Stefan Willich

Biography and Expertise of Stefan Willich

Professor Stefan Willich stands at the nexus of clinical science, public health, and humanistic inquiry. As Director of the Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics at Charité, one of Europe’s largest university hospitals, he leads research that shapes healthcare policy and practice. His work is grounded in evidence-based methodologies, yet it boldly explores the intersections between conventional medicine, integrative therapies, and the profound impact of the arts on human well-being.

His expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto pillar of “Well-being Societies.” By pioneering research in “arts and medicine,” he champions a form of “Knowledge Diversity” that extends beyond codified medical systems to include aesthetic and creative dimensions of healing. Therefore, his contributions are central to the Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” as he provides the health-economic and epidemiological frameworks necessary for evaluating and implementing these innovative approaches sustainably.

Furthermore, Professor Stefan Willich’s long-standing leadership in integrative medicine, including his influential presidency of the European Society of Integrative Medicine (ESIM), underscores his commitment to the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. His focus on scientific validation and sustainability ensures that traditional and complementary practices are not just preserved but are also integrated into global health with the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Professional Career

The professional journey of Stefan Willich reflects a continuous ascent to leadership positions where he could influence health systems on a larger scale. His career began with a strong clinical foundation in internal medicine and rapidly expanded to encompass public health, academic administration, and global cultural initiatives. This diverse trajectory has enabled him to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive innovation in both medical research and education.

Each role has been a building block, allowing him to merge his passions for science, health policy, and the arts into a cohesive and impactful professional life. Consequently, his leadership has left a lasting mark on every institution he has served.

• 1995 – Present: Professor and Director of the Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, where he has guided decades of research into public health and integrative medicine.
• 2012 – 2014: President of the Conservatory of Music Hanns Eisler Berlin, a role that uniquely positioned him to formally bridge the worlds of high art and health science.
• 2005 – 2012: Chairman of the CharitéCenter 1 for Prevention, Health and Human Sciences, leading a major division focused on proactive and holistic health strategies.
• 1993 – 1995: Visiting Professor of Medicine at Harvard University, USA, and Visiting Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Greifswald, roles that solidified his international academic standing early in his career.

Academic Qualifications

Professor Stefan Willich built his career on a remarkably diverse and international academic foundation. His education spans medicine, public health, and business administration, providing him with a multifaceted toolkit to address complex healthcare challenges. This interdisciplinary training from world-renowned institutions has been instrumental in his ability to conduct research that is not only scientifically sound but also economically viable and socially relevant.

This unique blend of qualifications demonstrates a commitment to understanding health from every possible angle—from the cellular level to societal structures and economic incentives. His academic background is a testament to his holistic approach to medicine and public health.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), 1995: Awarded by INSEAD in France, this degree equipped him with the strategic and financial acumen to lead large-scale health institutions and initiatives effectively.
• Master of Public Health (MPH), 1990: Earned at Harvard University, USA, this qualification provided him with the epidemiological and policy analysis skills that have defined his research career.
• Board Certification and Habilitation in Internal Medicine: These qualifications represent the pinnacle of clinical and academic achievement in German medicine, granting him full professorial authority.
• Medical Studies: Completed in Berlin, Munich, and New York, providing a broad, international perspective on clinical practice from the outset of his career.

Pioneering Research and Influence

With over 700 publications to his name, Professor Stefan Willich is a prolific and highly influential researcher whose work has significantly advanced several key areas of medicine and public health. His research is characterized by its rigorous methodology and its innovative scope, consistently pushing the boundaries of conventional medical inquiry. His primary research areas include cardiovascular disease, prevention, health economics, integrative medicine, and the emerging field of arts and medicine.

In health economics, his work provides crucial data on the cost-effectiveness of preventive and integrative therapies, directly supporting their inclusion in health systems, a core theme of the 3rd WCTCIM. Moreover, his epidemiological studies on cardiovascular disease have informed prevention strategies across Europe. His research demonstrates a clear commitment to generating the robust evidence called for by the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

The most distinctive feature of his research portfolio is its exploration of arts and medicine. Professor Stefan Willich investigates the physiological and psychological benefits of music and other art forms, contributing to a new dimension of evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions. This work provides a scientific basis for creating “Well-being Societies” and diversifies the tools available for promoting public health globally.

Fellowships and Professional Recognitions

The significant contributions of Stefan Willich to medicine, particularly in the field of cardiology, have been recognized through his election as a Fellow in two of the world’s most prestigious professional societies. These fellowships are not merely memberships; they are honors bestowed by peers in recognition of outstanding achievement, clinical excellence, and a sustained commitment to advancing medical science. They signify his high standing within the international medical community.

Achieving this level of recognition in conventional medicine provides a powerful platform from which to advocate for integrative approaches. Consequently, these honors lend substantial credibility to his work in complementary and arts-based therapies.

• Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC): This prestigious fellowship recognizes the top cardiologists in the United States and abroad for their significant contributions to cardiovascular medicine.
• Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC): This honor is granted to healthcare professionals who have distinguished themselves through scientific research, clinical practice, and leadership within the European cardiology community.

Global Leadership and Visionary Initiatives

Professor Stefan Willich extends his influence far beyond his academic and research roles through his dynamic leadership in international societies and his creation of transformative global initiatives. His work in these capacities demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to building collaborative platforms that advance new frontiers in health and well-being. He does not just participate in the conversation; he actively shapes it by founding and leading organizations that embody his visionary ideals.

His leadership roles have been instrumental in professionalizing and promoting integrative medicine and the field of arts and medicine on a global scale. Through these efforts, he has fostered communities of practice that connect thousands of professionals worldwide.

• Founder and Music Director, World Doctors Orchestra (WDO): Since 2008, he has led this unique orchestra of physician-musicians from around the world. The WDO combines musical excellence with social responsibility, dedicating its concerts to supporting medical aid projects and promoting global health equity.
• President, International Society for Arts and Medicine (ISfAM): Since 2022, he has been President of this new society, which aims to build a global, interdisciplinary community dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding and practical application of the arts in health.
• President, European Society of Integrative Medicine (ESIM): From 2010 to 2019, he led ESIM, playing a pivotal role in advocating for the evidence-based integration of complementary medicine into mainstream healthcare across Europe.

Connect with Professor Willich

To further explore the multifaceted work of Professor Stefan Willich, from his academic research at Charité to his globally celebrated musical initiatives, please visit the following official websites. These resources offer detailed information on his institute’s activities and the inspiring mission of the World Doctors Orchestra.

Official Profile at Charité-Berlin: View Academic Profile

World Doctors Orchestra Official Website: Discover the Music and Mission