multifaceted landscape of healthcare policy and academia. Her key professional contributions include:

• Coordinating multifaceted projects aimed at systematizing evidence on the efficacy and safety of TCIM practices within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).
• Managing communication and outreach strategies to broaden the consortium’s impact and engage a wider audience of policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public.
• Facilitating the collaboration between CABSIN’s member institutions, thereby enhancing research synergy and educational program development across Brazil.
• Playing a central administrative and logistical role in the organization of the 3rd WCTCIM, marking a significant milestone for TCIM in Latin America.

Foundational Skills and Expertise

While specific academic degrees are part of a broader profile, the role held by Marina Leal requires a robust educational foundation in areas such as public health, international relations, or public administration. This background provides the essential competencies needed to manage a national consortium and contribute to the organization of a major world congress. Her expertise is evident in her capacity to handle complex logistical challenges and facilitate high-level strategic discussions.

Her skill set is tailored for creating environments where collaboration and knowledge exchange can flourish. The competencies she applies daily are critical for transforming academic research into impactful public health strategies. Consequently, her academic and professional training has equipped her to be a highly effective leader in the institutional landscape of integrative medicine.

Key areas of her demonstrated expertise include:

• Strategic Management: Developing and executing long-term plans that align with the mission of CABSIN and the goals of the 3rd WCTCIM.
• Health Policy and Systems: Understanding the intricacies of healthcare systems to effectively advocate for the integration of TCIM.
• Project Coordination: Overseeing complex projects from conception to completion, ensuring that objectives are met on time and within scope.
• Intercultural Communication: Engaging effectively with a diverse range of national and international stakeholders to build consensus and foster partnerships, a cornerstone of South-South collaboration.

Strategic Contributions to Research and Policy

As an executive leader, the contribution of Marina Leal to the field extends beyond direct research to the crucial domain of research facilitation and strategic dissemination. Her work at CABSIN is instrumental in creating an enabling environment where high-quality studies on TCIM can be designed, funded, and executed. She plays a pivotal part in connecting researchers with opportunities and resources, thereby amplifying the consortium’s scientific output.

Her role involves overseeing the preparation and publication of institutional documents, such as policy briefs, strategic reports, and consensus statements. These materials are vital for translating complex research findings into accessible information for policymakers, health managers, and the public. Therefore, she is a key agent in the knowledge translation process, which is fundamental to evidence-informed decision-making in public health.

Moreover, Marina Leal supports the development of research agendas that address the most pressing health challenges. By helping to align the consortium’s research priorities with national health needs and global trends, such as those outlined by the WHO, she ensures that the work of CABSIN is both relevant and impactful. Her efforts contribute directly to building a robust evidence base for TCIM, a primary objective of the 3rd WCTCIM.

Leadership in Governance and Organization

The active participation of Marina Leal in key governance structures is central to her influence in the field of integrative health. Her positions within CABSIN and the 3rd WCTCIM Organizing Committee place her at the heart of strategic decision-making processes that shape the future of TCIM in Brazil and beyond. These roles require a deep understanding of institutional governance and a commitment to collaborative leadership.

Her involvement is critical for ensuring organizational effectiveness and the successful execution of major international initiatives. Through this work, she helps to uphold standards of excellence and foster a culture of cooperation and transparency. Consequently, her contributions are foundational to the credibility and impact of the organizations she serves.

• Executive Secretary, Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN): In this capacity, she manages the core operations of the consortium, supports the executive board, and facilitates communication among member institutions. She is instrumental in executing the strategic plan and advancing the consortium’s mission.
• Member, 3rd WCTCIM Organizing Committee: As a key organizer, she is deeply involved in the planning, coordination, and execution of the congress. Her work ensures that this landmark event for Latin America is a success, fostering global dialogue and promoting South-South collaboration in line with the congress’s historical significance.

Connect and Learn More

To learn more about the work of Marina Leal and the organizations she represents, you can visit the official website of the Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN). This platform provides comprehensive information on the consortium’s projects, publications, and contributions to advancing integrative health in Brazil and internationally.

Official Website of CABSIN: Explore CABSIN’s Initiatives