L. Susan Wieland
L. Susan Wieland, PhD, MPH, is a distinguished evidence-synthesis methodologist and the Director of Cochrane Complementary Medicine. At the University of Maryland School of Medicine, she leads a global field dedicated to producing and disseminating high-quality systematic reviews on the efficacy and safety of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) therapies.
Her work provides the rigorous scientific foundation necessary to integrate TCIM into global health systems, directly aligning with the mission of the 3rd WCTCIM. Dr. Wieland’s leadership is pivotal in translating complex research into actionable, evidence-based guidance for clinicians and policymakers worldwide.
ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2157-0603
Biography and Expertise of L. Susan Wieland
Dr. L. Susan Wieland has forged a remarkable career dedicated to the advancement of evidence-based healthcare in the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). As the long-standing Director of Cochrane Complementary Medicine and an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, she operates at the critical nexus of research, methodology, and policy. Her primary focus is on developing robust, transparent, and reliable systematic reviews that inform clinical practice and public health decisions. Consequently, her work has become indispensable for organizations seeking to integrate TCIM on a foundation of solid scientific evidence.
Her expertise profoundly connects with the core objectives of the 3rd WCTCIM. Dr. Wieland’s leadership in evidence synthesis directly supports Thematic Axis 2.3, which emphasizes the evidence-based contributions of TCIM to global public health. By establishing high standards for research, she helps validate the use of integrative therapies for pressing health challenges. Furthermore, her recent development of guidelines for incorporating planetary health into systematic reviews aligns perfectly with the congress motto’s pillar of “Planetary Health,” demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that links human well-being to environmental sustainability.
Beyond that, the global network of over 200 reviewers she leads embodies the congress’s spirit of South-South collaboration and global partnership. Her work is a practical application of the Gujarat Declaration’s principles, championing science and evidence to build a credible knowledge base for TCIM. Therefore, Dr. L. Susan Wieland’s contributions are essential for strengthening global public health and ensuring that the integration of diverse knowledge systems is both safe and effective.
Professional Career Trajectory
Dr. L. Susan Wieland’s career shows sustained leadership and commitment to evidence-based medicine. She has been instrumental at prestigious institutions in shaping discourse on integrative medicine. This path reflects consistent dedication to enhancing research quality and reliability in a globally important field.
Her roles consistently placed her at the forefront of evidence synthesis, guiding international teams and contributing to strategic direction of major organizations. This experience provides a unique perspective on challenges and opportunities in integrating TCIM into mainstream healthcare and research. Her history demonstrates clear, impactful progression of influence and responsibility.
- Director, Cochrane Complementary Medicine (2005 – Present): In this pivotal role, Dr. Wieland leads a global field within Cochrane, renowned for high standards in evidence synthesis. She directs an international network of over 200 reviewers and stakeholders, setting strategic vision for producing and disseminating systematic reviews on TCIM therapies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine (2008 – Present): As core faculty, she contributes to academic and research missions of a leading medical school. This position involves teaching, mentoring, and independent research, grounding her work in a rigorous academic environment.
- Director, Cochrane US: Concurrent with other roles, Dr. Wieland serves as a Director with Cochrane US. This position amplifies leadership by promoting principles and application of evidence synthesis across the US, fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.
Academic Foundations and Training
The expertise of Dr. L. Susan Wieland is built upon a strong academic foundation in public health and epidemiology. Her rigorous training at the University of Maryland provided her with the sophisticated methodological skills required to navigate the complexities of health research. This background is essential for her work, enabling her to critically appraise clinical studies and develop new standards for evidence synthesis.
Her education has equipped her to address the unique challenges of studying TCIM, such as the variability of interventions and the need for innovative trial designs. This specialized knowledge ensures that the systematic reviews produced under her leadership are not only methodologically sound but also relevant and applicable to the field. Consequently, her academic journey is a testament to her commitment to bringing the highest level of scientific rigor to integrative medicine.
- PhD in Epidemiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore (2015): Her doctoral work provided her with advanced training in study design, biostatistics, and causal inference. This terminal degree cemented her status as an expert methodologist, capable of leading complex research projects and developing new guidelines for evidence synthesis.
- Master of Public Health (MPH), University of Maryland, Baltimore (2006 – 2008): Her MPH degree established a broad public health perspective, giving her a deep understanding of health systems, policy, and population health dynamics. This foundation is crucial for translating research findings into meaningful public health impact and policy recommendations.
Pioneering Research in Evidence Synthesis
Dr. L. Susan Wieland‘s impactful research advances systematic reviews, guidelines, and complementary health safety. Her high-impact publications influence global policy, making her a thought leader applying rigorous TCIM methods.
Methodological Innovation and Standards
Dr. Wieland improves research methodology, setting systematic review standards, especially for herbal/multimodal interventions. This ensures TCIM’s evidence is robust, transparent, trustworthy, essential for healthcare integration.
Planetary Health and Evidence Integration
Dr. Wieland integrates planetary health into evidence synthesis. Her Journal of Clinical Epidemiology guidelines link clinical evidence to environmental sustainability. This supports 3rd WCTCIM’s “Planetary Health” motto, setting new standards for holistic research.
Herbal Safety and Consumer Protection
Her research addresses dietary supplement safety/regulation. In Global Advances in Health and Medicine, she examined FDA’s framework, highlighting consumer safety. This underscores her commitment to safe, effective TCIM use, a key concern for policymakers.
Informing Global Health Policy
Dr. Wieland influences global health policy. Her contributions to WHO’s global report on TCIM (BMJ Global Health) shaped international strategy. This ensures evidence-based WHO guidance, supporting congress’s goal to implement WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.
Leadership in the Scientific Community
Dr. L. Susan Wieland holds significant leadership roles in the international scientific community. Beyond her primary academic and directorial appointments, these positions reflect the trust and respect she has earned from her peers. Through these activities, she shapes research, publication, and evidence-based practice standards in integrative medicine, ensuring the field’s scientific integrity.
Her involvement in editorial boards and global research networks guides TCIM research quality and direction. These roles foster excellence and collaboration, amplifying her impact and advancing the field on multiple fronts.
- Director, Cochrane Complementary Medicine: Her most significant leadership role, she heads a global Cochrane Field. She coordinates an international network producing authoritative systematic reviews. Her leadership ensures alignment with global health priorities and Cochrane’s rigorous methodological standards.
- Section Editor, Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine (JICM): As Section Editor for Evidence Synthesis at a leading peer-reviewed journal, Dr. Wieland oversees systematic review quality. She ensures disseminated evidence is methodologically sound and accurately reported.
- Director, Cochrane US: Promotes Cochrane’s mission in the U.S. She aids strategic planning and outreach to increase high-quality evidence use in American healthcare policy and practice, solidifying systematic reviews’ importance in national health discourse.
Connect with Dr. Wieland
Explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Dr. L. Susan Wieland through her official profiles and platforms. These resources provide detailed information on her research, publications, and ongoing projects in the field of evidence-based integrative medicine.
Official Faculty Profile: View her profile at the University of Maryland School of Medicine for details on her academic role and research interests.
ORCID Profile: Access a comprehensive and authoritative list of her scholarly publications and professional affiliations.
Cochrane Complementary Medicine: Learn more about the global Cochrane Field she directs, including its mission, team, and latest evidence-synthesis activities.