Sotiri Stathakis | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Shen Awards

Dr. Sotiri Stathakis | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center | United States

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis is an accomplished medical physicist with extensive experience in radiation oncology, advanced treatment planning, and patient safety in cancer care. Currently serving as the Chief of Physics at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Adjunct Professor at Louisiana State University, he has established himself as a leader in both clinical and academic domains. His work bridges fundamental research and real-world clinical application, focusing on improving the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of radiotherapy treatments. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Stathakis has played a pivotal role in advancing technologies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), Monte Carlo simulations, and adaptive radiotherapy. He has supervised graduate students, medical residents, and postdoctoral fellows, contributing to the development of the next generation of medical physicists. Dr. Stathakis is internationally recognized for his innovative contributions to medical physics, publishing widely in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at global conferences. His leadership in quality assurance (QA) protocols, radiotherapy safety standards, and patient-centered innovations has earned him professional recognition as a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). He continues to expand his research by integrating artificial intelligence, patient education, and wearable technology into cancer care.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis has a strong academic background rooted in physics and medical physics, which forms the foundation of his distinguished career in cancer treatment and research. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he developed a strong foundation in core physical sciences and problem-solving skills. Driven by an interest in applying physics to medicine, he pursued a Master of Science in Medical Physics at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. Here, he received specialized training in radiological sciences, medical imaging, and radiotherapy applications, which fueled his passion for research in patient care. His academic progression culminated in a Ph.D. in Medical Physics from the University of Patras, Greece, where his doctoral work focused on advanced radiation dosimetry and optimization of treatment planning systems. His doctoral training allowed him to explore Monte Carlo simulations and radiation safety protocols, which later became key aspects of his professional contributions. This comprehensive education, spanning North America and Europe, equipped him with a unique global perspective and multidisciplinary expertise. It also prepared him to integrate clinical practice with research, ultimately shaping his career as a recognized leader in medical physics and radiation oncology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis has accumulated diverse professional experience that reflects his dual commitment to academic research and clinical application. He began his career in Europe, contributing to medical physics research before moving to the United States, where he established himself in leading academic and clinical institutions. At the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSA), he served as a Professor and Medical Physicist, taking on responsibilities that included treatment planning, clinical implementation of new radiotherapy techniques, and the supervision of graduate students and medical residents. His academic contributions included teaching advanced courses in radiation oncology physics and mentoring Ph.D. dissertations. He later transitioned to his current role as Chief of Physics at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, where he oversees medical physics operations across multiple oncology centers. In this role, he leads a team of physicists and ensures the safe and effective delivery of radiation treatments to cancer patients. His position as Adjunct Professor at Louisiana State University complements his clinical work, as he continues to teach and mentor the next generation of medical physicists. Throughout his career, Dr. Stathakis has balanced leadership, clinical service, and research, contributing to advancements in both patient care and academic knowledge.

Research Interests

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical innovation, radiation therapy optimization, and patient-centered approaches. A central focus of his research is the improvement of treatment planning systems, particularly through advanced modeling such as Monte Carlo simulations, which enhance accuracy in dose calculations. He has contributed to the development and refinement of quality assurance (QA) protocols, ensuring precision in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Another important area of his research includes studying the secondary cancer risks associated with radiotherapy, providing valuable insights into long-term patient safety. Dr. Stathakis is also exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiotherapy, particularly for dose prediction and workflow optimization, which has the potential to revolutionize clinical practices. In recent years, he has expanded his focus to include patient-centered technologies, such as wearable monitoring devices and virtual reality tools that improve patient education, engagement, and treatment compliance. His interdisciplinary approach combines physics, engineering, computer science, and clinical oncology, creating innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges. By bridging these fields, Dr. Stathakis continues to advance the standards of radiotherapy, contributing to safer, more effective, and personalized cancer treatments.

Research Skills

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis possesses a broad range of research skills that span computational modeling, experimental validation, clinical trial design, and academic mentoring. His expertise in Monte Carlo simulations allows him to perform highly accurate radiation dose calculations, a critical aspect of treatment planning and safety assessment in radiation oncology. He is also highly skilled in advanced quality assurance techniques, particularly for IMRT and VMAT, ensuring reliable and precise delivery of radiation therapy. Dr. Stathakis is proficient in using and commissioning treatment planning systems and linear accelerators, applying both theoretical and practical approaches to improve clinical workflows. His research methodology incorporates statistical analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, enabling him to address complex problems in treatment optimization and patient safety. Beyond technical skills, he excels in collaborative project management, coordinating interdisciplinary teams across physics, medicine, and engineering. His experience extends to academic publishing, peer review, and conference presentations, reflecting his ability to effectively disseminate scientific findings. As a mentor and educator, he has guided Ph.D. students and medical residents in developing independent research projects, further demonstrating his leadership in research environments. Collectively, these skills highlight his ability to translate advanced scientific concepts into practical innovations that benefit cancer patients worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Sotirios Stathakis has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence, clinical leadership, and professional service. One of the most prestigious distinctions in his career is being named a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), a recognition reserved for members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of medical physics. He is also board-certified in Therapeutic Radiologic Physics by the American Board of Radiology (ABR), underscoring his professional expertise and credibility in clinical practice. His academic work has been acknowledged through invitations to present at leading international conferences, including those organized by IEEE, AAPM, and ESTRO, where he has shared groundbreaking findings on radiotherapy optimization and quality assurance. In addition, Dr. Stathakis has served as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals such as the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics (JACMP), further highlighting his standing in the scientific community. He has also been recognized by institutions where he has taught and worked, receiving commendations for excellence in mentorship and clinical service. These honors reflect his consistent commitment to innovation, patient safety, and education, solidifying his reputation as a respected leader in medical physics and radiation oncology.

Publication Top Notes

  • AAPM TG report 312: Acceptance testing, commissioning, and periodic quality assurance of ion chamber and diode detector arrays — 2025

  • Dosimetric characterization of a new surface-conforming electron MLC prototype — 2024 — 1 citation

  • Monte Carlo modeling of the Elekta Versa HD and patient dose calculation with EGSnrc/BEAMnrc — 2022 — 5 citations

  • Erratum to: Report of AAPM Task Group 219 on independent calculation-based dose/MU verification for IMRT — 2021

  • Artificial intelligence based deconvolving on megavoltage photon beam profiles for radiotherapy applications — 2022

  • A customizable aluminum compensator system for total body irradiation — 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis’s career represents a remarkable combination of academic excellence, clinical innovation, and professional leadership. His work has transformed multiple aspects of radiation oncology, from enhancing treatment planning accuracy to implementing robust quality assurance protocols that safeguard patient outcomes. With a strong foundation in education from top institutions across Canada, the United Kingdom, and Greece, coupled with his leadership roles in the United States, he exemplifies the global nature of medical physics. His research interests and skills reflect both scientific rigor and compassion, as he continually integrates patient-centered approaches into his innovations. Recognized internationally through awards, honors, and professional certifications, Dr. Stathakis has established himself as a trusted authority in his field. His mentorship of students and collaboration with clinicians ensure that his influence extends beyond his individual achievements, shaping the future of cancer care. Looking ahead, his engagement with artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and advanced radiotherapy models positions him to make further groundbreaking contributions. In sum, Dr. Stathakis embodies the qualities of a dedicated researcher, educator, and clinician, making him not only a leader in medical physics but also a driving force in advancing the fight against cancer globally.

Beatrice Tassis | Medicine and Dentistry | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Shen Awards

Dr. Beatrice Tassis | Medicine and Dentistry | Women Researcher Award

Clinica Mangiagalli at Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda ospedale maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Italy

Dr. Beatrice Maria Giovanna Tassis is an experienced medical professional specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. With more than 20 years of clinical expertise, Dr. Tassis holds leadership roles, such as the Director of Consultori Familiari and the Head of Obstetric Emergency Services. Her contributions extend beyond clinical care to significant advancements in research, particularly in the field of maternal and fetal health. Throughout her career, she has worked across renowned hospitals and universities, including the Università degli Studi di Milano and the Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico. Her academic and clinical achievements have shaped her into a respected figure in both the medical and research communities, with a particular focus on prenatal care, maternal health, and obstetric emergencies. She is also involved in education, regularly mentoring medical students and obstetrics residents, making her a vital figure in shaping the future of healthcare in her field.

Professional Profile

Education:

Dr. Beatrice Maria Giovanna Tassis completed her foundational education at the Liceo P. Sarpi in Bergamo, where she graduated with the highest honors. Her journey in medicine began with a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Milan in 1992, where she also achieved top honors. She pursued specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology, completing her training with distinction in 1996. Further enhancing her expertise, she participated in advanced courses at the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London, where she obtained specialized qualifications in fetal ultrasound and other prenatal diagnostic techniques. Dr. Tassis’s education is complemented by an ongoing commitment to professional development, as evidenced by her participation in numerous additional training programs focusing on maternal health, ultrasound, and invasive diagnostic procedures. Her academic background reflects her deep commitment to advancing both her theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Tassis’s professional experience is marked by her diverse roles and leadership in obstetrics and gynecology, with a career spanning over two decades. Since 2000, she has held a prominent position at the Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, where she has been integral to the development of specialized services such as the Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy Clinic and the Obstetric Emergency Department. Her responsibilities have included supervising multidisciplinary teams, managing clinical care, and ensuring high-quality patient outcomes in both routine and high-risk cases. Over the years, she has also been in charge of various other roles, such as supervising perinatal surveillance projects and coordinating the Italian Obstetric Surveillance System (ItOSS). In addition to her hospital-based roles, Dr. Tassis has been involved in significant educational activities, teaching medical students and training obstetrics residents. She has gained considerable experience working in international settings, demonstrating her adaptability and ability to collaborate with diverse teams in high-pressure environments.

Research Interests:

Dr. Beatrice Maria Giovanna Tassis has a long-standing interest in maternal and fetal health, with a particular focus on prenatal care, obstetric emergencies, and the management of infectious diseases during pregnancy. She has contributed significantly to research in perinatal surveillance, specifically through her involvement with national surveillance systems like the Italian Obstetric Surveillance System (ItOSS) and the Italian Perinatal Surveillance System (SPITOSS). Her research interests also include the study of maternal diseases that impact pregnancy, with a focus on prevention, diagnosis, and management. Additionally, she has explored the impact of vaccinations during pregnancy, including the clinical trials for the anti-RSV vaccine, aimed at reducing neonatal infections. Dr. Tassis has shown a keen interest in advancing non-invasive prenatal diagnostics, with contributions to research on ultrasound techniques, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling. Her broad research interests reflect her commitment to improving both clinical outcomes and public health policies related to obstetrics and gynecology.

Research Skills:

Dr. Tassis possesses advanced research skills, particularly in the areas of clinical trials, observational studies, and epidemiological research in obstetrics and gynecology. She has led several studies, including the ChilD study, focusing on maternal and fetal health, which was funded by the Regione Lombardia. Her skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and the management of clinical research protocols have been honed through years of involvement in both national and international research projects. Dr. Tassis is adept at designing and conducting studies that investigate critical issues in pregnancy, such as the impacts of maternal infections on fetal health, as well as exploring new therapeutic interventions. She has contributed to numerous scientific publications and regularly presents her findings at national and international conferences, where she engages with the broader scientific community. Her ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including neonatologists, infectivologists, and public health officials, is an essential strength that further supports her research initiatives.

Awards and Honors:

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Beatrice Maria Giovanna Tassis has received numerous accolades recognizing her expertise and contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynecology. She has been honored for her leadership roles, particularly in coordinating national maternal and perinatal health surveillance systems, including the ItOSS and SPITOSS projects. In addition, she has been acknowledged for her educational contributions, regularly providing lectures and training for medical students and residents. Dr. Tassis’s research efforts, including her role as the Principal Investigator for funded studies, have been widely respected. Her leadership in addressing complex clinical challenges, such as the management of obstetric emergencies and maternal mortality, has garnered recognition at both national and international levels. These awards and honors underscore her exceptional impact on both clinical practice and medical research, positioning her as a leading figure in her field.

Conclusion:

Dr. Beatrice Maria Giovanna Tassis is a distinguished and highly accomplished professional in obstetrics and gynecology. Her extensive clinical experience, coupled with her leadership roles in maternal and fetal health services, positions her as an expert in the field. Her research contributions, especially in perinatal surveillance and infectious diseases in pregnancy, have had a significant impact on improving clinical outcomes and public health policy. Dr. Tassis’s educational and mentoring efforts further cement her legacy as a leader in the academic and medical communities. With a career defined by continuous learning, innovation, and dedication to patient care, Dr. Tassis’s qualifications make her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ongoing contributions promise to further elevate the standards of obstetrics and gynecology, ensuring improved outcomes for mothers and infants in the years to come.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: The 2024 Outbreak of Parvovirus B19 as a Global Obstetrical Threat: Insights From an Obstetrics Referral Center in Northern Italy
    Authors: Tassis, B.; Testa, L.; Pampo, F.; Cetin, I.; Persico, N.
    Year: 2024
  2. Title: Universal Serological Screening for Parvovirus B19 in Pregnancy During European Epidemic
    Authors: Cetin, I.; Tassis, B.; Parisi, F.; Romagnoli, V.; Giacomel, G.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  3. Title: Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection With Isolated “Minor” Lesions at Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Long-Term Neurological Outcome
    Authors: Doneda, C.; Scelsa, B.; Introvini, P.; Triulzi, F.; Righini, A.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  4. Title: Preventing HIV Mother-to-Child Transmission in a Vertically Infected Pregnant Woman With Multiclass Drug Resistance: Role of Bis-In-Die Dolutegravir and Neonatal AZT Prophylaxis: A Case Report
    Authors: Saltini, P.; Tassis, B.; Ronchi, A.; Bandera, A.; Bozzi, G.
    Year: 2024
  5. Title: Risk of Stillbirth in Singleton Fetuses With Advancing Gestational Age at Term: A 10-Year Experience of Late Third Trimester Prenatal Screenings of 50,000 Deliveries in a Referral Center in Northern Italy
    Authors: D’Ambrosi, F.; Ruggiero, M.; Cesano, N.; Carbone, I.F.; Ferrazzi, E.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 4
  6. Title: Prevalence, Outcome, and Prevention of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates Born to Women With Preconception Immunity (CHILd Study)
    Authors: Lilleri, D.; Tassis, B.; Pugni, L.; Galli, C.; Primache, V.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11
  7. Title: Minimal Prevalence of HPV Vaccination and Common Occurrence of High-Risk HPV Types in Pregnant Women With HIV: Data From a National Study in Italy
    Authors: Floridia, M.; Masuelli, G.; Tassis, B.; Tamburrini, E.; Ravizza, M.
    Year: 2022
  8. Title: An Hypothetical External Validation of the ARRIVE Trial in a European Academic Hospital
    Authors: Tassis, B.M.G.; Ruggiero, M.; Ronchi, A.; Mosca, F.; Ferrazzi, E.M.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 5
  9. Title: Clinical Relevance of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Late Pregnancy
    Authors: Ruggiero, M.; Somigliana, E.; Tassis, B.; Pietrasanta, C.; Ferrazzi, E.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 6
  10. Title: CD4/CD8 Ratio in Pregnant Women With HIV and Its Association With Pregnancy Outcome: Data From a National Study in Italy
    Authors: Floridia, M.; Pinnetti, C.; Masuelli, G.; Martinelli, P.; Ravizza, M.
    Year: 2021