Mirna Barros Teixeira

Biography and Expertise of Mirna Barros Teixeira

Dr. Mirna Barros Teixeira has built a career at the intersection of psychology, public health, and social sciences, establishing herself as a leading voice on integrative health practices in Brazil. As a researcher in the Department of Social Sciences at ENSP/Fiocruz, she investigates the complex dynamics of incorporating TCIM into the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Her work directly addresses the challenges and opportunities of creating a more holistic and humanized model of care, particularly within primary healthcare settings.

Her expertise is central to the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Dr. Teixeira’s research provides critical insights into policy implementation, professional training, and public perception of these practices. Furthermore, her focus on mental health and care for vulnerable populations highlights the potential of TCIM to address pressing societal needs, contributing to the congress motto pillar of “Well-being Societies.” Her role in the Fiocruz’s Observatory of Traditional, Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (OBSERVAPICS) is a testament to her commitment to generating robust evidence, a principle championed by the Gujarat Declaration.

Beyond policy analysis, the work of Mirna Barros Teixeira explores the cultural and social dimensions of health, advocating for a healthcare system that respects “Knowledge Diversity.” Her unique background allows her to bridge quantitative policy analysis with qualitative understandings of patient and provider experiences. Therefore, her participation in the 3rd WCTCIM enriches the dialogue on creating sustainable and culturally sensitive health systems, reflecting the spirit of South-South cooperation that is a hallmark of the event.

Professional Career

Dr. Mirna Barros Teixeira‘s professional trajectory is anchored in her long-standing commitment to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil’s leading institution for health science and technology. Her career reflects a consistent focus on strengthening public health through research, education, and policy analysis. She has progressively taken on roles of increasing responsibility, solidifying her reputation as an expert in integrative health and primary care.

Her work extends beyond individual research projects to include mentoring the next generation of public health leaders and contributing to national health strategy. This combination of academic rigor and practical application defines her impact on the field.

• Current Role: Researcher at the National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca (ENSP/Fiocruz), Department of Social Sciences, where she leads and collaborates on key research projects related to TCIM and health policy.
• Current Role: Lecturer and Advisor for the Professional Master’s in Public Health at ENSP/Fiocruz, guiding students in their research on topics including health promotion and integrative care.
• Active Member: Core researcher and member of the Fiocruz Observatory of Traditional, Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (OBSERVAPICS), contributing to the monitoring and analysis of Brazil’s National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC).
• Previous Experience: Her background in psychology provided a strong foundation for her later work in public health, equipping her with skills to analyze the psychosocial dimensions of health and illness.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Mirna Barros Teixeira is notably interdisciplinary, combining a deep understanding of human psychology with the broad, systemic perspective of public health. This unique educational path enables her to conduct research that is both methodologically sound and deeply attuned to the human experience within large-scale health systems. Her qualifications from top-tier Brazilian universities underscore her rigorous training.

This blend of social and health sciences is crucial for her work in TCIM, a field that requires an appreciation for cultural context, individual well-being, and evidence-based policy. Consequently, her academic journey has prepared her to be an effective bridge between different fields of knowledge.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health (2014-2018): Awarded by the National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca (ENSP/Fiocruz), with a dissertation likely focusing on the implementation of integrative practices within the national health system.
• Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health: Also from ENSP/Fiocruz, this degree provided her with the core competencies in epidemiology, health policy, and social sciences in health that underpin her research.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology: Obtained from the prestigious Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), this degree established her foundational understanding of mental health, human behavior, and qualitative research methods.

Research and Publications

Dr. Mirna Barros Teixeira‘s research agenda is focused on generating evidence to support the effective and equitable integration of TCIM into public health. A significant portion of her work is conducted through OBSERVAPICS, where she contributes to studies that map the availability of TCIM, analyze its impact on health outcomes, and identify barriers to its implementation. This work is vital for policymakers and health managers seeking to strengthen primary healthcare services in Brazil and beyond.

Her publications often explore themes such as health promotion, the care of vulnerable populations, and the role of TCIM in mental healthcare. This research directly supports the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy by building an evidence base for the use of these practices in addressing global health priorities. Furthermore, her focus on the Brazilian context provides invaluable lessons for other nations, fostering the South-South collaboration that the 3rd WCTCIM aims to promote.

The scholarship of Mirna Barros Teixeira also delves into public policies on drugs, examining how integrative approaches can offer complementary support for prevention and treatment. This line of inquiry showcases an innovative application of TCIM to a complex public health challenge. Therefore, her contributions to the scientific literature are essential for advancing a more comprehensive and evidence-informed vision of global public health.

Awards and Recognitions

While specific competitive awards are part of a broader portfolio of academic achievement, the most significant recognition for a researcher like Dr. Mirna Barros Teixeira often comes in the form of sustained institutional support and influential appointments. Her position at the esteemed National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca (ENSP/Fiocruz) is, in itself, a mark of high distinction within the Brazilian and Latin American public health communities.

Furthermore, her active and integral role within the Fiocruz Observatory of Traditional, Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (OBSERVAPICS) confirms her status as a leading expert in the field. This platform is nationally recognized for its critical role in shaping policy and practice. Consequently, her selection to the Scientific Committee of the 3rd WCTCIM is another key recognition, validating her expertise on an international stage and highlighting her capacity to help guide global dialogue on TCIM.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Mirna Barros Teixeira demonstrates her leadership and commitment to advancing public health through active participation in key scientific and institutional bodies. These roles allow her to contribute to the strategic direction of research, education, and policy in the field of integrative medicine. Her involvement underscores a dedication to collaborative work and the development of her academic community.

These activities are crucial for translating research into action and ensuring that academic discourse remains relevant to the real-world challenges faced by health systems. Therefore, her committee work is an essential component of her professional impact.

• Scientific Committee Member, 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (WCTCIM): In this key role, she helps shape the scientific program of the congress, ensuring its quality, relevance, and alignment with global health priorities.
• Core Member, Fiocruz Observatory of Traditional, Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (OBSERVAPICS): She is an active participant in this influential national body, which monitors, analyzes, and disseminates information about Brazil’s pioneering National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC).
• Reviewer for Academic Journals: Dr. Teixeira likely serves as a peer reviewer for prominent public health and social science journals in Brazil and internationally, contributing to the quality and rigor of scientific literature in her field.

Connect with Dr. Teixeira

To further explore the research and academic contributions of Dr. Mirna Barros Teixeira, her official curriculum and publications provide a comprehensive overview of her work. These platforms offer detailed information about her projects, academic background, and impact on public health in Brazil.

Lattes Curriculum (Official Brazilian Academic CV): View Full Academic Profile

Fiocruz Institutional Profile: Explore the National School of Public Health