Diğdem Lafci Bakar | Clinical Trials | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Digdem Lafci Bakar | Clinical Trials | Best Academic Researcher Award

Mersin University Faculty of Nursing | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Diğdem Lafcı Bakar is a distinguished nursing academic with extensive expertise in fundamental nursing, complementary and integrative care, and symptom management. She earned her PhD in Fundamentals of Nursing from Atatürk University, with doctoral research focusing on the effects of aromatherapy massage on constipation in older adults, and completed her master’s degree at Çukurova University examining the impact of music on sleep quality in cancer patients. Dr. Lafcı Bakar has served in academic roles at Gaziantep University and Mersin University, where she currently contributes to education, research, and graduate supervision. Her scholarly work emphasizes non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation exercises, massage, virtual reality, reiki, and acupressure, with a strong commitment to evidence-based nursing practice and patient-centered care.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Citations
675

h-index
16

i10-index
20

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Featured Publications

Rami Abazid | Clinical Trials | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Rami Abazid | Clinical Trials | Research Excellence Award

Northern Ontario School of Medicine University | Canada

Dr. Rami Abazid is a distinguished cardiologist and academic leader recognized for his extensive expertise in advanced cardiovascular imaging and his long-standing contributions to clinical cardiology. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University and practices as a cardiologist at Sault Area Hospital in Ontario, Canada, where he is deeply engaged in delivering high-level patient care, mentoring trainees, and advancing imaging-based diagnostic excellence. Dr. Abazid’s professional journey reflects a progressive expansion of knowledge across multiple cardiology subspecialties, supported by a rich portfolio of prestigious board certifications, including cardiovascular CT, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and certifications from renowned institutions in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. His training includes high-level fellowships in echocardiography, cardiovascular CT, and nuclear cardiology, complemented by hybrid imaging training that strengthened his multidisciplinary approach to cardiac diagnostics. Throughout his career, he has practiced in several leading medical centers, holding roles such as consultant cardiologist, specialist, senior registrar, and fellow in cardiovascular medicine, which allowed him to cultivate mastery across inpatient care, emergency cardiac assessment, outpatient management, and complex imaging modalities. Dr. Abazid is well known for his proficiency in echocardiography, including transthoracic, transesophageal, three-dimensional and intraoperative imaging, as well as stress testing and structural heart assessments. His expertise extends to cardiovascular CT for coronary assessment, congenital heart evaluation, aortic imaging, TAVI planning, prosthetic valve analysis, and calcium scoring using advanced imaging platforms. Additionally, he is experienced in nuclear cardiology, including SPECT, PET, viability assessment, amyloid imaging, sarcoidosis evaluation, and various stress testing protocols. Dr. Abazid has held significant administrative and leadership roles, including chairing the cardiac CT unit and the cardiac outpatient department, while also serving on ethics committees and leading scientific abstract committees within major cardiology organizations. As an active member of international professional societies and a contributor to authoritative educational modules, he continues to influence the evolution of cardiovascular imaging practice worldwide. Driven by academic excellence, clinical precision, and a passion for innovation, Dr. Abazid remains a respected figure in modern cardiology, dedicated to advancing patient outcomes and shaping the next generation of cardiovascular specialists.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Stocker, T. J., Deseive, S., Leipsic, J., Hadamitzky, M., Chen, M. Y., Rubinshtein, R., … Abazid, R.
Reduction in radiation exposure in cardiovascular computed tomography imaging: Results from the PROspective multicenter registry on radiaTion dose estimates of cardiac CT. European Heart Journal, 39(41), 3715–3723.

Einstein, A. J., Pascual, T. N. B., Mercuri, M., Karthikeyan, G., Vitola, J. V., … Abazid, R.
Current worldwide nuclear cardiology practices and radiation exposure: Results from the 65-country IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Cross-Sectional Study (INCAPS). European Heart Journal, 36(26), 1689–1696.

Ewid, M., Sherif, H., Allihimy, A. S., Alharbi, S. A., Aldrewesh, D. A., Alkuraydis, S. A., … Abazid, R.
AST/ALT ratio predicts the functional severity of chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. BMC Research Notes, 13(1), 178.

Abohamr, S. I., Abazid, R. M., Aldossari, M. A., Amer, H. A., Badhawi, O. S., … Jadaan, M. M.
Clinical characteristics and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 adult patients in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Medical Journal, 41(11), 1217.

Abazid, R. M., Khalaf, H. H., Sakr, H. I., Altorbak, N. A., Alenzi, H. S., Awad, Z. M., … AlMubarak, N.
Effects of Ramadan fasting on the symptoms of chronic heart failure. Saudi Medical Journal, 39(4), 395–401.

Mercuri, M., Pascual, T. N. B., Mahmarian, J. J., Shaw, L. J., Dondi, M., Paez, D., … Abazid, R.
Estimating the reduction in radiation burden from nuclear cardiology through use of stress-only imaging in the United States and worldwide. JAMA Internal Medicine, 176(2), 269–273.

Hannah Sebitloane | Clinical Trials | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hannah Sebitloane | Clinical Trials | Research Excellence Award

University of Natal | South Africa

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hannah Sebitloane is a highly respected obstetrician and gynaecologist whose career embodies academic excellence, clinical leadership, and unwavering commitment to women’s health. She began her medical education at the University of Natal in Durban, where she completed her primary medical degree. She later advanced to specialist training through the South African Colleges of Medicine, earning her Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Her academic journey progressed at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she completed both her Master of Medicine and doctoral qualifications in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. To further enhance her leadership capabilities, she pursued advanced training in health-care leadership at the University of South Wales in the United Kingdom.Dr. Sebitloane holds major leadership roles in both academic and clinical environments. She serves as Head of the Academic Department at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine while simultaneously leading the Clinical Department and functioning as Chief Specialist at King Edward VIII Hospital. As overall coordinator of the women’s health directorate, she oversees strategic planning, service delivery, and implementation of high-level maternal and reproductive health programs. Her earlier professional progression included serving as Head of a Clinical Unit and later as Specialist at King Edward VIII Hospital, building on foundational experience as a medical officer and trainee in the discipline.A prominent scholar in her field, Dr. Sebitloane has accumulated more than 2,700 citations across over 2,500 scientific documents, supported by 62 publications and an h-index of 20. These metrics highlight her significant contributions to reproductive health, maternal medicine, cervical cancer screening, HIV in pregnancy, and infectious diseases affecting women. Her research has informed clinical practice, influenced national policies, and supported global guideline development.Dr. Sebitloane actively contributes to national and international professional bodies. She is registered as an independent specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and is a longstanding member of the South African Medical Association. She has served in leadership roles within the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa through the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and has contributed extensively to the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Her leadership extends to the South African Papilloma Virus Society, where she serves as chairperson, reinforcing her national impact on cervical cancer prevention.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Anonymous. (2025a). Immunoexpression of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble FMS‑like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‑1) in the placental bed of preeclamptic women of African ancestry living with HIV infection. Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 163(3), 215‑228.

Anonymous. (2025b). Association of angiogenic factors (placental growth factor and soluble FMS‑like tyrosine kinase‑1) in preeclamptic women of African ancestry comorbid with HIV infection. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 312(2), 101‑112.

Erratum. (2024). Correction to: Extensive cervical lesion and treatment outcomes in women with HIV/HPV co‑infection. AIDS Research and Therapy, 21(1), 101.

Anonymous. (2025c). The histomorphology to molecular transition: exploring the genomic landscape of poorly differentiated epithelial endometrial cancers. Journal of Molecular Pathology, 12(4), 345‑360. (link unavailable)

Anonymous. (2025d). From genes to clinical practice: exploring the genomic underpinnings of endometrial cancer. Clinical Oncology Reviews, 9(1), 78‑92.

Elli Anna Kotsailidi | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Elli Anna Kotsailidi | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

University of Rochester | United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Elli Anna Kotsailidi is a distinguished academic and clinician specializing in periodontology, implant dentistry, and health professions education. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, and is a key faculty member at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health. With a strong foundation in dental surgery and advanced expertise in periodontal and implant sciences, she has built a remarkable career combining clinical excellence, academic leadership, and educational innovation.Dr. Kotsailidi’s academic journey began with her dental degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she demonstrated early dedication to clinical precision and scientific inquiry. Her pursuit of advanced specialization led her to the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester, where she completed rigorous training in periodontology and implant dentistry, refining her skills in evidence-based patient care and complex surgical procedures. Further expanding her professional vision, she completed a master’s degree in Health Professions Education at the Warner School of Education, University of Rochester, focusing on curriculum development, equitable teaching, and the enhancement of academic excellence in dental education.Her professional career reflects an unwavering commitment to both patient-centered care and academic mentorship. As Program Director and former Clinic Director in the Department of Periodontology at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, she has played a pivotal role in shaping clinical programs, overseeing resident training, and ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality assurance and ethical practice. Her role integrates patient management, surgical supervision, curriculum coordination, and leadership in interdisciplinary dental education involving periodontics, prosthodontics, and general dentistry.Dr. Kotsailidi’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. She has co-directed and taught numerous courses, including Cell Biology of Disease, Introduction to Periodontology, Oral Implantology, ABP Mock Boards, and the Literature Review Series in Periodontics and Dental Implantology. Her approach emphasizes integrative learning, clinical reasoning, and the practical application of scientific knowledge in patient care. She is also an active mentor, serving on research committees for master’s students, guiding systematic reviews and meta-analyses that contribute to evidence-based dentistry and global oral health advancement.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Umbrio, L. R. N., Pham, H. M., Barmak, A. B., Assery, N., & Kotsailidi, E. A. (2025). Association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the periodontal status: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational clinical studies. Evidence-Based Dentistry.

Benzaquen, S. I., Torabi Ardakani, M., Tsigarida, A., Ercoli, C., Barmak, B., Chochlidakis, K. M., & Kotsailidi, E. A. (2025). Biologic complications with removable partial dentures assisted by short implants: A 34-month pilot randomized controlled clinical trial. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Kotsailidi, E. A., Johnson, L., Burns, C., Rossouw, P. E., & Michelogiannakis, D. (2025). Surgically facilitated orthodontics with clear aligners for severe malocclusion and gingival recessions. Clinical Advances in Periodontics.

Burns, C., Kotsailidi, E. A., Alshuraim, F., Dadjoo, S., Tzouma, K., Pedrinaci, I., Rossouw, P. E., & Michelogiannakis, D. (2024). Interdisciplinary orthodontic treatment with digitally-guided autotransplantation in a patient with a missing permanent maxillary left lateral incisor and a supernumerary mandibular incisor. AJO-DO Clinical Companion.