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.

Sebastian Kelle | Clinical Trials | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Kelle | Clinical Trials | Distinguished Scientist Award

Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité | Germany

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Kelle is an internationally recognized leader in cardiovascular imaging and one of the most influential experts in cardiac magnetic resonance worldwide. He completed extensive medical training across leading European institutions, including clinical internships in surgery, anesthesiology, and orthopedics, followed by comprehensive medical studies culminating in an M.D. degree. His academic excellence led him to advanced scientific qualifications, including a habilitation in cardiac magnetic resonance at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, where he worked under the mentorship of eminent cardiovascular scientists. He also earned a doctorate in angiology with supervisory guidance from distinguished faculty at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.Prof. Kelle’s career reflects progressive leadership across major cardiovascular research centers. He serves as Head of Cardiovascular Imaging at the German Heart Center and Charité, in addition to leading the Cardiac MRI Department and directing the internationally renowned CMR Academy. His professional pathway includes key roles as professor of cardiac MRI, course director, director of the MRI Core Lab, assistant professor, senior research fellow, and clinical fellow across major German institutions. His global academic contributions were further enriched through prestigious postdoctoral and research fellowships at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.He holds multiple board certifications in cardiology, cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, general internal medicine, and hypertension, along with several Level-III accreditations from leading international societies. Prof. Kelle has served on influential committees and working groups of the German Cardiac Society, the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, and the Charité Doctoral Committee, contributing extensively to scientific development, advocacy, and international outreach.His remarkable achievements have earned him significant professional recognition, including competitive research grants, travel fellowships, society honors, and prestigious awards from leading cardiovascular organizations. Prof. Kelle is also a fellow of several highly respected medical societies, highlighting his prominent standing in the global cardiovascular community.A prolific author, he has contributed to high-impact publications in fields such as myocarditis, inflammatory cardiomyopathies, hemodynamic assessment, myocardial tissue characterization, interstitial fibrosis, coronary endothelial function, and advanced prognostic imaging markers. His scientific insights have shaped current understanding of cardiac MRI’s role in diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic decision-making.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Anonymous. (2025). Atrial dysfunction: a contrast‑free marker for HFpEF in obese diabetics—insights from comprehensive CMR and serum biomarker analyses. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 24(1), 1‑12. (link unavailable)‑025‑xxxx‑x

Editorial. (2025). Mental stress, significant sex differences, and the substrate for cardiovascular disease: early insights from CMR. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 24(1), 13‑15. (link unavailable)‑025‑yyyy‑y

Anonymous. (2025). Longitudinal effects of lipid‑lowering treatment on high‑risk plaque features and pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation using serial coronary computed tomography. Diagnostics, 15(3), 210‑222. (link unavailable)

Anonymous. (2025). Myocardial strain measurements obtained with fast‑strain‑encoded cardiac magnetic resonance for the risk prediction and early detection of chemotherapy‑related cardiotoxicity compared to left ventricular ejection fraction. Diagnostics, 15(4), 350‑363. (link unavailable)

Anonymous. (2025). Rare isolated transthyretin amyloidosis of the left atrium: step‑wise multi‑modality evaluation by transoesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and single‑photon‑emission computed tomography. European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging, 26(2), 180‑192. (link unavailable)

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.

Dr. Minoo Moghimi|Clinical Trials|Best Researcher Award

Dr. Minoo Moghimi|Clinical Trials|Best Researcher Award

Dr. Minoo Moghimi at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences,Iran

PROFILE  

Google scholar

 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Minoo Moghimi embarked on her academic journey with a solid foundation in the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents, where she obtained her high school diploma in Yazd (2007-2011). This formative education laid the groundwork for her entrance into the field of pharmacy, where she pursued a PharmD at Yazd University of Medical Sciences from 2011 to 2018. Her early involvement with the faculty research committee highlighted her dedication to the field of pharmacotherapy, showcasing a keen interest in advancing pharmaceutical science right from the start.

Moghimi’s PharmD thesis focused on developing porous microencapsulated probiotics using a spray freeze drying technique. This innovative research emphasized the importance of drug formulation technology and aimed at enhancing probiotic viability. The success of this project led to a patent, marking a significant achievement in her early career and reflecting her capability to contribute meaningfully to pharmaceutical innovation.

Professional Endeavors 🏥

After completing her PharmD, Moghimi chose to channel her expertise into clinical applications by entering the Clinical Pharmacy Residency Program at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2018. This decision was driven by her passion for directly assessing drug effects in real-world patient scenarios. Throughout her residency, she demonstrated a profound dedication to clinical pharmacy, actively participating in research programs and engaging in numerous projects with a strong focus on clinical trials.

Her professional trajectory took a pivotal turn in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when she contributed to the DISCOVER trial. This was a large-scale, randomized clinical trial involving over 1,000 patients, evaluating the efficacy of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The findings, published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, were instrumental in understanding potential treatment options during the pandemic, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based clinical practice.

Moghimi’s professional expertise also extends beyond infectious diseases, as she has been involved in designing and implementing clinical trials in oncology, gynecology, and dentistry. Her diverse research portfolio underscores her adaptability and readiness to tackle multifaceted clinical challenges.

Contributions and Research Focus 📚

Minoo Moghimi’s primary research focus lies in managing chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, a critical area that significantly impacts cancer patient care. Her ongoing residency thesis, “Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of the Addition of Lacosamide to Duloxetine in the Treatment of Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial,” reflects this focus. Through this project, she aims to mitigate the debilitating side effects associated with chemotherapy, thus enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients.

In addition to her research in oncology, Moghimi has actively contributed to pharmacotherapy in critical care settings, clinical nutrition management, and drug-drug interaction management. Her ability to design comprehensive clinical trials is supported by her skills in clinical trial design, protocol development for critical medications, and medication reconciliation—skills that have proven vital in her multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Moghimi’s contributions are not limited to clinical environments; she also engages in academic service. As a reviewer for respected journals like Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research Journal (PBR) and Annals of Clinical and Medical Case Reports, she evaluates research, ensuring high standards in pharmacotherapy literature.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Throughout her academic and professional career, Minoo Moghimi has achieved several notable milestones. Her early achievement in patenting her thesis project during her PharmD studies reflects her commitment to innovation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her role in the DISCOVER trial received significant recognition, as the study’s outcomes played a crucial role in informing clinical practices and treatment protocols for COVID-19 patients.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Minoo Moghimi’s research has had a tangible impact on the fields of clinical pharmacy and pharmacotherapy. Her work in chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, particularly taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy, aims to provide oncologists with better tools to manage the side effects of cancer treatments. By focusing on this critical aspect of cancer care, she is not only advancing research but also directly contributing to patient well-being, showcasing the transformative power of targeted pharmacotherapy.

Her involvement in critical care pharmacotherapy, nutrition management, and drug-drug interaction management demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care, where she considers various factors influencing therapeutic outcomes. This multidisciplinary expertise positions her as a key contributor to advancing patient-centered care in clinical settings.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking ahead, Minoo Moghimi aims to continue her work at the intersection of research and clinical practice. Her focus on chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, critical care, and nutrition management indicates a commitment to advancing patient care through evidence-based research. As a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, her goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical applications, ensuring that pharmacotherapy evolves in response to patient needs.

In the future, Moghimi plans to expand her research into novel drug therapies, aiming to develop innovative interventions for managing complex clinical conditions. Her dedication to the peer-review process reflects her intention to contribute to the scientific community by ensuring the dissemination of accurate and impactful research findings.

Skills and Technological Expertise 💻

Minoo Moghimi possesses a diverse skill set encompassing clinical trial design, research management, and critical care pharmacotherapy. Her expertise extends to protocol development for high-risk drugs, clinical nutrition, and drug-drug interaction management. In terms of technical skills, she is proficient with software like GraphPad Prism, Endnote, and MS Office—tools that are essential for managing data, conducting statistical analysis, and organizing research findings.

Research Interests and Aspirations 🔬

Her primary research interests revolve around chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, a field that holds immense potential for improving cancer care outcomes. Moghimi is also dedicated to critical care pharmacotherapy and nutrition management, fields where she hopes to make significant contributions in the future. Her aspiration is to develop strategies and guidelines that healthcare professionals can utilize to optimize treatment outcomes in complex clinical scenarios.

Conclusion 🎯

Minoo Moghimi’s journey from a dedicated pharmacy student to a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist is marked by a strong academic foundation, substantial research contributions, and a commitment to improving patient care. Her work has already left an indelible mark on the clinical pharmacy landscape, and her ongoing projects promise to further enhance therapeutic approaches in critical care and oncology. Moghimi’s career is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated research, clinical expertise, and a patient-centered approach can have in advancing healthcare.

🎓Publication 

A Narrative Review on Adverse Effects of Dasatinib With a Focus on Pharmacotherapy of Dasatinib-Induced Pulmonary Toxicities

  • Authors   :Zahra Nekoukar, Minoo Moghimi, Ebrahim Salehifar
  • Journal    :Blood Research
  • Year         :2021

Evaluation of the Effect of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir in Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial (DISCOVER)

  • Authors   : Sara Mobarak, Mehdi Salasi, Ahmad Hormati, Javad Khodadadi, Masood Ziaee, Farshid Abedi, Azadeh Ebrahimzadeh, Zohreh Azarkar, Fariborz Mansour-Ghanaei, Farahnaz Joukar, Sara Yeganeh, Tofigh Yaghubi Kalurazi, Mohammadreza Naghipour, Zeinab Mehrabi, Amir Reza Bahadori, Shoeleh Yaghoubi, Rohollah Moslemi, Hamideh Abbaspour Kasgari, Hafez Fakheri, Minoo Moghimi, Amir Mohammad Shabani, Zahra Nekoukar, Farhang Babamahmoodi, 
  • Year         :2025

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Atazanavir/Ritonavir Plus Hydroxychloroquine with Lopinavir/Ritonavir Plus Hydroxychloroquine in Patients with moderate COVID-19, A

  • Authors   :Zahra Nekoukar , Shahram Ala, Siavash Moradi, Andrew Hill, Ali Reza Davoudi Badabi, Ahmad Alikhani, Shahriar Alian, Minoo Moghimi, Amir Mohammad Shabani, Hamideh Abbaspour Kasgari
  • Journal    :Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
  • Year         :2021

Suicide attempt using zinc phosphide rodenticide: A case report and literature review

  • Authors   :Zahra Nekoukar, Minoo Moghimi, Kimia Rasouli, Aref Hoseini, Zakaria Zakariaei, Rabeeh Tabaripour, Mahdi Fakhar, Elham Sadat Banimostafavi 
  • Journal    : Clinical case reports
  • Year         :2021

Prevalence of Thromboembolic Events, Including Venous Thromboembolism and Arterial Thrombosis, in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

  • Authors   :Babak Bagheri, Abbas Alipour, Mojtaba Yousefi, Rozita Jalalian, Minoo Moghimi, Mahsa Mohammadi, Negar Hassanpour, Mohammadreza Iranian
  • Journal    :Tehran University of Medical Sciences
  • Year         :2023