Nina Fuller-Shavel

Biography and Expertise of Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel

Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel is a leading voice in the evolution of cancer care, championing a healthcare model where rigorous scientific evidence meets a holistic understanding of the patient. Her work is dedicated to building robust platforms for integrative medicine, ensuring that patients have access to safe, effective, and evidence-informed supportive care alongside conventional treatments. This mission drives her clinical practice at Synthesis Clinic and her leadership at the National Centre for Integrative Oncology (NCIO).

Her expertise profoundly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis 2.3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Fuller-Shavel focuses on generating and synthesizing scientific validation for integrative approaches, particularly in managing the side effects of cancer treatment and improving patient quality of life. Furthermore, her efforts to establish best practices and educational programs resonate with Thematic Axis 2.5, “TCIM Education and Training,” as she actively develops competencies for the next generation of healthcare practitioners.

Beyond these specific axes, her work embodies the congress motto, “Knowledge Diversity | Well-being Societies | Planetary Health.” By integrating diverse therapeutic modalities—from nutrition and herbal medicine to mindfulness—Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel demonstrates how a pluralistic approach to knowledge can create more resilient and well-being-focused healthcare systems, consistent with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

Professional Career

Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel‘s professional trajectory showcases a deliberate and impactful transition from conventional internal medicine to a prominent leadership position in the global integrative oncology landscape. Her career is characterized by the creation of innovative clinical services, charitable organizations, and educational platforms that bridge the gap between different medical paradigms. This journey reflects a deep commitment to transforming healthcare from within, building systems that are more comprehensive, compassionate, and effective for patients with complex chronic diseases.

Her key professional milestones include:

• CEO, National Centre for Integrative Oncology (NCIO): Leading a national charity in the UK to promote access, best clinical practices, and research in integrative oncology.
• Director and Head of Integrative Cancer Care, Synthesis Clinic: Founder of an innovative multidisciplinary practice specializing in integrative oncology, women’s health, and chronic pain management for adults and children.
• Co-Founder and Director, Oncio CIC: Co-creator of the Oncio app, a digital health tool designed to provide patients with accessible information and services related to integrative oncology.
• Guest Lecturer: Delivers lectures for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in integrative medicine, both in the UK and internationally, shaping future medical education.
• Physician Training: Completed her foundational medical training in internal medicine at the esteemed Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel is exceptionally broad, combining a prestigious Oxbridge medical education with extensive postgraduate qualifications in a variety of complementary and traditional disciplines. This diverse educational portfolio provides her with a unique ability to understand and integrate different systems of medicine, a critical skill for her work in developing a truly holistic and evidence-based approach to patient care. Her training empowers her to critically evaluate and apply a wide range of therapeutic modalities.

Her academic achievements include:

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BChir) and Master of Arts (MA): University of Cambridge, UK.
• Master of Science (MSc) in Chinese Herbal Medicine: University of Westminster, UK.
• Advanced Qualifications: Holds multiple diplomas and certifications in nutrition, integrative medicine, functional medicine, health coaching, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yoga, and mindfulness.
• Fellowships: Honored as a Fellow by three distinguished institutions: the College of Medicine, the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT), and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).

Research and Publications

Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel is a physician-scientist who actively contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting integrative oncology. Her research focuses on practical, clinically relevant questions, aiming to provide healthcare professionals with the data needed to make informed decisions. Her work is centered on precision health and immuno-oncology, exploring how targeted lifestyle, nutritional, and other integrative interventions can support the body’s own healing mechanisms and improve outcomes for cancer patients. This commitment to research aligns with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy’s emphasis on science and evidence.

Key Publications and Guideline Development

Dr. Fuller-Shavel’s impact is in her contributions to key texts and international clinical guidelines. These publications serve as vital resources for clinicians, researchers, and patients, helping to standardize and advance the field of integrative oncology globally.

• ‘Integrative Oncology in Breast Cancer Care’ (Springer, 2024): She co-authored this textbook, which offers a comprehensive, evidence-based guide for practitioners on integrating supportive therapies into breast cancer treatment protocols.
• SIO-ASCO Guideline on Depression and Anxiety (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2023): As a co-author, she helped develop this guideline, which provides recommendations on using integrative medicine to manage anxiety and depression in cancer patients, directly influencing clinical practice worldwide.
• “Integrative Oncology: The Future of Cancer Care?” (Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2023): This perspective piece, which she co-authored, articulates a clear vision for the future of cancer care, advocating for a more holistic and integrated model.

Awards and Recognitions

The contributions of Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel to medicine and healthcare innovation have been recognized through several prestigious awards and fellowships. These honors underscore her visionary leadership, her dedication to advancing patient care, and her influential role in shaping the future of integrative medicine. These accolades reflect the respect she has garnered from her peers and the broader scientific and medical communities for her tireless work and impactful achievements.

Notable recognitions include:

• Innovation Leader of the Year (2022): This prestigious award acknowledged her inspirational vision for a new model of healthcare and her exceptional leadership in clinical practice.
• Fellow of the College of Medicine: A recognition of her significant contributions to the medical field and her commitment to patient-centered care.
• Fellow of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT): An honor bestowed for her expertise and leadership in the field of nutrition and lifestyle medicine.
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA): This fellowship acknowledges her work in applying creative and innovative solutions to pressing social challenges, including healthcare.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel dedicates a significant portion of her time to leadership roles within key professional organizations, where she helps shape the direction of integrative oncology on a national and global scale. Her active involvement in these committees is instrumental in fostering international collaboration, developing educational standards, and promoting the integration of evidence-based TCIM into mainstream healthcare. This work directly supports the South-South collaboration goals of the 3rd WCTCIM by building a connected, global community of practice.

Her key appointments include:

• Chair, Global Committee, Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO): In this role, she leads efforts to promote integrative oncology worldwide and serves as the SIO Global Ambassador to the UK.
• Co-Chair, Education Committee, British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO): She co-leads the development of educational programs and resources for healthcare professionals in the UK.
• Immediate Past Co-Chair, BSIO (2021-2023): She previously co-led the executive leadership of the primary professional body for integrative oncology in the UK.
• Editorial Board Member: She contributes her expertise to the editorial boards of the Nutritional Medicine Journal (NMJ) and the International Journal of Integrative Oncology (IJIO).
• Abstract Reviewer: She serves as an expert reviewer for leading international conferences and journals, including Supportive Care in Cancer and BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care.

Connect with Dr. Fuller-Shavel

Explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel through her various digital platforms. These resources offer further insight into her clinical practice, research activities, and leadership in advancing integrative medicine.

Synthesis Clinic: https://synthesisclinic.co.uk/

National Centre for Integrative Oncology (NCIO): https://ncio.org.uk/

LinkedIn Profile: View Professional Profile

X (formerly Twitter): @DrNinaFullerSha