Our Scientific Review Committee
Dr Donald I. Abrams
Donald I. Abrams, MD. is a Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco. He has an Integrative Oncology consultation practice at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. He received an A.B. in Molecular Biology from Brown University in 1972 and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1977. After completing an Internal Medicine residency at the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Francisco, he became a fellow in Hematology/Oncology at the Cancer Research Institute of the University of California, San Francisco in 1980. He was one the original clinician/investigators to recognize and define many early AIDS-related conditions at San Francisco General Hospital where he also served as chief of Hematology-Oncology for 14 years. He has long been interested in clinical trials of complementary and alternative medicine interventions for HIV/AIDS and cancer, including evaluations of medicinal cannabis. In 1997 he received funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to conduct a clinical trial on the short-term safety of cannabinoids in HIV infection.
Subsequently he was granted funds by the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research to continue studies of the effectiveness of cannabis in a number of clinical conditions. He completed a placebo-controlled study of smoked cannabis in patients with painful HIV-related peripheral neuropathy as well as a study evaluating vaporization as a smokeless delivery system for medicinal cannabis. He conducted a NIDA-funded trial investigating the pharmacokinetic interaction between vaporized cannabis and opioid analgesics in patients with chronic pain. His last study was an NIH-funded trial evaluating vaporized cannabis in patients with sickle cell disease. He co-authored the chapter on “Cannabinoids and Cancer” in the Oxford University Press Integrative Oncology text that he co-edited with Andrew Weil. He co-edited the NCI PDQ CAM Cannabinoids and Cancer website for 13 years. He was a member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s committee that published The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research in January 2017. He has received numerous awards recognizing his work in advancing cannabis as medicine.
Dr Eran Ben-Arye
Prof. Eran Ben-Arye has an MD degree from the Faculty of Medicine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Prof. Ben-Arye is on the faculty of the Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, and since 2022 serves as the Chairman, Department of family Medicine, in the Faculty of Medicine.
Prof. Ben-Arye is the founder and director of the Integrative Oncology Program at Lin, Carmel, and Zebulun Medical Centers, Haifa, Israel. He has been the chairperson of the Israel Society for Complementary Medicine of the Israel Medical Association. He is the Primary Researcher of the Middle East Research Group in Integrative Oncology (MERGIO) within the Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) and is an elected member of the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Board of Trustees and serves as the SIO Regional Ambassador to Europe and the Middle-East.
His research interests include integrative and complementary medicine, family medicine, integrative oncology, medical education, doctor-patient communication, evidence-based medicine and research, and traditional and cross-cultural medicine. He has authored and co-authored 205 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals published in Pubmed/Medline and 9 chapters in oncology textbooks concerning integrative oncology, doctor-patient communication, sociology and nutrition.
Prof. Ben-Arye has constructed and co-conducted more than 20 clinical studies in the area of complementary and integrative medicine, including five randomized controlled studies. He is assigned as Associate Editor for Integrative Oncology in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care and as an Integrative Medicine section editor in Current Psychiatry Reports.
Dr Massimo Bonucci
Dr Massimo Bonucci M.D. is Chief of Clinical Pathology and Surgical Pathology and Outpatient Oncology in San Feliciano Hospital-Rome - Italy; he is member of IAP (International Academy of Pathology-Italian Division). He focused his work to FNAC/FNAB to breast cancer; brain cancer and colon cancer. For ten years he had collaborative experience with Dr. Nieper (late President German Society of Oncology); after he introduced the use and development of integrative medicine on cancer patients in Italy.
Graduated on Clinical Oncology from University of Pisa, Dr Bonucci works as Consultant Oncologist for Integrative treatments to some Hospital in Rome, Perugia and Milan (Italy). He works as Consultant Oncologist and Surgical Pathologist with I.S.S. (National Health Service) in news research for integrative use from chemotherapy and natural medicaments. Prof. Bonucci is founder and President of ARTOI (Associazione Ricerca Terapie Oncologiche Integrate) a non-profit organization, first in Italy, for to explain and to develop the Integrative medicine in cancer. He use also complementary therapies and nutrition for prevention.
He is Professor of the G. Marconi University Centro Studi Scienza della vita in Rome, for Integrative Oncology of postgraduate program and the same program in University of Chieti. He is working on a book, ‘Integrative Oncology in Italy”. Prof Bonucci has organized the International meeting of Integrative Oncology in Rome from 2009 to 2016.
Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel
Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is an award winning Oxbridge-trained integrative medicine physician scientist and educator with over a decade’s experience in integrative healthcare. Dr Fuller-Shavel holds 4 Oxbridge degrees, including MB BChir (Medicine) and MA Hons Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and distinctions in MSc Precision Cancer Medicine and PG Dip Health Research from the University of Oxford. Dr Fuller-Shavel is a Fellow of the College of Medicine, the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel has co-chaired the BSIO (British Society for Integrative Oncology) over 2021-2023 and is the current Co-Chair of the BSIO Education Committee. Dr Fuller-Shavel is the SIO (Society for Integrative Oncology) Global Ambassador to the UK and the Co-Chair of the SIO Global Committee, actively contributing to several other SIO committees and special interest groups. Alongside her extensive scientific and medical training, Dr Fuller-Shavel holds multiple qualifications in nutrition, integrative medicine, health coaching, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, mindfulness and other therapeutic approaches. Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel has also recently co-authored the book ‘Integrative Oncology in Breast Cancer Care’ with Dr Penny Kechagioglou published by Springer in March 2024.
Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is the founder and Director of Synthesis Clinic, an innovative multidisciplinary practice in Hampshire, specialising in women’s health, integrative pain care and integrative cancer care (integrative oncology) for children and adults. Alongside her clinical work, Dr Fuller-Shavel is a guest lecturer in integrative medicine for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and delivers independent educational courses for medical and nutrition professionals, including her Systems Approach to Cancer Programme. Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel participates in research in integrative oncology and precision health, is an expert integrative and supportive oncology abstract reviewer for international conferences and journals, and contributes to journal editorial boards (NMJ and IJIO) and guideline development panels nationally and internationally. Finally, Dr Fuller-Shavel holds two integrative oncology non-profit roles as the CEO of the UK NCIO (National Centre for Integrative Oncology) charity and the Co-Founder and Director of Oncio CIC, supporting access to services and best clinical practice and research in integrative oncology.
Dr Tasha Gandamihardja
Dr. Tasha Gandamihardja is a consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon and a passionate health educator. She graduated medicine at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine (University College London). Subsequently, she underwent rigorous surgical training at prominent London teaching hospitals, including the Royal London Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital, and St Mary’s Hospital, where she honed her skills.
Driven by a commitment to excellence, Dr. Gandamihardja pursued specialist training, including a highly competitive Oncoplastic Fellowship in Glasgow, which provided her with expertise in oncoplastic and reconstructive surgical techniques. She was also a visiting surgeon at the prestigious Paris Breast Institute, where she gained valuable insights into innovative approaches to breast cancer treatment.
Dr. Gandamihardja's commitment to advancing medical knowledge extends beyond the operating room. She pursued a PhD from University College London (UCL), focusing on the molecular biology of cancer, and her tenure as a research fellow at the University of Southern California (USC) have deepened her understanding of cancer biology and treatment modalities.
Passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise, Dr. Gandamihardja is actively involved in teaching and mentorship, holding a Masters in Surgical Education (MEd) from Imperial College London. She is committed to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals.
Dr. Gandamihardja's innovative approach to health education extends beyond the clinic walls. Through her popular YouTube channel "Dr. Tasha" and engaging podcast "My Breast My Health," she disseminates accurate information on breast health, treatment options and life style modifications that impact cancer risk. She also utilises social media platforms to foster dialogue and provide valuable resources to a wide audience.
Through her dedication to patient care, education, and research, Dr. Tasha Gandamihardja continues to impact the lives of those affected by breast cancer, empowering individuals to take control of their health and navigate life beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Dr Carol Granger
Dr Carol Granger is a registered nutrition practitioner with a degree in biochemistry and a Master’s in microbiology. She had two decades of experience in bioscience research, microbiological diagnostics and medical technology before a career change to nutritional therapy. Her doctorate in health sciences from the University of Westminster involved researching nutritional therapy practice for people affected by cancer.
She has a particular interest in the human microbiome, the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on its composition, and its interactions with the processes of malignancy and immunity.
Carol is Co-Chair of the Research Council for complementary Medicine (RCCM) and has an interest in inter-professional collaboration and integrative cancer care. She contributes to an NIHR collaboration on nutrition for people affected by cancer, and also works with a collaboration of oncologists to provide evidence-based nutrition for survivorship. She also works as an adviser to Penny Brohn Cancer Care
Carol has published on several areas of biosciences including parenteral nutrition, human tissue banking and fluid separation technology in medicine. Her recent papers have explored professional regulation of complementary medicine and nutrition practice for people affected by cancer. She is a member of the Nutrition Society and the Microbiology Society, a chartered biologist and member of the Royal Society of Biology, a Fellow of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Dr John Hughes
Dr John Hughes is the Head of Research at the Royal London Hospital of Integrated Medicine, UCLH NHS Trust, and Associate Professor in Integrated Medicine with the University of West London. He is also the Head of the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Integrative Medicine.
John leads an interdisciplinary programme of mixed methods research centred on patients’ experiences of chronic illness and the alleviation of symptoms using integrated medicine and self-management techniques. The programme of research has received over one million pounds in funding, and includes awards from the National Institute for Health Research and World Health Organization. The research has been disseminated in over 50 peer reviewed academic publications.
Aga Kehinde
Aga Kehinde is a Trauma Consultant, Cancer Nurse Specialist, and Health Empowerment Coach with over 23 years of experience in oncology, cancer education and research, trauma-informed care, and emotional well-being. She has developed transformative support models integrating trauma expertise, cancer care, psychology, and public health to address the holistic needs of individuals facing significant life challenges.
As Co-Chair of the British Society of Integrative Oncology, Aga is dedicated to advancing integrative cancer care, bridging conventional and holistic approaches to improve patient outcomes. In her role as Cancer Engagement Lead at the Royal Surrey Cancer Centre, she works to enhance patient support services, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive, person-centred care. Additionally, as a Health Coach at Synthesis Clinic, she supports patients and healthcare professionals in developing resilience, stress management strategies, and emotional recovery pathways.
Aga is deeply committed to empowering individuals through cancer coaching, trauma-informed interventions, and emotional well-being strategies. Her expertise in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Neurolinguistic Programming and integrative coaching enables her to provide personalised support for patients and professionals alike. She collaborates with organisations to implement trauma-informed, well-being-focused practices, fostering healthier workplaces and communities.
Passionate about systemic change, Aga advocates for integrative, community-driven approaches that enhance overall health and well-being. Her work continues to transform lives by bridging the gap between medical, emotional, and holistic care, ensuring that individuals facing cancer and other health challenges receive the support they need to thrive.
Dr Amy Mitchell
Dr Amy Mitchell is a consultant paediatric and adolescent oncologist at Oxford Children’s Hospital and a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Oxford. She has extensive expertise in paediatric aftercare, survivorship, and holistic cancer care, leading integrative approaches to improve long-term outcomes for children and young people.
With over eight years of NHS consultant experience, Dr.Mitchell plays a key role in paediatric oncology across Thames Valley, leading on quality improvement, patient safety, and the development of personalised aftercare services. She is committed to embedding integrative approaches within paediatric oncology, encompassing exercise oncology, psycho-oncology, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine.
Dr. Mitchell recently completed a 2 year term as training advisor for the RCPCH Paediatric Oncology CSAC, where she contributed to national training strategy and mentorship for paediatric oncology trainees. She remains an active educator, leading postgraduate training and serving as an educational supervisor for paediatric oncology trainees. She holds a postgraduate diploma in clinical education and is passionate about developing future paediatric oncologists through high-quality training and mentorship.
A principal investigator for multiple paediatric oncology clinical trials across the range of solid tumours of childhood, including Neuroblastoma, Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), Renal Tumours, and Rhabdomyosarcomas, Dr.Mitchell has a strong research background, holding a master’s in cancer cell biology. She is dedicated to advancing precision and integrative oncology through evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary collaboration.
She is a member of CCLG, SIOP Europe, Pancare, Q and the British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO) as well as a Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health. Passionate about improving quality of life for paediatric cancer survivors, she is currently focused on developing multidisciplinary, personalised aftercare models that integrate conventional and complementary approaches to support children beyond treatment.
Dr Maryam Rassouli
Dr Maryam Rassouli is a Full Professor at the School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman, and a former professor at Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran.
She has supervised or co-advised over 150 PhD and Master’s theses since 2012. Her research contributions include being the corresponding author and co-author of more than 300 articles in peer-reviewed journal. Most of these publications are in the field of palliative care, including psychological and spiritual aspects of cancer care, and development models and service packages for the provision of such services at national and regional levels.
Additionally, she serves as an associate editor for Seminars in Oncology Nursing and the International Journal of Cancer Management, and she is an editorial board member of several journals, including the Asia Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing.
Her administrative experience includes roles such as Director General of Nursing Services at the Iranian Ministry of Health & Medical Education (MoHME) and member of the National Nursing Educational Board. Since 2019, she has also been a temporary advisor in palliative care for EMRO WHO.
Dr Isabel Giralt Sampedro
Born in 1956, graduated with medical degree from the University of Barcelona in 1981.
Began studying acupuncture in her third year of medical school, later continuing her studies in France and Great Britain, where she received certification with Dr. Radha Thambirajah in 1986. Also certified in acupuncture by the Board of Physicians of Barcelona. Master’s degree in Acupuncture from the University of Barcelona – Bosch I Gimpera Foundation.
In 1986 in Barcelona founded the ENERGIMED acupuncture clinic, where she is currently the Medical Director with a team of five other acupuncture physicians.
Has been the President of the Acupuncture Physicians Section of the Board of Physicians of Barcelona. Currently a member of the Board.
Was a member of the Master’s Teaching Commission in Acupuncture for medical school graduates of the University of Barcelona–IL3 from 1996 to 2006.
From 2007 to 2009, President of the International Council of Medical Acupuncture, an association of over 15,000 acupuncture physicians worldwide. Currently, Past-President on the Council board.
Director of the Acupuncture Master’s Programme for medical school graduates and certified physiotherapists at the University of Lleida. Editor of the “Revista Internacional de Acupuntura” for Elsevier Publishers.
Dr Friedemann Schad
Dr. med. Friedemann Schad is specialist in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Since 2010 he is Head of the Oncology Center at the Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin (Germany). He is Member of Management of the Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, the Research Institute Havelhöhe, Berlin (Germany) and Netzwerk Onkologie. Friedemann Schad is a member in Tumorzentrum Berlin und Tumorzentrum gemeinnütziger & konfesioneller Krankenhäuser in Berlin e.V.
Head of Berlin’s Oncology Center at Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe (Berlin, Germany)
Board Member of the Havelhöhe Research Institute and Havelhöhe Hospital
Member of Berlin’s Tumorzentrum
Dr Georg Seifert
Professor Dr. med. Georg Seifert is a distinguished senior physician specializing in pediatrics. He holds the prestigious position of Europe’s first professorship in integrative medicine in pediatrics at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, and serves as a Visiting Professor at the University of São Paulo, Brazil.
At Charité, Professor Seifert leads a groundbreaking project aimed at establishing a center dedicated to translating experiential traditional and integrative medicine (TCIM) into evidence-based practices supported by scientific data. This initiative seeks to broaden opportunities for individual health promotion, prevention, and therapy within society, with a particular emphasis on children and adolescents. His research interests span across various areas, including mind-body medicine, nutrition, and whole medical systems.
Professor Seifert’s work is driven by a deep commitment to exploring the intersection of TCIM with modern healthcare systems. He is passionate about harnessing the potential of TCIM to drive innovation and sustainability in healthcare delivery, aligning with the global strategy outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), where he serves as a TCIM expert.
Professor Alain Toledano
Professor Alain TOLEDANO, is a radiation oncologist, chairs the French Society of Integrative Oncology. President of the Rafaël Institute, Director of the Chair of Integrative Health at the CNAM (Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers of Paris) and Medical Director of the Hartmann Cancer Institute, Former Head of the Paris Hospitals.
He chaired the French Society of Young Radiotherapist Oncologist.
Alain TOLEDANO has developed high precision technologies in modern radiotherapy, helping to raise the Hartmann Center to the world leader radiosurgery. Co- founder of the clinical research unit and oncogenetics consultation, he is a teacher in many university degrees. Knight of the National Order of Merit, he is a involved in civil life as in associations, and has founded multiple associations such as the Association Esthetic & Cancer, Sport against Cancer, or the Franco- African Association of Oncology.
Dr Alain TOLEDANO chairs the Rafaël Institute for Integrative health, which opened in December 2018, and rethinks rehabilitation against fragility and psychosocial disruption induced by cancer and chronic diseases.
Dr Elizabeth Thompson
Dr Elizabeth Thompson trained in Medicine at the University of Oxford and completed her training at Guy’s Hospital in London. Whilst training in Palliative Medicine to Consultant level, she also studied a range of integrative approaches including Medical Homeopathy. In 2000 she was appointed as an NHS Consultant and Homeopathic Physician and set up an Integrative Cancer Care service at the University Hospital Bristol, and then went on to be Lead Clinician for the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital. In 2014 she set up the National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM) and stepped away from the NHS in 2019 to run NCIM full time.
Dr Elizabeth is a Council Member for the College of Medicine, British Society of Integrative Oncology, and the Faculty of Homeopathy. She has been past President for the European Congress for Integrative Medicine and the Integrative and Personalised Medicine Congress.
Along with her Membership of the Royal College of Physicians, she also has a Doctor of Medicine Thesis from the University of Oxford, focusing on complex trial design and understanding placebo responses when investigating complementary approaches.
Dr Jan Vagedes
Dr Jan Vagedes is head of the department of Pediatrics at the Filderklinik. He is director ofthe ARCIM Institute (Academic Research in Complementary and Integrative Medicine), and is affiliated to the University of Tübingen. Dr. Jan Vagedes studied in Munich with study visits to Boston (USA), Johannesburg (South Africa) and Alicante (Spain). He received his MD degree from the Medical Faculty of the Ludwig Maximilian University, Medical School (Munich) and his MA degree (Magister Artium) in Philosophy from the High school for Philosophy (Munich).
He is a board member of the & Medical Seminar Bad Bollquot and lectures worldwide on integrative medicine. One of his research interests is in the psycho-physiological effects of integrative therapies.
Dr Ines von Rosenstiel
Dr Ines is consultant in Paediatrics, Lifestyle medicine and Integrative Medicine , Clinic of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and adult oncology Center, Rijnstate Teaching Hospital, Arnhem, the Netherlands. I am educated Medical Doctor at the University of Leiden Medical School , specializing in General Paediatrics and Paediatric Intensive Care at the University Academic Hospital in Amsterdam, and obtained additional degrees in Integrative medicine and Integrative oncology. Her primary fields of interest are childhood obesity, lifestyle medicine in pediatrics , CFS/ME and Post-Acute Inflammatory Syndrome (PAIS) and the broad field of integrative oncology.
Since 2018, she is one of the instigators and active member of the Dutch Integrative Medicine and Health consortium (www.CIZG.nl) During recent years, her predominant interest has been in the nationwide implementation and advocacy of integrative pediatrics and integrative oncology .Dr Ines teaches integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine in the undergraduate medical curriculum and students of other health care professions. She is engaged in dissemination activities, and a regular contributor to public debates and a podcaster and global keynote speaker whose mission is to empower patients to step into their strengths.
As a consultant in integrative oncology for the last eight years Dr Ines works with patients to develop personalized treatment plans, addressing not just the disease but also the emotional, physical, and nutritional well-being of the individual. By integrating evidence-based therapies such as nutrition, stress management, and supportive healing practices, she aims to enhance treatment outcomes and minimize side effects, empowering patients through their cancer journey.
Dr Catherine Zollman
Dr. Catherine Zollman is Medical Lead at Penny Brohn UK, a charity which in provides Integrative Support and Self-Management Education for people affected by cancer. She has facilitated many Penny Brohn retreats and group sessions for people affected by cancer. She is also an NHS GP, and has been an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Bristol, and Clinical Lead for Personalised Cancer Care and Support for the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire NHS Cancer Alliance. She studied medical oncology before specialising in General Practice and completing a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine (University of Arizona). In 1999 she co-authored the British Medical Journal’s “ABC of Complementary Medicine” series.
She has been involved in teaching medical postgraduates and undergraduates since 2000, as a GP Training Course Organiser with the Severn Deanery, through supervising student placements in Integrative Oncology and has helped to develop and tutor on University of Bristol Medical School’s pioneering and award-winning Whole Person Care and Effective Consulting Courses.
She is a Council Member of the College of Medicine, is on the Executive Committee of the British Society of Integrative Oncology, and is Global Ambassador for the UK for the international Society of Integrative Oncology. She has helped to organise and chair several conferences including the College of Medicine’s Conference on Food: the Forgotten Medicine at the Royal Society of Medicine; Your Life and Cancer 2020 and 2022; and the annual Integrative Oncology UK Conference which started in 2021.
She has been interested in psychospiritual care as part of whole person healthcare since her medical student days and this interest led to her joining the original Psychedelic Health Professionals Network retreat facilitation training cohort when it was set up in 2019. She has a particular interest in the way psychedelics can help our relationship with death and dying.