Vaibhav Sharma | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vaibhav Sharma | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Clinical Observer at St. Louis Heart and Vascular, St. Louis, MO, United States

Vaibhav Sharma is a dedicated medical graduate with a strong foundation in clinical practice and research. With two years of patient care experience, he has developed a keen eye for detailed medical assessments and accurate documentation. His leadership in innovative health screening projects demonstrates his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. Vaibhav is passionate about advancing medicine through evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration, combining his expertise in patient care with a drive for continuous learning and research. Aspiring to a respected academic position, he seeks to contribute to healthcare advancement through impactful research and clinical practice, aiming to make a meaningful difference in patient care and medical progress.

Professional Profile

Education

Vaibhav Sharma completed his MBBS from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, India, from August 2017 to February 2024. He consistently ranked among the top 10% of his class, excelling in subjects like Pharmacology, Microbiology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Pediatrics. He has successfully passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, achieving a high score of 271 in Step 2 CK, placing him in the 98th percentile. He also holds impressive scores in the TOEFL (115/120) and the Occupational English Test, showcasing his strong command over the English language. His academic background is marked by a solid blend of clinical skills and theoretical knowledge, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors in the medical field.

Professional Experience

Vaibhav Sharma’s professional journey includes a Visiting Scholar role at the University of Texas Health in Houston, where he immersed himself in advanced heart failure and heart transplant care. His experience extends to an observership at Christian Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, where he enhanced his understanding of interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. Prior to this, he completed an externship at the Heart and Vascular Institute in Detroit, Michigan, focusing on cardiovascular health management and patient care efficiency. He also served as a Research Analyst at Panscience Innovations, where he led the development of an AI-based software aimed at improving clinical operations. Vaibhav’s clinical internship at Command Hospital, Pune, provided hands-on experience across various specialties, allowing him to contribute to rural health screening projects and develop efficient screening interventions for lifestyle diseases.

Research Interest

Vaibhav Sharma’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical medicine and innovative health technologies. He is passionate about exploring cardiovascular diseases, particularly focusing on heart failure, arrhythmias, and myocardial conditions. His projects have included screening interventions for hematological abnormalities and lifestyle diseases in rural populations, emphasizing early detection and preventive care. Vaibhav is also interested in the role of lipid profiles in the progression of diabetic retinopathy, as well as the genetic basis of stress-induced ventricular arrhythmias. He aims to integrate emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, into clinical research to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. His research reflects a commitment to advancing evidence-based practices and improving patient care through rigorous scientific inquiry.

Research Skills

Vaibhav Sharma possesses a robust set of research skills that enable him to conduct thorough and impactful studies. He is proficient in designing and executing clinical surveys, as demonstrated in his rural welfare research on myeloma screening and lifestyle disease prevention. His experience includes data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation of complex clinical data, skills that he has applied in projects such as his lipid profile study on diabetic retinopathy patients. Vaibhav is also skilled in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems like EPIC for research purposes, ensuring accurate data management. Additionally, he has a strong background in preparing manuscripts for publication, contributing to peer-reviewed journals. His ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present research findings effectively makes him a valuable contributor to the scientific community.

Awards and Honors

Vaibhav Sharma has earned several awards and recognitions throughout his academic and professional journey. He received a prestigious research grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for his study on the lipid profile in diabetic retinopathy patients. He was also acknowledged by the state government for his rural welfare project, which received a “Mega Project” status and a sponsorship of INR 1,00,00,000. In addition, Vaibhav has been recognized for his academic excellence, consistently ranking in the top 10% of his class at AFMC, Pune, and securing honors in multiple medical disciplines. He has also received accolades for his contributions to clinical presentations, such as his case presentation on bisalbuminemia at the American College of Physicians – India Chapter. His achievements reflect his dedication to medical research, academic excellence, and community-focused healthcare initiatives.

Conclusion

Vaibhav Sharma is a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with strengths in conducting impactful research, receiving grants, and integrating clinical experience with research insights. His strong academic background and contributions to the field of cardiology and community health research are commendable. By focusing on long-term studies, enhancing his publication record, and narrowing his research focus, he can further strengthen his candidacy. His passion for continuous learning and medical advancement makes him a valuable asset to the research community.

Publications Top Notes

  1. SAICR‐CTO: Single Access Impella‐Guided Complete Revascularization in Chronic Total Occlusion—A Novel Approach to High‐Risk PCI
    • Journal: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions
    • Year: 2024-10-22
    • DOI: 10.1002/ccd.31277
    • Contributors: Vaibhav Sharma, Abishek Arokiadoss, Anjali Bhardwaj, Shariq Shamim
  2. Comparison between Amino Acid Profiling of Structural Proteins of Earliest and Recent Omicron Strain of SARS-CoV-2 and Nutritional Burden on COVID-19 Patients
    • Journal: Human Nutrition & Metabolism
    • Year: 2023-12
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.hnm.2023.200220
    • Contributors: Vivek Ambade, Sonia Ambade, Vaibhav Sharma, Prasanna Sanas
  3. Normative Data of Beta-2-Microglobulin and Plasma Proteins from an Agrarian Indian Community By a Door-to-Door Survey: Results of Simple (IMAGe-002B) Study
    • Journal: Blood
    • Year: 2023-11-02
    • DOI: 10.1182/blood-2023-191125
    • Contributors: Yash Vashishth, Uday Yanamandra, Saurabh Bobdey, Vaibhav Sharma, V K Bhatti, J Muthukrishnan, Pankaj Malhotra, Velu Nair
  4. Prevalence of MGUS in Rural Indian Population: Results of Simple (IMAGe-002A) Study
    • Journal: Blood
    • Year: 2023-11-02
    • DOI: 10.1182/blood-2023-189661
    • Contributors: Celine Raphael, Uday Yanamandra, Saurabh Bobdey, Vaibhav Sharma, V K Bhatti, J Muthukrishnan, Pankaj Malhotra, Velu Nair

 

 

Isabella Colonna | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Isabella Colonna | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

MD, PhD at ASL Lecce, Ospedale Ferrari – Casarnao, Italy.

Dr. Isabella Colonna, MD, PhD, is a highly skilled neurologist with a deep specialization in epilepsy. She serves as the head of the EEG/Epilepsy Unit at the Neurology Department of “F. Ferrari” Hospital in Casarano, ASL Lecce, Italy. With nine years of experience, Dr. Colonna has significantly contributed to both clinical practice and research in neurology. She has a robust academic background, having earned her medical degree with honors from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, followed by her PhD focusing on neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s Disease. Her involvement with the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) as a representative on the Communication Committee and her role as an EAN Brain Health Ambassador underscore her commitment to advancing neurological health awareness across Europe. Dr. Colonna’s work in promoting brain health and collaboration between neurological societies, political institutions, and patient organizations is widely recognized, positioning her as a leader in the field.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Isabella Colonna graduated cum laude in Medicine from the University of Rome Tor Vergata in 2014, achieving a score of 110/110. She further expanded her education through an Erasmus program at the Medical University of Regensburg, Germany, in 2012-2013. After obtaining her medical degree, she pursued a residency in Neurology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, which she completed in 2021. During her residency, she engaged in clinical training and research, culminating in a PhD with a focus on “Magnetization Transfer Imaging: A Non-Conventional MRI Technique for Longitudinal Assessment of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Colonna also earned a Neurosonology Certification from the General Medical Council of Austria in 2021. Additionally, she completed a Master’s degree in Neurophysiology at the Medical University of Bologna from 2023 to 2024, which further strengthened her skills in the field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Isabella Colonna’s professional journey reflects her dedication to clinical neurology and research. Since 2023, she has been leading the EEG/Epilepsy Unit at the “F. Ferrari” Hospital in Casarano, ASL Lecce, Italy. Prior to this role, she served as a neurologist in various hospitals across Southern Italy, including the “A. Perrino” Hospital in Brindisi and the IRCCS Maugeri di Bari, where she gained extensive experience in treating neurological disorders. From 2015 to 2021, Dr. Colonna was a neurology resident at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, where she honed her skills in neuroimaging and patient care. During this time, she also served as a teaching assistant at the university, sharing her knowledge with students. Her professional experience extends to her involvement with the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), where she has played a key role in communication efforts and advocacy for brain health.

Research Interest

Dr. Isabella Colonna’s research interests are centered on advancing the understanding of neurological disorders, particularly through neuroimaging and epilepsy research. Her PhD research focused on “Magnetization Transfer Imaging” as a method for tracking changes in Alzheimer’s disease over time, highlighting her interest in non-conventional MRI techniques. Her work aims to improve the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions through advanced imaging methods. Additionally, she is passionate about improving patient outcomes in epilepsy, which aligns with her current role as the head of the EEG/Epilepsy Unit at “F. Ferrari” Hospital. Dr. Colonna is also deeply committed to brain health awareness and policy-making, as evidenced by her involvement in the European Academy of Neurology’s (EAN) initiatives. Her research contributions, such as a recent study on the role of neurological societies in promoting brain health in Europe, underscore her dedication to bridging clinical practice with innovative research.

Research Skills

Dr. Isabella Colonna possesses a diverse set of research skills that have contributed to her success in the field of neurology. She is proficient in advanced neuroimaging techniques, including Magnetization Transfer Imaging (MTI), which she utilized during her PhD research to study Alzheimer’s disease progression. Her expertise extends to neurophysiology, as evidenced by her leadership of the EEG/Epilepsy Unit at “F. Ferrari” Hospital, where she applies her skills in electroencephalography (EEG) for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. Dr. Colonna is also experienced in conducting clinical research, having completed multiple projects that have led to publications in reputable journals. Her work with the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) has further developed her skills in survey-based research, focusing on brain health awareness. Additionally, she has experience as a reviewer and abstract evaluator for the EAN, contributing her expertise to the advancement of neurological research.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Isabella Colonna has received numerous awards and honors, reflecting her outstanding contributions to the field of neurology. In 2019, she was awarded the “Young Investigator Award” by the Austrian Alzheimer Association (Österreichische Alzheimer Gesellschaft) for her research on neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease. The same year, she received a bursary from the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) for her participation in the 5th EAN Congress in Oslo, Norway. Dr. Colonna’s commitment to advancing brain health awareness was further recognized in 2024, when she was named an EAN “Brain Health Ambassador.” Her involvement with the EAN also includes roles as a representative on the eCommunication Board and Communication Committee, where she has contributed to shaping the dialogue around neurological health. These accolades highlight her leadership, expertise, and dedication to improving neurological care and research on both national and European levels.

Conclusion

Isabella Colonna is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to neurology, particularly in neuroimaging and epilepsy, her active involvement in professional societies, and her research accomplishments make her well-suited for this recognition. Strengthening her international collaborations and focusing on innovation could further bolster her profile for such prestigious awards.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Cortical laminar necrosis due to hypoglycemia in anti-CV2/CRMP5 paraneoplastic encephalitis: a curious association
    • Authors: Altomare, S., Colonna, I., Leone, R., Giorelli, M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
    • Journal: Acta Neurologica Belgica, 124(4), pp. 1405–1408.
  2. Sex steroid hormones and epilepsy: Effects of hormonal replacement therapy on seizure frequency of postmenopausal women with epilepsy—A systematic review
    • Authors: Carvalho, V., Colonna, I., Curia, G., Vonck, K., Zedde, M.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
    • Journal: European Journal of Neurology, 30(9), pp. 2884–2898.
  3. Bringing door-to-needle times within the European benchmarks results in better stroke patients outcomes in a spoke hospital from the Apulian Region
    • Authors: Giorelli, M., Leone, R., Aniello, M.S., Tatò, E., Scelzi, A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
    • Journal: Neurological Sciences, 44(9), pp. 3199–3207.
  4. Serum levels of IL-6 are associated with cognitive impairment in the salus in apulia population-based study
    • Authors: Griseta, C., Battista, P., Castellana, F., Minafra, B., Sardone, R.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 6
    • Journal: Heliyon, 9(3), e13972.
  5. Clinico-genetic spectrum of limb-girdle muscular weakness in Austria: A multicentre cohort study
    • Authors: Krenn, M., Tomschik, M., Wagner, M., Löscher, W.N., Cetin, H.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 4
    • Journal: European Journal of Neurology, 29(6), pp. 1815–1824.
  6. Predicting atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke via a clinical risk score—a prospective observational study
    • Authors: Kneihsl, M., Bisping, E., Scherr, D., Enzinger, C., Gattringer, T.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 22
    • Journal: European Journal of Neurology, 29(1), pp. 149–157.
  7. Microstructural tissue changes in Alzheimer disease brains: Insights from magnetization transfer imaging
    • Authors: Colonna, I., Koini, M., Pirpamer, L., Schmidt, R., Ropele, S.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 6
    • Journal: American Journal of Neuroradiology, 42(4), pp. 688–693.
  8. Neuropsychiatric symptoms differently affect mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease patients: a retrospective observational study
    • Authors: Scaricamazza, E., Colonna, I., Sancesario, G.M., Mercuri, N.B., Liguori, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 30
    • Journal: Neurological Sciences, 40(7), pp. 1377–1382.
  9. Cognitive Deficits and Related Brain Lesions in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
    • Authors: Frey, A., Sell, R., Homola, G.A., Störk, S., Stoll, G.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 74
    • Journal: JACC: Heart Failure, 6(7), pp. 583–592.
  10. Abnormal blood flow on transcranial duplex sonography predicts poor outcome after stroke thrombectomy
    • Authors: Kneihsl, M., Niederkorn, K., Deutschmann, H., Fazekas, F., Gattringer, T.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 18
    • Journal: Stroke, 49(11), pp. 2780–2782.

 

Laura Bauman | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Laura Bauman | Dentistry |Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at University of California, San Diego, United States

Dr. Laura Elizabeth Bauman, a pediatric gastroenterologist, excels in both clinical and academic settings, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She completed her fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center and has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Arnold W. Strauss Award and the Young Investigator Travel Award. Dr. Bauman’s leadership roles include co-directing the Fecal Microbial Transplant Program and spearheading quality improvement initiatives at Rady Children’s Pediatric IBD Center. As a peer reviewer for top journals and an active member of professional organizations, she contributes significantly to the advancement of pediatric gastroenterology. Her dedication to service is evident in her work with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and her leadership in fostering inclusivity at Rady Children’s Hospital. While further expanding her grant funding and publication portfolio would strengthen her profile, Dr. Bauman’s commitment to research and patient care makes her an outstanding researcher.

Profile:

Education:

Dr. Laura Elizabeth Bauman has a robust academic background, beginning with her Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University in 2007. She went on to earn her Medical Doctorate from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth in 2012, where she conducted research under Dr. Kari Rosenkranz. Following medical school, Dr. Bauman completed her pediatric internship and residency at the University of Utah from 2012 to 2015, with mentorship from Drs. Mark Deneau and M. Kyle Jensen. She then pursued specialized training through a Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center from 2015 to 2018, working with Dr. Lee A. Denson. This extensive education, paired with her research and clinical training in leading institutions, has equipped Dr. Bauman with the expertise needed to excel in pediatric gastroenterology, with a focus on inflammatory bowel diseases and clinical research.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Laura Elizabeth Bauman’s professional experience is marked by her dedication to pediatric gastroenterology and her leadership in both clinical and academic settings. Since completing her fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center in 2018, she has played pivotal roles at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where she co-directs the Fecal Microbial Transplant Program and leads quality improvement initiatives for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Dr. Bauman is a key member of the hospital’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Clinical Competency Committee and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects to enhance patient care. She also serves on national committees, such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Pediatric Affairs Committee, contributing to the development of educational resources and clinical guidelines. A peer reviewer for top gastroenterology journals, Dr. Bauman remains actively involved in research, mentorship, and patient care, solidifying her reputation as a leader in pediatric gastroenterology.

Research Skills:

Dr. Laura Elizabeth Bauman possesses advanced research skills honed through years of focused academic and clinical inquiry in pediatric gastroenterology. Her expertise lies in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), where she has led and contributed to numerous research projects aimed at improving clinical outcomes for pediatric patients. Dr. Bauman’s ability to design, implement, and oversee research is demonstrated by her leadership in quality improvement initiatives, such as developing standardized care protocols for acute severe colitis at Rady Children’s Hospital. She is skilled in interdisciplinary collaboration, as shown by her work on the Fecal Microbial Transplant Program and her involvement in the creation of the Inpatient Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis order set. Additionally, Dr. Bauman is an experienced peer reviewer for leading journals and has been recognized with awards, including the Arnold W. Strauss Award. Her capacity to blend clinical practice with research makes her an asset to the field of pediatric gastroenterology.

Award and Recognition:
Dr. Laura Elizabeth Bauman has received numerous awards and recognitions that highlight her excellence in research, clinical practice, and education. Notably, she was awarded the prestigious Arnold W. Strauss Award, a competitive $10,000 grant aimed at advancing clinical fellows’ research, specifically for her work on refractory ulcerative colitis. She also earned the Young Investigator Travel Award from the Crohn’s and Colitis Congress, recognizing her contributions to cutting-edge research in pediatric gastroenterology. In 2013, she was honored with the Golden Apple Award from the University of Utah’s Department of Pediatrics for her exceptional teaching and mentorship of medical students. Additionally, Dr. Bauman was selected as a candidate for the National Center for Leadership in Academic Medicine in 2023, a professional development program for junior faculty at UC San Diego. These accolades reflect Dr. Bauman’s commitment to advancing her field and her outstanding capabilities as both a researcher and educator.

Conclusion:

Dr. Laura Elizabeth Bauman is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, with a deep commitment to advancing pediatric gastroenterology through research, leadership, and service. While areas such as increasing her publication profile and securing larger grants could further strengthen her candidacy, her current achievements in clinical research and professional development make her a highly competitive nominee for this award.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Mould DR, Upton RN, Wojciechowski J.
    Title: Dashboard systems: implementing pharmacometrics from bench to bedside
    Journal: AAPS J
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 115 (as of September 2024)
  2. Eser A, Primas C, Reinisch S, et al.
    Title: Prediction of individual serum infliximab concentrations in inflammatory bowel disease by a Bayesian dashboard system
    Journal: J Clin Pharmacol
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 25 (as of September 2024)
  3. Hyams J, Walters TD, Crandall W, et al.
    Title: Safety and efficacy of maintenance infliximab therapy for moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease in children: REACH open-label extension
    Journal: Curr Med Res Opin
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 229 (as of September 2024)
  4. Crombé V, Salleron J, Savoye G, et al.
    Title: Long-term outcome of treatment with infliximab in pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease: a population-based study
    Journal: Inflamm Bowel Dis
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 310 (as of September 2024)
  5. Wine E, Mack DR, Hyams J, et al.
    Title: Interleukin-6 is associated with steroid resistance and reflects disease activity in severe pediatric ulcerative colitis
    Journal: J Crohns Colitis
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 152 (as of September 2024)
  6. Hyams J, Crandall W, Kugathasan S, et al.; REACH Study Group
    Title: Induction and maintenance infliximab therapy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease in children
    Journal: Gastroenterology
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 945 (as of September 2024)
  7. Merras-Salmio L, Kolho KL.
    Title: Clinical use of infliximab trough levels and antibodies to infliximab in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease
    Journal: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 62 (as of September 2024)
  8. Moore C, Corbett G, Moss AC.
    Title: Systematic review and meta-analysis: serum infliximab levels during maintenance therapy and outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease
    Journal: J Crohns Colitis
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 310 (as of September 2024)
  9. Frymoyer A, Hoekman DR, Piester TL, et al.
    Title: Application of population pharmacokinetic modeling for individualized infliximab dosing strategies in Crohn disease
    Journal: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 63 (as of September 2024)
  10. Vande Casteele N, Khanna R, Levesque BG, et al.
    Title: The relationship between infliximab concentrations, antibodies to infliximab and disease activity in Crohn’s disease
    Journal: Gut
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 725 (as of September 2024)