Dr. Fernanda Ribeiro Marins is a Brazilian scientist, educator, researcher, healthcare leader, and entrepreneur whose career has been dedicated to advancing education, scientific development, innovation, and healthcare excellence. Recognized for her multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to social impact, she has built a distinguished professional trajectory that integrates science, teaching, research, leadership, and institutional development.
Fernanda holds degrees in Physiotherapy and Pedagogy and has pursued extensive academic training throughout her career. She earned her Master’s degree, PhD, and Postdoctoral Fellowship in Physiology and Pharmacology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), one of Brazil’s leading research institutions. During her doctoral studies, she completed a doctoral exchange program at Augusta University in the United States, where she expanded her international research experience and collaborated with scientists in the fields of cardiovascular physiology and autonomic regulation.
Her academic and scientific work has focused on bridging the gap between research and real-world applications, particularly in healthcare, education, neurodevelopment, rehabilitation, and quality of life. Throughout her career, she has contributed to numerous scientific publications, research projects, and presentations at national and international conferences, promoting evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Currently, Fernanda serves as a professor at UNIS São Lourenço, where she is actively involved in undergraduate education and professional training in the health sciences. She is also a professor and graduate advisor in the Master’s Program of FEPESMIG–Grupo Unis, contributing to the development of new researchers and supporting scientific production in areas related to health, education, and regional development. Her role as an educator reflects her belief that knowledge has the power to transform individuals, institutions, and communities.
In addition to her academic responsibilities, Fernanda has established herself as a respected leader in healthcare education and institutional development. Her work focuses on strengthening organizations through scientific education, professional training, innovation, leadership development, and the implementation of evidence-based practices. Over the years, she has collaborated with hospitals, educational institutions, social organizations, and healthcare services, helping to create environments that foster continuous learning, quality improvement, and innovation.
One of her major contributions has been the promotion of scientific culture within healthcare and social assistance institutions. She played a central role in the creation and development of research centers, scientific events, educational programs, and initiatives designed to encourage knowledge production and professional growth. Her efforts have contributed to expanding access to scientific opportunities in regions that traditionally have fewer resources for research and innovation.
Fernanda currently leads and supports educational and scientific initiatives in several institutions, including APAE São Lourenço, Hospital São Lourenço, Hospital de Olhos do Sul de Minas, HCI Ophthalmology Services, Clínica Dom Pedro, and Clínica Anestesiológica de Varginha. Her work includes developing professional training programs, implementing research and innovation structures, supporting healthcare residency programs, and promoting evidence-based institutional management.
One of her most significant achievements was the creation of the Scientific Research Center at APAE São Lourenço, an initiative designed to foster research, innovation, and evidence-based practices within an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. She also helped establish the Scientific Excellence Center at Clínica Dom Pedro, promoting a culture of continuous learning, research, and innovation in healthcare.
In addition to her institutional work, Fernanda has organized major scientific events, including the Research Day of Southern Minas Gerais Ophthalmology Programs, the Research Day of Hospital São Lourenço, scientific meetings at Clínica Dom Pedro, and the APAE São Lourenço Successful Experiences Award. She was also instrumental in the creation of the scientific journal Vida & Saúde, a publication registered with DOI and ISSN identifiers that promotes scientific dissemination and professional development.
Her leadership and contributions have been recognized through several prestigious awards and honors. Among them are the Special CREFITO-4 Award for Excellence in Healthcare Management and Entrepreneurship, the Nair Castro de Oliveira Honorary Medal from the São Lourenço City Council, and multiple commendations recognizing her contributions to science, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. She is also a bestselling author on Amazon through the collaborative book Women Who Transform: 90 Days of Inspiration, a work dedicated to empowering women and promoting positive social change.
Beyond her professional achievements, Fernanda values family as one of the most important foundations of her life. She is married and the proud mother of Mariana, who serves as a constant source of inspiration in both her personal and professional journey. Balancing family, leadership, education, and research has strengthened her commitment to building a future in which knowledge, compassion, and innovation work together to improve people’s lives.
A strong advocate for inclusion, diversity, education, and social responsibility, Fernanda believes that scientific knowledge should not remain restricted to academic environments. Instead, it should be translated into practical solutions capable of generating meaningful and lasting impact. This philosophy has guided her work across different sectors and has shaped her approach to leadership, teaching, and community engagement.
Today, Fernanda Ribeiro Marins continues to inspire professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and organizations through her unique ability to connect science, education, healthcare, and innovation. Her vision is simple yet powerful: to transform knowledge into meaningful impact, creating stronger institutions, empowered professionals, and healthier, more inclusive communities for future generations.
