Rahele Tavakoly

Biography and Expertise of Rahele Tavakoly

Dr. Rahele Tavakoly is a leading researcher whose work bridges the gap between nutritional science and integrative medicine. Her professional journey, which began in Iran and now continues at the forefront of European medical research in Germany, is defined by a commitment to understanding how diet impacts chronic inflammatory diseases and mental health. With over 15 years of combined clinical and academic experience, she brings a depth of knowledge that is essential for developing comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare solutions.

Her research aligns directly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Tavakoly’s investigations into dietary patterns provide the rigorous scientific validation needed to integrate nutritional therapies into mainstream treatments for conditions like type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and mental disorders. Therefore, her work exemplifies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for a strong scientific foundation for traditional and complementary medicine.

Furthermore, the contributions of Rahele Tavakoly are particularly relevant in the context of South-South and global collaboration. By bringing her extensive experience from Iran’s academic and clinical settings to a leading German university, she embodies the spirit of knowledge exchange that is central to the WCTCIM. Her recent co-authorship on a mind-body medicine study further highlights her expanding focus on integrative approaches, enriching the congress’s pillar of “Knowledge Diversity” and advancing the goal of creating healthier, well-being societies.

Professional Career

Dr. Rahele Tavakoly‘s career path reflects a seamless integration of clinical practice and advanced academic research. She has built a robust professional foundation over more than 15 years, transitioning from a dedicated clinical dietitian in Iran to a key researcher at one of Germany’s premier university hospitals. This trajectory has provided her with a unique perspective, grounding her scientific inquiries in the real-world challenges of patient care.

Her progression demonstrates a consistent commitment to advancing the field of nutritional science. Beyond her direct patient work, she has held significant academic responsibilities, including mentoring students and contributing to the scientific curriculum as an assistant professor.

• 2023 – Present: Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, and affiliated with the Bosch Health Campus, Germany.
• 2017 – 2022: Assistant Professor at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, where she was actively involved in teaching and research.
• 2005 – 2017: Clinical Dietitian in a private practice in Isfahan, Iran, where she gained extensive experience in patient-centered nutritional counseling.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Rahele Tavakoly is distinguished by its focused and deep specialization in the field of nutritional sciences. Her education, undertaken at esteemed medical universities in Iran, has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical and physiological impacts of nutrition on human health. This rigorous training forms the basis of her evidence-based approach to research and practice.

Her doctoral research, in particular, honed her expertise on the intricate links between dietary factors, inflammation, and the development of chronic diseases. Consequently, this specialized knowledge enables her to design and execute high-impact research that addresses pressing global health issues.

• 2013 – 2017: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nutrition Sciences from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
• 2001 – 2004: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Nutrition Sciences from Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
• 1996 – 2000: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nutrition Sciences from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Research and Publications

Dr. Rahele Tavakoly has made significant contributions to the scientific literature with a portfolio of 15 peer-reviewed papers. Her research program focuses on elucidating the role of dietary patterns in the prevention and management of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. She places a strong emphasis on understanding the inflammatory pathways that connect diet to disease, providing a mechanistic basis for nutritional interventions.

Her recent work shows a growing interest in integrative and mind-body medicine. For instance, her co-authorship of the 2024 study, “Efficacy of mind-body medicine on fatigue in post-COVID-19 syndrome,” demonstrates her commitment to exploring holistic treatment models. This expanding scope is complemented by foundational research, such as her paper on dietary patterns and kidney disease in BMC Nephrology. Therefore, her publications provide valuable evidence for healthcare professionals seeking to integrate nutrition into their practice.

The impact of Rahele Tavakoly extends to her role in the scientific community as a peer reviewer. She lends her expertise to respected journals, including BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, Nutrition & Metabolism, and the Journal of Diabetes Research. This service underscores her status as a trusted expert and helps ensure the quality and integrity of research published in her field, which is crucial for building a reliable evidence base for TCIM.

Contributions to the Scientific Community

Dr. Rahele Tavakoly demonstrates a strong commitment to the advancement of her field through active participation in academic and peer-review processes. While her primary focus is on research, her contributions as an educator and a reviewer for high-impact journals are crucial for fostering the next generation of scientists and ensuring the quality of scientific discourse. Her work in these capacities helps maintain the rigorous standards necessary for building a credible evidence base in nutrition and integrative medicine.

These roles reflect a dedication to the scientific ecosystem that extends beyond her own publications. By evaluating the work of her peers and shaping academic curricula, she plays an important part in the collective effort to advance global health knowledge. Consequently, her activities are integral to the principles of scientific collaboration and excellence.

• Academic Leadership: Served as an Assistant Professor at the Kerman University of Medical Sciences, contributing to the education and training of students in the health sciences.
• Peer Reviewer: Acts as an expert reviewer for internationally recognized journals, including BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, Nutrition & Metabolism, and the Journal of Diabetes Research, upholding the integrity of scientific publishing.

Connect with Dr. Tavakoly

For more detailed information on the research, publications, and professional background of Dr. Rahele Tavakoly, please visit her official online profiles. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of her work and academic journey, providing valuable insights into her contributions to nutritional science and integrative medicine.

Official Profile at University Hospital Tübingen: View Professional Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn