Mahmoud Hallal | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mahmoud Hallal | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences | Lebanon

Prof. Mahmoud Hallal is a distinguished clinician, educator, and leader in the field of gastroenterology, renowned for his extensive expertise in internal medicine, hepatology, and advanced therapeutic endoscopy. He began his medical journey by earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Baghdad University, laying the foundation for a career marked by excellence, dedication, and continuous learning. He later pursued advanced clinical training in internal medicine at Makassed General Hospital in Beirut, a center affiliated with the American University of Beirut Medical Center, where he completed a comprehensive residency followed by a rotating internship that strengthened his clinical acumen and patient-centered approach.Driven by a deep interest in digestive health and liver diseases, Prof. Hallal completed intensive post-graduate fellowship training in gastroenterology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. His advanced training included a specialized senior fellowship focused on liver diseases and an external university training program in France, where he developed high-level competency in therapeutic bilio-pancreatic procedures and invasive endoscopy, including ERCP. This period shaped his clinical expertise and positioned him among the region’s leading specialists in advanced endoscopic interventions.Prof. Hallal’s professional credentials include medical licensure as a physician, internist, and gastroenterologist in Lebanon. Over the course of his career, he has held several major hospital leadership roles, including serving as the head of gastroenterology and endoscopy departments and contributing as assistant chief of staff for academic development at Al Zahraa University Hospital Medical Center. He also held senior administrative and clinical leadership roles at Rassoul Al-Aazam Hospital, where he oversaw both internal medicine and gastroenterology divisions.An influential academic figure, Prof. Hallal serves as a clinical assistant professor of gastroenterology at the Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences. He has also served as a clinical instructor, lecturer, fellowship program coordinator, and undergraduate thesis mentor, shaping the next generations of physicians and gastroenterologists. His academic involvement extends to national and international conferences, where he is frequently invited as a speaker in Lebanon, Abu Dhabi, Turkey, Rome, and the United Kingdom.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Boutari, R., Zayour, N., Hmedeh, A. N., Bashashi, D. K., Assaf, F., Al Tahan, J., Zrara, N., Al-Mokdad, N., Al Khatib, O., Zreik, A., et al. (2025). Prevalence, risk factors, and endoscopic findings of Helicobacter pylori infection among Lebanese patients undergoing gastroscopy: A retrospective study from a single tertiary center.

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.

Golgem Mehmetoglu | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Golgem Mehmetoglu | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Golgem Mehmetoglu, European University of Lefke, Cyprus

Ms. Gölgem Mehmetoğlu is a dedicated physiotherapist and academic specializing in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. 🎓 She earned her B.Sc. from Eastern Mediterranean University (2011–2015), her M.Sc. from European University of Lefke (2015–2017), and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at EMU. 🧠 Her research focuses on muscle function, postural stability, and rehabilitation outcomes, with multiple publications in international journals and conference proceedings. 📝 She also teaches core courses such as Kinesiology, Biomechanics, and Manual Therapy Techniques. 👩‍🏫 Her scientific contributions and educational roles make her a valuable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Ms. Gölgem Mehmetoğlu is a passionate professional in the field of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation 🧘‍♀️. She completed her undergraduate studies (2011–2015) at Doğu Akdeniz University 🏛️, laying a strong foundation in clinical practice and patient care. She then pursued her Master’s degree (2015–2017) at Lefke Avrupa University 📘, deepening her knowledge in rehabilitation science. Currently, she is advancing her academic journey through a Ph.D. program at Doğu Akdeniz University (2018–present) 🧪. Her academic path reflects commitment to continuous learning and specialization in physiotherapy, contributing to healthcare with evidence-based practice and innovative research.

Academic Positions

Ms. Golgem Mehmetoğlu 🎓 is a dedicated academic in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, actively engaged in teaching at the undergraduate level. She shares her expertise through a variety of core courses including Kinesiology 🤸‍♀️, Biomechanics 🦴, Normal Motor Development 🧠, and Manual Therapy Techniques (Manipulation-Mobilization I & II) 💆‍♀️. Her teaching approach combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on application, empowering students with essential clinical and analytical skills. Through her passionate involvement in education, Ms. Mehmetoğlu continues to inspire future healthcare professionals and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of physiotherapy science.

Research Focus

Ms. Gölgem Mehmetoğlu’s 🔬 research primarily focuses on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly addressing chronic pain, posture correction, functional mobility, and manual therapy in physiotherapy patients. Her studies emphasize the impact of stabilization exercises 🧘‍♀️ on pain relief, posture (craniovertebral angle 📐), disability reduction, and quality of life 🌿 in conditions like chronic neck pain and lateral epicondylitis. Her work explores the integration of exercise science, biomechanics 🤸, and evidence-based physiotherapy to improve patient outcomes. Through randomized controlled trials and clinical interventions, she contributes valuable knowledge to rehabilitation sciences and therapeutic exercise interventions.

Publication Top Notes

Effect of Postural Stabilization Exercises in Combination with Cervical Stabilization Exercises on Craniovertebral Angle, Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effects of Muscle Strength and Muscle Endurance on Upper Extremity Functions of Lateral Epicondylitis Patients

The Pain in the Canon of Medicine: Types, Causes, and Treatment

Annik Caliezi | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Annik Caliezi | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Annik Caliezi, Dermatologie Inselspital, Switzerland

Annik Caliezi is a dedicated medical student in her 10th semester of the Master of Medicine program at the University of Bern. She holds a Bachelor’s in Medicine and a bilingual Matura in Economics and Law. With hands-on experience as a nursing assistant at Careanesth and an OR assistant in hand surgery, Annik has also contributed to histology and anatomy education. Her research focuses on Hidradenitis Suppurativa and its impact on sexual quality of life, with publications in MDPI. Fluent in German, English, and French, she holds multiple life support certifications. 🔬📚

Publication Profile

orcid

Education

Ms. Annik Caliezi 🎓 is currently in the 10th semester of her Master of Medicine at the University of Bern 🏥, where she has been pursuing her studies since 2023. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Medicine (2020–2023) at the same institution, building a strong foundation in medical sciences 🔬. Her academic journey began with a bilingual Matura in Economics and Law 📚⚖️ at Gymnasium Kirchenfeld Bern (2015–2019), where she developed analytical and interdisciplinary skills. With a passion for medicine and a commitment to excellence, she continues to advance in her medical education and training. 🚀

Experience

Ms. Annik Caliezi 🏥 has gained diverse work experience in healthcare and beyond. Since May 2024, she has been working as a nursing assistant at Careanesth 🩺, and since May 2023, she has served as an OR Assistant in Hand Surgery at Permanence Hospital Hirslanden Bern ✋🏽🔬. Previously, she assisted in histology and anatomy courses at the University of Bern (10/2022–05/2023) 🧫📚. Since December 2021, she has been interning at Bahnhofpraxis Wichtrach 🚑. Her earlier experiences include a geriatric rehabilitation internship (2021) 👵🏼, a role as a waitress (2019–2020) ☕, and an activity therapy internship (2018) 🏡.

Awards

Ms. Annik Caliezi 🏥 has earned several valuable certifications in healthcare and language proficiency. In 2024, she became an Immediate Life Support (ILS) Provider through the European Resuscitation Council 🚑. She also completed the French course “Français pour futur médecin” (2023) 🩺🇫🇷, enhancing her medical communication skills. Additionally, she holds Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider certifications from 2021 and 2022 🏥🆘. Beyond medical training, she achieved Cambridge English Advanced (C1) – Grade A in 2019 📖🇬🇧. These certifications reflect her commitment to excellence in both emergency care and multilingual communication in the medical field. 🚀

Research Focus

Ms. Annik Caliezi’s research primarily focuses on dermatology 🩺, with a specific emphasis on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) 🔬, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Her work examines the impact of HS on sexual quality of life ❤️, addressing the psychological, emotional, and physical challenges faced by patients. Through her studies, she highlights the burden of HS 🤕, emphasizing the need for better patient care, awareness, and treatment strategies 📢. Her research contributes to dermatological advancements, aiming to improve both clinical outcomes and overall well-being 😊 for individuals affected by this debilitating condition.

Publication Top Notes

Serefnur Ozturk | Clinical Trials | Women Researcher Award

Serefnur Ozturk | Clinical Trials | Women Researcher Award

Prof Serefnur Ozturk, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey

Prof. Şerefnur Öztürk is a leading expert in Neurology and Neurointensive Care, currently serving as the Head of the Neurology Department at Selcuk University, Turkey. She has held prominent roles including Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (1996-2020) and President of the Turkish Neurological Society (2014-2021). With significant international influence, she contributes to the European Academy of Neurology and World Stroke Organization. She has led pivotal projects and trials in stroke and COVID-19-related neurological care. Prof. Öztürk is an acclaimed researcher with numerous influential publications in neurology.

Publication Profile

scopus

Education

Prof. Serefnur Ozturk has an impressive educational background. She began her medical studies at Ankara University Medical Faculty, where she earned her degree between 1980 and 1987. Her academic journey continued with a prestigious NATO Fellowship at Arizona University’s Stroke Center in 1993, further enhancing her expertise. In 1998, she advanced her knowledge in neurology and intensive care at Pittsburgh University, where she studied in their renowned Neurology and Intensive Care Department. These experiences have shaped Prof. Ozturk into a leading figure in her field. 🏥🎓🧠

Internship and Residencies

Prof. Serefnur Ozturk completed her internship at Ankara University Medical Faculty, where she gained valuable hands-on experience. Following this, she pursued her residency at Ankara Numune Research and Education Hospital, further honing her medical skills. Prof. Ozturk’s dedication to her field is reflected in her board certification, earning the Turkish Neurological Board Council Certificate. This certification recognizes her extensive expertise in neurology, solidifying her status as a trusted professional in her area of specialization. Her journey through internships, residencies, and board certification showcases her commitment to excellence. 🏥💉🧑‍⚕️🧠

Experiences

Prof. Serefnur Ozturk holds numerous prestigious leadership roles in neurology. She served as the President of the Turkish Neurological Society from 2014 to 2021 and is currently a member of various important committees, including the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) COVID-19 Task Force and the World Stroke Organization Global Policy Committee. Additionally, she is the Vice President of the European Environmental Neurology Society and has held positions within the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), including President of the Migrant Neurology Specialty Group. Prof. Ozturk is dedicated to advancing stroke care, cerebrovascular diseases prevention, and diversity in neurology. 🧠🌍👩‍⚕️🏥

Projects

Prof. Serefnur Ozturk has played a pivotal role in several major clinical trials and registries. She is the Principal Investigator of the EAN ENERGY COVID-19 Registry and the ENSEMBLE study, showcasing her leadership in critical research. Additionally, Prof. Ozturk serves as the National Coordinator for the Turkish COVID-19 Registry, the ENOS Trial, and TICH-2. Her expertise extends to key studies like the PERFORM Study (Phase III), FACT (Phase IV), and NAVIGATE-ESUS, where she also holds significant leadership positions. Her contributions to clinical research have greatly impacted neurology and stroke care. 🔬🧠🌍💉

Research Focus

Prof. Şerefnur Öztürk’s research focus lies predominantly in neurology, with a special emphasis on the neurological impacts of COVID-19, ischemic stroke, and innovative prognostic tools like the Selcuk Score. Her work is pivotal in advancing the understanding of how pandemics influence neurological care and the management of post-pandemic risks. Additionally, Prof. Öztürk contributes to cutting-edge stroke prevention and rehabilitation technologies, including web-based solutions. Her contributions drive progress in neuro-COVID research, stroke management, and global neurological health policies, showcasing her commitment to improving outcomes for patients worldwide. 🌍🧠💻

Publication Top Notes

The European Academy of Neurology NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force: A lesson for the future

Muscle mass as a modifier of stress response in acute ischemic stroke patients

Management of patients with neurological diseases considering post-pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related risks and dangers — An updated European Academy of Neurology consensus statement

The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Neurosurgical Intervention in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma: Data from 121 Surgically Treated Participants from the Tranexamic Acid in IntraCerebral Hemorrhage-2 Randomized Controlled Trial

General neurology: Current challenges and future implications

Climate Change and Stroke: A Topical Narrative Review