Rubens Lene Carvalho Tavares

Biography and Expertise of Rubens Tavares

Dr. Rubens Tavares is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), where his career combines clinical expertise in gynecology and obstetrics with dedicated research into integrative health. His work is centered on exploring the intersection of health, spirituality, and complementary practices such as meditation, acupuncture, and Reiki. Consequently, he contributes valuable knowledge to the field of integrative medicine.

His activities directly reflect several key thematic areas of the congress. Dr. Tavares’s leadership of the Complementary Therapies research group at UFMG aligns with the Thematic Axis “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based),” as he works to build a scientific foundation for these practices. Moreover, his focus on diverse modalities like acupuncture and Reiki supports the axis “Diversity of TCIM Modalities,” showcasing the application of different knowledge systems in healthcare.

Furthermore, his roles as a full advisor in the Graduate Program in Health Promotion and Violence Prevention and coordinator of the Academic League of Health and Spirituality (LIASE-UFMG) connect his work to the “TCIM Education and Training” axis. The efforts of Rubens Tavares in medical education demonstrate a commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals to incorporate integrative approaches into their practice, fostering a more holistic model of care within Brazil’s health system.

Professional Career of Rubens Tavares

The career of Rubens Tavares is centered on academia and research at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), a leading Brazilian university. His career shows a commitment to advancing both conventional medicine and integrative health practices within a rigorous academic framework. Additionally, he holds key leadership and advisory positions that shape research and education in his field.

His roles include research leadership, ethical oversight, and the development of specialized academic programs focused on health and spirituality. This multifaceted career path underscores his dedication to building bridges between different areas of health knowledge.

• Associate Professor: Serves in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).
• Research Group Leader: Leads the Complementary Therapies research group at UFMG, guiding scientific inquiry into integrative practices.
• Graduate Program Advisor: Acts as a full advisor and collegiate member for the Graduate Program in Health Promotion and Violence Prevention at the UFMG School of Medicine.
• Ethics Committee Member: Contributes to the Research Ethics Committee (CEP SAÚDE UFMG), ensuring the integrity of scientific studies.
• Center Coordinator: Coordinates the Advanced Center for Science, Health and Spirituality (NASCE-UFMG), as well as its associated study group and academic league.
• Consortium Researcher: Functions as a researcher at the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN).
• Committee Member: Participates in the Mental Health and Spirituality Committee within CABSIN.

Academic Qualifications of Rubens Tavares

Dr. Rubens Tavares has a robust academic background that combines medical training in Brazil with specialized doctoral research conducted in partnership with a prominent U.S. institution. His education provided him with a strong foundation in both clinical practice and scientific investigation, which has been central to his subsequent career in academia and research. This training has equipped him to explore complex health topics with scientific rigor.

His academic journey reflects a progression from general medical practice to specialized expertise in gynecology and obstetrics, culminating in a doctorate that broadened his international research experience. This path has been instrumental in shaping his approach to integrative health.

• Doctor of Science (2006): Earned from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in a collaborative program with Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA.
• Master in Gynecology and Obstetrics (2002): Completed his master’s degree, deepening his specialization in women’s health.
• Graduation in Medicine (1995): Obtained his medical degree, marking the beginning of his professional journey in healthcare.

Research and Publications

The research portfolio of Rubens Tavares is extensive and varied, focusing on the integration of complementary practices with conventional medicine. As the leader of the Complementary Therapies research group at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), he guides studies on a range of topics that are critical to advancing the field of integrative health. His work aims to provide evidence for practices that can improve patient well-being and health outcomes.

His primary research areas include health and spirituality, which examines the influence of spiritual beliefs on health, and the application of specific integrative and complementary health practices. In addition, his work on health promotion and violence prevention seeks to address broader public health challenges through a holistic lens. Dr. Tavares also contributes to the fields of medical education and human reproduction, bringing an integrative perspective to these domains.

The specific modalities investigated by Rubens Tavares and his team include meditation, acupuncture, and Reiki. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, he explores the efficacy and mechanisms of these therapies. Consequently, his research contributes to building a stronger evidence base for their inclusion in standard healthcare protocols, aligning with the global push for scientifically validated integrative medicine.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Rubens Tavares is actively involved in numerous academic and professional committees, reflecting his commitment to institutional governance and the advancement of integrative health. His participation in these bodies allows him to contribute to ethical oversight, academic policy, and the strategic direction of research and education. These roles are integral to fostering an environment where integrative health can thrive within established institutions.

His work on these committees ensures that complementary therapies and the study of spirituality in health are represented in key decision-making processes. Therefore, his contributions help shape the future of medical training and research at both the university and national levels.

• Member of the Research Ethics Committee (CEP SAÚDE UFMG): He helps ensure that research involving human subjects at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) adheres to the highest ethical standards.
• Collegiate Member of the Graduate Program: He participates in the governing body of the Graduate Program in Health Promotion and Violence Prevention at the UFMG School of Medicine.
• Researcher at the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN): He contributes to the research initiatives of this national consortium, which promotes evidence-based integrative health in Brazil.
• Member of the Mental Health and Spirituality Committee (CABSIN): Within CABSIN, he focuses on the important intersection of mental well-being and spiritual health.

Connect with Dr. Tavares

For a detailed overview of the academic publications and research contributions of Dr. Rubens Tavares, you can consult his official profile on the Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) platform. This resource provides a comprehensive list of his scholarly work and professional activities, offering further insight into his impact on the fields of gynecology, obstetrics, and integrative medicine.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1886-1621