Vanina Taliercio | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Vanina Taliercio | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Faculty, MD from University of Utah, United States

Dr. Vanina L. Taliercio is a physician-scientist whose career spans clinical practice, research, and academic leadership. Currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, she brings extensive expertise in pediatrics, dermatology, genetics, and biomedical informatics. Her work integrates patient care with research, particularly focusing on genetic conditions, neurofibromatosis (NF), and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Dr. Taliercio holds leadership roles as Co-director of both the NF and TSC clinics and serves as Associate Program Director for medical genetics and pediatrics/genetics programs. Her background includes significant contributions to national health initiatives, such as improving medication distribution systems for Hansen’s Disease in Argentina. In research, she has published several papers and presented at international conferences, particularly in dermatology and health informatics. Dr. Taliercio’s multidisciplinary approach, combining clinical insight with data-driven research, makes her a dynamic and impactful contributor to academic medicine. She is committed to advancing patient care, improving health outcomes, and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Vanina Taliercio earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Universidad del Salvador, Argentina, in 2002. To deepen her research expertise, she pursued a Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Informatics at Oregon Health & Science University in 2012. Her postgraduate medical training is extensive and diverse. She completed a pediatrics residency at Pedro de Elizalde Hospital in Buenos Aires from 2003 to 2007, followed by a pediatric dermatology fellowship at Ramos Mejía Hospital from 2012 to 2015. After relocating to the United States, she undertook an ACGME residency in pediatrics at the University of Utah from 2020 to 2021, and most recently completed a medical genetics fellowship at the University of Utah between 2021 and 2023. This broad educational journey has equipped her with a unique combination of clinical and research expertise across multiple disciplines, positioning her well for leadership roles in academic medicine.

Professional Experience

Dr. Taliercio’s professional career spans several important roles in both Argentina and the United States. She began as a pediatrician at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires and OSDE, providing care to infants and children. She then worked as a clinical data research analyst, focusing on electronic health records, data reconciliation, and healthcare quality indicators, which led to key publications. At the national level, she contributed to Argentina’s Leprosy National Program, overseeing WHO medication distribution, developing national disease statistics, and creating educational materials to reduce stigma. Since moving to the United States, Dr. Taliercio has served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, providing outpatient and inpatient care for patients with genetic and metabolic conditions. In addition, she co-directs two specialized clinics and supports the development of medical education programs as an Associate Program Director. Her career reflects a commitment to integrating clinical service, research, and academic leadership to improve patient care and healthcare systems.

Research Interests

Dr. Taliercio’s research interests span dermatology, genetics, pediatrics, and biomedical informatics. Her work has focused on psoriasis, alopecia, neurocutaneous disorders such as neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis complex, and patient-reported outcomes. She is also interested in leveraging electronic health records and healthcare information systems to improve clinical decision-making and healthcare quality. Earlier in her career, she contributed to the development of mortality registries and national health databases, demonstrating a strong interest in population-level health outcomes and system-wide improvements. Her interdisciplinary approach combines clinical insights with data analysis, aiming to translate research findings into practical interventions that enhance patient care. She is particularly interested in collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects that bridge clinical practice with informatics tools and public health strategies.

Research Skills

Dr. Taliercio brings a broad set of research skills honed through years of clinical and academic work. She has expertise in clinical research design, data extraction and analysis from electronic health records, and the development of clinical research informatics tools. She has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented her work at national and international conferences. Dr. Taliercio has experience in conducting patient-reported outcomes research, implementing quality indicators in healthcare systems, and contributing to the development of national health guidelines. She also has teaching experience, having helped develop courses in clinical research and epidemiology. Her multidisciplinary training has given her strong analytical abilities, a deep understanding of clinical workflows, and the ability to bridge gaps between clinical practice and research. She is skilled at working collaboratively with clinicians, researchers, and informaticians to bring projects from concept to implementation.

Awards and Honors

While Dr. Taliercio’s profile highlights a range of accomplishments, formal details on specific research awards or honors are not explicitly listed. However, her leadership roles and appointments—such as Assistant Professor, Co-director of the NF and TSC clinics, and Associate Program Director—reflect strong recognition by her institution and peers. Additionally, her international career trajectory, moving from national public health leadership in Argentina to academic medicine in the United States, speaks to her professional reputation and the trust placed in her abilities. Her contributions to national guidelines on Hansen’s Disease in Argentina and her involvement in major research projects in dermatology and informatics show that she is regarded as a valuable collaborator and leader in her fields. Documenting formal research awards, grants, or recognitions in future applications would further strengthen this section.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Vanina Taliercio is a dedicated and accomplished physician-scientist who has made significant contributions across multiple disciplines, including dermatology, genetics, pediatrics, and biomedical informatics. Her career is marked by a unique combination of clinical service, research productivity, and academic leadership. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving patient care, advancing medical knowledge, and mentoring students and trainees. While her profile would benefit from additional emphasis on independent research leadership and formal recognitions, she is clearly a rising figure in her field with the potential for even greater impact. Dr. Taliercio is a strong candidate for research-focused awards and honors, reflecting her broad expertise, international experience, and dedication to translational medicine. Continued pursuit of large-scale research projects, funding opportunities, and international collaborations will further enhance her academic and professional profile.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Worth the Effort: Lessons for Discovery and Care From an Unusual Case of Gorlin Syndrome
    Journal: American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A
    Date: 2025-05-03
    DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.64108
    Contributors: V. Taliercio; J. Zhao; S. E. Boyden; R. Mao; P. Bayrak‐Toydemir; A. Pflaum; J. Palumbos; A. Andrews; E. E. Baldwin; C. Welt et al.

  • Title: Quality of Life Among Family of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
    Journal: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
    Date: 2023-06
    DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10104-7
    Contributors: Ashley M. Snyder; Adelheid U. Brandenberger; Vanina L. Taliercio; Bianca E. Rich; Lisa B. Webber; Abram P. Beshay; Joshua E. Biber; Rachel Hess; Jamie L. W. Rhoads; Aaron M. Secrest

  • Title: Effects of Pain From Atopic Dermatitis: Interview and Focus Group Study With Patients and Their Families
    Journal: JMIR Dermatology
    Date: 2021-10-04
    DOI: 10.2196/29826
    Contributors: Ashley M. Snyder; Vanina L. Taliercio; Adelheid U. Brandenberger; Bianca E. Rich; Lisa B. Webber; Abram P. Beshay; Joshua E. Biber; Rachel Hess; Jamie L. W. Rhoads; Aaron M. Secrest

  • Title: Effects of Pain From Atopic Dermatitis: Interview and Focus Group Study With Patients and Their Families (Preprint)
    Date: 2021-04-22
    DOI: 10.2196/preprints.29826
    Contributors: Ashley M. Snyder; Vanina L. Taliercio; Adelheid U. Brandenberger; Bianca E. Rich; Lisa B. Webber; Abram P. Beshay; Joshua E. Biber; Rachel Hess; Jamie L. W. Rhoads; Aaron M. Secrest

Nancy Clark | Health Professions | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nancy Clark | Health Professions | Women Researcher Award

Nursing at University of Victoria, Canada

Dr. Nancy Clark is a dedicated scholar and researcher in the field of nursing, with a particular focus on addressing social and structural inequities in mental health care for underserved populations. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria, where she engages in teaching, research, and community-based initiatives aimed at promoting health equity. Dr. Clark’s research is rooted in critical theory and intersectionality, emphasizing systemic issues such as racism, classism, and sexism that contribute to social exclusion. Her work has led to meaningful contributions in public policy and healthcare service delivery. As a leader in numerous professional organizations, she collaborates with academic, community, and government partners to enhance the well-being of marginalized groups, particularly immigrants and refugees.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Nancy Clark holds a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of British Columbia (2015), where her dissertation explored community capacity to support Karen refugee women’s mental health during resettlement. She also earned an M.Sc. in Nursing (2005) and a B.Sc. in Nursing (1993) from the same institution. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Nursing from Langara College (1990). Her academic foundation combines rigorous training in nursing with a focus on mental health and social justice, enabling her to tackle complex healthcare challenges.

Professional Experience

Dr. Clark has over three decades of professional experience in nursing, academia, and community practice. Since 2017, she has served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria, where she teaches and conducts research on mental health equity. Her previous roles include faculty appointments at Vancouver Community College and adjunct positions at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Dr. Clark also has extensive experience in clinical practice, having worked in roles such as Community Mental Health Nurse, Case Manager, and Clinical Instructor in mental health and addictions. Her diverse career highlights her expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of nursing and mental health care.

Research Interests

Dr. Clark’s research focuses on the intersection of mental health, social justice, and public policy, with an emphasis on addressing inequities affecting refugees, immigrants, and other marginalized groups. Her work explores the impact of systemic factors like racism, classism, and sexism on healthcare access and outcomes. She employs qualitative research methods, including ethnography and community-based participatory approaches, to give voice to underserved populations. Her program of research seeks to promote social justice by influencing healthcare policies and practices to recognize and address structural vulnerabilities. She is particularly interested in post-colonial and intersectionality theories, which frame her critical examination of health disparities.

Research Skills

Dr. Clark possesses advanced research skills in qualitative methodologies, including ethnographic and community-based participatory research. Her expertise extends to applying critical theoretical frameworks such as intersectionality and standpoint feminism to investigate systemic inequities in healthcare. She is adept at conducting gender-based policy analyses and translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations. Additionally, her experience in community engagement enables her to design and implement research projects that are both impactful and culturally sensitive, ensuring that marginalized populations have a voice in shaping health services and policies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Clark’s contributions to nursing and mental health research have earned her numerous accolades and leadership roles. She is a recognized member of several prestigious organizations, including the Health Equity Collaborative Network and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, where she chaired the Mental Health Nurse Educator Group. Her appointment as an Affiliate Researcher at multiple institutions, such as the UBC Centre for Migration Studies and Fraser Health Authority, underscores her influence in the field. Additionally, she has been invited to serve as a Council Member for Pathways to Prosperity Canada, highlighting her commitment to fostering inclusive communities.

Conclusion

Dr. Nancy Clark is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her impactful contributions to addressing health inequities among marginalized populations. Her work is rooted in critical theory, social justice, and community engagement, making her research highly relevant and transformative. By expanding her dissemination efforts and emphasizing quantifiable impacts, she could further solidify her position as a leading researcher in the field.

Publication Top Notes

  • Spirituality and treatment choices by South and East Asian women with serious mental illness
    Authors: L Chiu, M Morrow, S Ganesan, N Clark
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 81
  • Pilot study and evaluation of postgraduate course on “the interface between spirituality, religion and psychiatry”
    Authors: A Grabovac, N Clark, M McKenna
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 72
  • Applying intersectionality with constructive grounded theory as an innovative research approach for studying complex populations: Demonstrating congruency
    Authors: S Kassam, L Marcellus, N Clark, J O’Mahony
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 53
  • Religion and spirituality in the context of bipolar disorder: A literature review
    Authors: B Pesut, N Clark, V Maxwell, EE Michalak
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 51
  • Immigrant women and mental health care: Findings from an environmental scan
    Authors: J O’Mahony, N Clark
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 46
  • Exploring community capacity: Karen refugee women’s mental health
    Author: N Clark
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 42
  • Applying critical race feminism and intersectionality to narrative inquiry: A point of resistance for Muslim nurses donning a hijab
    Authors: N Clark, N Saleh
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 39
  • Understanding how self-management interventions work for disadvantaged populations living with chronic conditions: Protocol for a realist synthesis
    Authors: SL Mills, J Pumarino, N Clark, S Carroll, S Dennis, S Koehn, T Yu, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 30
  • Exploring intersectionality as a policy tool for gender-based policy analysis: Implications for language and health literacy as key determinants of integration
    Authors: N Clark, B Vissandjée
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 15
  • Themes for evaluating the quality of initiatives to engage patients and family caregivers in decision-making in healthcare systems: A scoping review
    Authors: CB Hamilton, M Dehnadi, ME Snow, N Clark, M Lui, J McLean, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 12