Paola Tôrres

Biography and Expertise of Paola Tôrres

Dr. Paola Tôrres stands at a unique and vital intersection of modern oncology, integrative medicine, and cultural heritage. Her career is a testament to the power of a holistic approach to healing, one that honors both scientific evidence and the human narrative. As a hematologist-oncologist, she has dedicated over three decades to treating patients with complex diseases. However, her work extends far beyond conventional clinical protocols, seeking to enrich patient care with compassion, creativity, and culturally resonant communication.

Her expertise directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” Dr. Tôrres champions this ideal by integrating traditional Brazilian Cordel literature—a form of folk poetry—into health education, making complex medical information accessible and relatable. This innovative approach is a powerful example of South-South collaboration, showcasing a unique modality from the Global South that can inspire similar initiatives worldwide. Therefore, her work aligns perfectly with the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Diversity of TCIM Modalities,” by demonstrating how indigenous cultural practices can be adapted for contemporary public health challenges.

Furthermore, Dr. Tôrres’s leadership in integrative oncology and narrative medicine provides a concrete model for the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Through her academic roles and the Instituto Roda da Vida, she translates principles from the Gujarat Declaration into practice, emphasizing evidence-based, sustainable, and patient-centered solutions. Her commitment to education ensures that the next generation of health professionals is equipped with the skills to practice a more humane and effective form of medicine, contributing to the creation of well-being societies.

A Distinguished Professional Career

Dr. Paola Tôrres has built a remarkable professional career over more than thirty years, marked by a steadfast commitment to public health, academia, and the humanization of medicine. Her trajectory reflects a seamless integration of roles as a clinician, educator, researcher, and institutional leader. This diverse experience has allowed her to influence healthcare not only at the bedside but also in the classroom and through public policy advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on Brazil’s medical landscape.

Her long-standing positions at major public institutions underscore her dedication to the principles of universal healthcare access and academic excellence. Consequently, each role has been a building block, creating a powerful synergy between clinical practice and educational innovation.

• 2023 – Present: Professor at the University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), expanding her academic reach and contributing to another of Ceará’s leading educational institutions.
• 1993 – Present: Full Professor of Medicine at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), where she has mentored countless undergraduate and postgraduate students, shaping the future of Brazilian medicine.
• 1992 – 2022: Hematologist at the Center for Hematology and Hemotherapy of Ceará (Hemoce), serving the public for three decades and gaining profound clinical experience in treating a wide range of hematological disorders.
• Founder and President: Leads the Instituto Roda da Vida, an organization she established to promote integrative medicine and provide humanized care, which is officially recognized by Brazil’s National Registry of Health Establishments.

Robust Academic Foundations

The academic journey of Dr. Paola Tôrres is characterized by its depth, rigor, and interdisciplinary nature. Her qualifications demonstrate a unique intellectual curiosity that bridges hard science with the humanities, providing her with a comprehensive framework for understanding health and disease. This strong educational background has been the cornerstone of her ability to innovate in both clinical and academic settings, allowing her to challenge conventional paradigms and pioneer new approaches to medical care.

Her pursuit of knowledge did not stop with traditional medical training; instead, she actively sought out disciplines that could enrich her perspective. This combination of qualifications has made her a uniquely effective advocate for integrative health.

• Fellowship in Integrative Medicine: Completed specialized training at the renowned Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, USA, gaining expertise in evidence-based complementary therapies.
• Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018-2020): Focused on Medical Sciences with an emphasis on Cultural Biology and Integrative Medicine at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), exploring the cultural dimensions of healing.
• PhD in Pharmacology (2000-2004): Earned from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), providing her with a deep understanding of the scientific mechanisms behind medical treatments.
• Medical Residencies: Completed rigorous specialty training in both Internal Medicine and Hematology/Hemotherapy, establishing her expertise as a clinician.
• Doctor of Medicine (MD) (1983-1988): Graduated from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), where she began her distinguished medical career.

Pioneering Research at the Nexus of Culture and Health

The research contributions of Dr. Paola Tôrres are as innovative as they are impactful, focusing on the humanistic dimensions of medical practice. Her work consistently seeks to bridge the gap between objective scientific knowledge and the subjective patient experience. She has become a leading scholar in narrative medicine, investigating how storytelling can improve clinical communication, foster empathy, and enhance therapeutic outcomes. This focus aligns with the global call for more person-centered healthcare systems.

Her publications demonstrate a commitment to generating evidence for practices that are often considered “soft skills.” For example, her 2023 systematic review, ‘Narrative medicine as a strategy to develop health professionals’ listening skills,’ provides a rigorous analysis of how these techniques can be taught and measured. Beyond this, her experience report on ‘Therapeutic storytelling in a group of women with breast cancer’ offers practical insights into applying these methods in oncology. This body of work provides crucial evidence-informed contributions to global public health, a key theme of the 3rd WCTCIM.

A truly unique aspect of the research from Paola Tôrres is her exploration of Cordel literature as a tool for health education. Her study, ‘The use of cordel literature as a health education strategy for patients with multiple myeloma,’ is a landmark piece that validates a culturally embedded art form as an effective medium for patient engagement. This research not only improves health literacy but also honors and preserves cultural heritage, offering a model for health promotion that is both effective and respectful of local traditions.

A Legacy of Influence and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Paola Tôrres has earned widespread recognition for her contributions to medicine, education, and culture. While formal awards highlight specific achievements, her true influence is measured by the deep and lasting impact she has had on her patients, students, and the broader community. Her work has been acknowledged by major medical societies and cultural institutions alike, reflecting her rare ability to excel in diverse fields.

These recognitions underscore her role as a thought leader who is reshaping the conversation around what it means to heal. They validate her efforts to create a more integrated and compassionate healthcare system.

• Recognition from the Brazilian Society of Cancerology: Honored for her significant contributions to the field of oncology in Brazil, acknowledging her clinical expertise and innovative patient care models.
• Acclaimed Author: Authored 15 books on health education and humanistic themes, establishing her as a prominent national voice in the movement to humanize medicine through literature and art.
• Member of the Brazilian Academy of Cordel Literature: Inducted into this prestigious cultural institution, a recognition of her mastery of the art form and her pioneering work in applying it to health communication.
• Cultural Producer: Her literary works have been presented at major national and international events, such as the prestigious FLIP (Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty), highlighting her influence beyond the medical community.

Leadership in National Health Organizations

Dr. Paola Tôrres extends her influence through active leadership in key professional organizations that are shaping the future of healthcare in Brazil. Her participation on boards and committees is not merely symbolic; she plays a central role in developing strategies, setting standards, and advocating for the integration of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into the national health system. This work is crucial for translating academic knowledge into tangible policy and practice.

Her strategic roles allow her to champion evidence-based integrative care at the highest levels. Consequently, she helps guide the professionalization and standardization of TCIM, ensuring it develops with scientific rigor and ethical integrity.

• Coordinator of the Integrative Oncology Committee: Leads this vital committee at the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN), where she is instrumental in shaping best practices and research priorities for integrative cancer care across the nation.
• President and Founder of Instituto Roda da Vida: As the leader of this institute, she oversees its mission to advance humanized care and integrative medicine, creating a model of practice that inspires other health centers.
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• Member of the Brazilian Academy of Cordel Literature:
**_ Her role in this academy connects the worlds of health and culture, allowing her to foster collaborations that promote health literacy through traditional arts.
• Leader of University Extension Projects: She directs multiple impactful projects at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), including “Cordas – Cordéis da Saúde” and “PRINTAR,” which directly apply integrative practices and cultural health promotion in community settings.

Connect with Dr. Paola Tôrres

To further explore the pioneering work of Dr. Paola Tôrres, including her extensive academic publications, institutional projects, and insights on integrative health, please visit her official profiles below. These resources offer a comprehensive view of her multifaceted contributions to medicine, education, and culture.

Official Academic Curriculum (Lattes): View Full Academic Profile

Instituto Roda da Vida: Explore the Institute’s Mission

Professional Instagram: Follow for Insights and Updates