Rachel Canaway

Biography and Expertise of Rachel Canaway

Dr. Rachel Canaway has established a remarkable career at the intersection of traditional medicine, social science, and public health policy. Her journey began with clinical practice as a naturopath and massage therapist, which provided her with a foundational understanding of patient needs and the principles of person-centered, prevention-focused care. This hands-on experience inspired her to explore the broader societal and systemic factors that shape health, leading her to pursue advanced studies in social health and a doctorate focused on complementary medicine use in chronic disease.

Her expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Through multiple consultancies for the World Health Organization (WHO), she has contributed to the development of global strategies for integrating traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) into national healthcare frameworks. Consequently, her work is pivotal to implementing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which champions evidence-based, sustainable health solutions. Dr. Rachel Canaway‘s research seeks to enhance recognition of medical pluralism, ensuring that diverse knowledge systems are respected and appropriately utilized.

Furthermore, her focus on strengthening the evidence base for T&CM supports the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” By investigating how patients use complementary therapies for conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, she provides critical data for creating effective, multidisciplinary care models. Her additional expertise in the governance of electronic medical records for research purposes ensures that this data is collected and used ethically and effectively, paving the way for more robust and scalable studies in integrative medicine.

Professional Career and Contributions

Dr. Rachel Canaway’s career progressed from clinical practice to high-impact academic research and global policy advising. Her clinical experience laid the groundwork for her focus on health systems and patient behavior, allowing her to apply rigorous scientific methods to real-world questions.

Her roles have placed her at the forefront of integrative medicine research in Australia and internationally. Her affiliation with the University of Melbourne has been a platform for leading research and expert collaboration. Her consultancies with the World Health Organization contribute to global public health by translating research into actionable policy.

• 2024 – Present: Project Lead, Integrative Health Care research, University of Melbourne, guiding strategic research.
• 2021 – Present: Research Fellow, Dept. of General Practice & Primary Care, University of Melbourne, focusing on T&CM integration.
• 2014 – Present: Consultant, World Health Organization, advising on traditional medicine integration into national health systems.
• 2017 – 2021: Collaboration Manager, University of Melbourne, facilitating strategic partnerships.
• 2015 – 2017: Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, researching public health.
• 2014 – 2016: Consultant, NICM & ASMI, focused on strengthening the T&CM evidence base.
• 2008 – 2014: Research Fellow, CAMELOT study, Monash University, investigating complementary therapy use.
• 2000 – 2005: Clinical practice as a Naturopath and Massage Therapist.

Academic Foundations of Rachel Canaway

The academic background of Dr. Rachel Canaway is a distinctive blend of clinical health science and social science, giving her a multifaceted lens on health and medicine. This interdisciplinary training enables her to navigate the complex dynamics between patients, practitioners, and health systems. Her educational path reflects a deliberate journey to understand not only the “what” of health interventions but also the “why” and “how” of their use in real-world contexts.

Her initial qualification in naturopathy offered deep knowledge of a specific T&CM modality. Her Master of Social Health provided the theoretical framework to analyze health from a sociological perspective, while her doctoral research applied these skills to public health. This comprehensive education underpins her authority as an expert in medical pluralism and integrative healthcare.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Monash University: Her doctoral thesis, “Complementary Therapy Use among People with Type 2 Diabetes or Cardiovascular Disease,” was a significant contribution to understanding patient behavior and self-management in chronic illness. This work provided crucial evidence on the patterns and motivations for T&CM use in primary care.
• Master of Social Health, The University of Melbourne: This degree equipped her with advanced skills in health social science to critically examine the social, cultural, and political determinants of health and healthcare delivery.
• Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), Southern School of Natural Therapies: This qualification provided her with a comprehensive clinical education in naturopathic medicine, including botanical medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling, forming the basis of her practical understanding of T&CM.

Research Impact and Key Publications

As a prolific researcher, Dr. Rachel Canaway has made substantial contributions to the scientific literature on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine. With over 65 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, official reports, and book chapters, her work has significantly advanced the understanding of how T&CM is integrated into modern healthcare. Her research is characterized by its practical relevance, often addressing pressing questions faced by policymakers, clinicians, and patients.

A central theme of her research is the exploration of T&CM use within the context of chronic disease management. For instance, the CAMELOT study at Monash University provided valuable insights into the prevalence and patterns of complementary therapy use by patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. This work helps build the evidence base required by the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy and informs the development of truly integrative care models. Therefore, her findings are vital for creating healthcare systems that are responsive to patient choices.

Furthermore, Dr. Rachel Canaway is at the forefront of developing methodologies for T&CM research. Her expertise in data governance and the use of electronic medical records is crucial for conducting large-scale, high-quality studies. By leading the Integrative Health Care research stream at the University of Melbourne, she continues to drive an agenda focused on producing robust evidence to guide policy and clinical practice, ensuring that integrative medicine is both safe and effective.

Leadership and Recognition

The leadership and expertise of Dr. Rachel Canaway have been formally recognized through significant appointments and substantial research funding. These markers of esteem reflect her standing as a leading authority in health systems research and T&CM integration. Her ability to secure competitive funding and her appointment to high-level expert consultations serve as powerful endorsements of the quality and importance of her work.

This recognition extends beyond academia, positioning her as a trusted advisor to global health bodies and national organizations. Consequently, her influence helps shape the international dialogue on the future of integrative medicine, driving forward a progressive and evidence-informed agenda.

• Co-chair of WHO Expert Consultation (2024): Dr. Canaway was selected to co-chair a World Health Organization Expert Consultation on T&CM Integration. This prestigious role highlights her international reputation and places her at the center of global policy formulation in the field.
• Significant Research Funding: She has been awarded over $6.1 million in research funding throughout her career. This substantial financial backing from competitive grant bodies is a strong testament to the scientific merit, innovation, and potential impact of her research projects.
• Founder of Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group: Her initiative in founding and chairing the Special Interest Group on Integrative Healthcare at the University of Melbourne demonstrates her leadership in fostering collaboration and building a community of practice among researchers and clinicians from diverse fields.

Professional Service and Collaboration

Dr. Rachel Canaway is committed to advancing integrative medicine through active professional service. Her involvement on editorial boards, academic councils, and expert committees upholds academic rigor, fostering the next generation of practitioners, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. These roles are essential for the maturation and professionalization of the T&CM sector.

Through this service, she contributes to shaping educational standards, guiding the direction of scientific publishing, and mentoring emerging professionals. Her work with organizations like the Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) connects her academic insights back to the clinical community, ensuring that research remains relevant to practitioners.

• Editorial Board Member: She serves on the editorial board for the journal Advances in Integrative Medicine, helping to ensure the quality and integrity of published research in the field.
• Co-chair, WHO Expert Consultation: In 2024, she co-chaired an expert consultation for the World Health Organization on T&CM Integration, a key role in global health policy.
• Academic Council Member: From 2020 to 2024, she served as an External Member of the Endeavour College of Natural Health Academic Council, contributing to academic governance and curriculum quality.
• Founder and Chair: In 2024, she founded and became the chair of the Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group on Integrative Healthcare at the University of Melbourne.
• Academic Mentor: Since 2019, she has served as an Academic Mentor for the Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), guiding and supporting fellow professionals.

Connect with Dr. Canaway

For more detailed information on Dr. Rachel Canaway‘s research, publications, and professional activities, you can visit her official university profile and connect with her on professional networks. These resources offer further insights into her impactful work on integrating traditional and complementary medicine into global health systems.

Official Profile at The University of Melbourne: View Professional Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn