Dr. Zhen Ma | Surgical Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Chief Resident from The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, China

Dr. Zhen Ma is a skilled surgical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal malignancies with advanced training in minimally invasive and robotic surgical procedures. His professional practice centers at The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, a Grade A tertiary institution in China, where he leads surgical interventions in gastric, hepatic, and colorectal cancers. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Ma is a dedicated researcher whose work explores resistance mechanisms in gastrointestinal tumors and innovations in surgical technology. He has authored over seven first-author publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in oncology and surgical techniques. Furthermore, Dr. Ma has played key roles in more than 16 phase I–III clinical trials related to advanced solid tumors, demonstrating his expertise in clinical trial management and cancer therapeutics. His ability to integrate clinical expertise with research insights positions him as an emerging leader in surgical oncology. He is fluent in medical English, possesses extensive training in research methodologies, and actively contributes to the evolution of cancer care in China. With ongoing involvement in national research projects, clinical innovations, and the development of surgical devices, Dr. Ma exemplifies the qualities of a modern clinician-scientist committed to translational medicine and precision oncology.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Zhen Ma has pursued a rigorous academic pathway that reflects his dedication to excellence in medicine and oncology. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine (B.M.) in Clinical Medicine from Wuhan University (2006–2011), one of China’s top medical institutions. Following this, he completed a Master of Medicine (M.M.) in Surgery at the prestigious Zhejiang University from 2012 to 2015, where he deepened his surgical skills and began his early clinical work. His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in Oncology, with a focus on digestive tract tumors, from Lanzhou University (2019–2024), an institution known for its cancer research in northwest China. His doctoral research has concentrated on chemoresistance mechanisms and autophagy-related genes in gastric cancer. Each academic phase has equipped Dr. Ma with a solid foundation in clinical medicine, advanced surgical practice, and scientific research. His education reflects a balance between practical surgical expertise and a sophisticated understanding of molecular oncology. By pursuing advanced degrees from diverse top-tier universities, Dr. Ma has gained a multidisciplinary academic background that enhances his ability to approach oncological challenges from both a clinical and research perspective.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zhen Ma has cultivated a comprehensive professional background as a practicing surgical oncologist and academic researcher. He began his medical career as a surgeon at The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University in 2015, where he initially focused on thyroid oncology using minimally invasive approaches. In 2018, he advanced to the position of attending surgeon in the Department of Surgical Oncology, specializing in the surgical management of gastric, colorectal, hepatic, and biliary tract cancers. He is proficient in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which have significantly improved patient outcomes, reducing complications by 30%. He also pioneered the clinical use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation for bilioenteric anastomosis, lowering leakage rates to below 2%. In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Ma has inserted and maintained over 100 venous infusion ports to facilitate chemotherapy for cancer patients. His professional practice is marked by a blend of innovative surgical intervention, commitment to patient safety, and continuous adoption of cutting-edge techniques. He has also served as the lead surgeon in device innovation trials and co-investigator on national-level oncology research projects, illustrating his seamless integration of clinical excellence with medical innovation and translational research.

Research Interests

Dr. Zhen Ma’s research interests are rooted in gastrointestinal oncology, with a specific focus on molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance, autophagy-related gene signatures, and minimally invasive surgical innovations. His doctoral work investigates how autophagy influences prognosis and treatment outcomes in gastric and hepatocellular carcinomas. Dr. Ma is deeply engaged in translational research that bridges molecular biology with clinical application, exemplified by his participation in studies exploring gene markers for drug resistance and survival prediction. Additionally, he has developed an interest in robotic and laparoscopic techniques as part of enhancing surgical precision and patient recovery. His participation in numerous clinical trials, including phase III studies on SOX-based chemotherapy regimens and targeted immunotherapy agents such as camrelizumab, reflects his dedication to integrating novel systemic therapies into surgical oncology. Another critical area of his research includes medical device innovation, where he led clinical trials on laparoscopic endoscopic systems for splenectomy and thyroid surgery. Overall, Dr. Ma’s research demonstrates a comprehensive approach to cancer care that includes genetics, clinical treatment optimization, and real-time surgical navigation—all aimed at improving survival rates and quality of life for gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Research Skills

Dr. Zhen Ma possesses a strong portfolio of technical and research skills that support his role as a clinician-scientist. Technically, he is adept at laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques, ICG fluorescence imaging, thyroidectomy, and venous port placement, which are core to his surgical oncology practice. On the research side, Dr. Ma is proficient in clinical trial design and execution, supported by his Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification. He is skilled in molecular biology techniques that include autophagy-related gene analysis and immunological assessments—crucial for understanding tumor behavior and therapy resistance. In data analysis, Dr. Ma uses software such as SPSS and R for biostatistical modeling, survival analysis, and interpretation of clinical data. He also has experience drafting case reports, literature reviews, and scientific papers for international journals. His language proficiency in both Mandarin and medical English allows him to collaborate across institutions and contribute to global research discourse. These skills make him well-equipped to design impactful studies, evaluate complex datasets, and implement innovative surgical and medical interventions with academic rigor and ethical integrity.

Awards and Honors

Although specific national or international awards are not listed in the available information, Dr. Zhen Ma’s career achievements reflect honors of clinical innovation and research leadership. Notably, he is the lead inventor of two patents: one for an abdominal belt to prevent drainage tube compression, and another for a nutrition tube unblocking device, both granted in 2020. These inventions show his ability to translate bedside challenges into tangible medical devices, which is a hallmark of applied medical innovation. Additionally, his successful participation as a Principal Investigator (PI) and Sub-Investigator (Sub-I) in high-level multicenter clinical trials reflects recognition from the national research community and pharmaceutical collaborators. His role in government-funded research projects, such as the National Health Commission GI Tumor Lab and the NSFC dual liver transplant immunology study, signifies peer trust and institutional acknowledgment of his research capacity. Furthermore, his appointment as an attending surgeon at a Grade A tertiary hospital at a relatively early stage in his career highlights the institutional confidence in his clinical and academic capabilities. These achievements position him as an award-worthy researcher contributing meaningfully to clinical practice and surgical science.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhen Ma is a dedicated and forward-thinking surgical oncologist who integrates clinical excellence with research-driven innovation. With an academic background from top Chinese universities and clinical experience at a leading tertiary care hospital, he has built a robust foundation in both patient care and medical science. His research in autophagy and chemoresistance contributes valuable insights to gastrointestinal cancer management, while his involvement in clinical trials bridges cutting-edge therapies with real-world application. His technical innovations, including ICG-guided surgery and patented medical devices, further demonstrate his commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through practical solutions. Dr. Ma’s work exemplifies the principles of translational medicine—moving from bench to bedside with measurable impact. Though early in his academic career, he has already achieved notable success in publications, research leadership, and surgical outcomes. With potential for expanded international collaboration and high-impact research publication, Dr. Ma is well-positioned to continue advancing the field of surgical oncology. As such, he represents an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award, honoring both his past accomplishments and his promising future contributions to medicine and clinical science.

Publications Top Notes

1. Comparative investigation of early-onset gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Z, Liu X, Paul ME, Chen M, Zheng P, Chen H
Year: 2021

2. Real-time indocyanine green fluorescence technique reduces anastomotic leakage in bilioenteric anastomosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ma Z, Deng J, Ma B, Chen H
Year: 2023

3. Identification and verification of a prognostic autophagy-related gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ma Z, Chen M, Liu X, Cui H
Year: 2024

4. Robotic Versus Total Laparoscopic Splenectomy With Pericardial Devascularisation for Portal Hypertension: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ma Z, Cui H, Gaoi L, Ma B, He P, Yu Y, Wang Y, Ma Y, Chen H
Year: 2025

5. Prevention of ERCP complications
Authors: Ma Z, Li X, et al.
Year: 2019

6. Liver transplantation in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Ma Z, Tao P, et al.
Year: 2018

Dr. Alejandro Piza Moragues | Craniofacial Surgery | Best Researcher Award

MD at San Gerardo Hospital, Estonia.

Dr. Alejandro Piza Moragues is a highly skilled and dedicated maxillofacial surgeon with a wealth of experience in both clinical practice and research. He holds a comprehensive understanding of advanced surgical techniques and innovative treatments, gained through extensive training and education. Dr. Piza Moragues’ commitment to excellence is evident in his numerous awards and honors, which recognize his outstanding contributions to the field of maxillofacial surgery. With a passion for advancing surgical methods and improving patient outcomes, he continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in his field through research, innovation, and compassionate patient care. Dr. Piza Moragues’ remarkable achievements underscore his status as a leader and trailblazer in maxillofacial surgery, making him a valuable asset to the medical community and a trusted advocate for his patients’ well-being.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Dr. Alejandro Piza Moragues pursued his medical education at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, where he completed his Grado en Medicina y Cirugía from September 2011 to June 2017. His dedication to furthering his expertise led him to the University of California Irvine in August 2014 for additional medical education. Dr. Piza Moragues specialized in Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial at the Hospital San Gerardo di Monza in 2023, enhancing his skills in the field. Additionally, he obtained a Diploma Universitario de Postgrado en Implantología Oral, Cirugía y Prótesis from Universitat de Girona (UdG), Fundació InterAc Salut, COEC, SCBCMFO-ACMSCB in Barcelona, where he focused on advanced techniques in oral implantology and surgery from November 2022 to July 2023. Throughout his career, Dr. Piza Moragues has actively engaged in various courses and congresses, including specialized training in facial surgery techniques, orthognathic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and more. These experiences have contributed to his comprehensive expertise and commitment to providing exceptional care to his patients.

Research Experience:

Dr. Alejandro Piza Moragues possesses extensive research experience, deeply committed to advancing the realm of maxillofacial surgery. His research endeavors span various facets of facial surgery, encompassing oncological, traumatic, and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Piza Moragues delves into innovative techniques and treatments aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. A significant area of his research involves the application of advanced imaging technologies and virtual surgical planning in facial reconstructive surgery. His investigations assess the efficacy of these tools in refining surgical precision, optimizing aesthetic results, and minimizing postoperative complications. This work contributes to novel methodologies for preoperative assessment and surgical simulation, fostering more tailored and efficacious treatment approaches. Alongside facial reconstruction, Dr. Piza Moragues explores the management of facial trauma and deformities. He examines pioneering surgical methodologies and materials for repairing complex facial fractures and congenital anomalies, aiming to restore both form and function. Additionally, he actively engages in clinical research, evaluating the long-term outcomes of various surgical interventions in maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Piza Moragues’ research findings, disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, underscore his dedication to advancing patient care and fostering innovation in maxillofacial surgery.

Research Interest:

Dr. Alejandro Piza Moragues has a keen research interest in exploring innovative approaches to maxillofacial surgery, particularly focusing on oncological, traumatic, and reconstructive procedures. His research endeavors are driven by a passion for advancing surgical techniques and treatments to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Piza Moragues is particularly interested in the integration of advanced imaging technologies and virtual surgical planning into clinical practice, with the aim of enhancing surgical precision and optimizing aesthetic results in facial reconstruction. He also seeks to investigate novel surgical methodologies and materials for the repair of complex facial fractures and congenital anomalies, aiming to restore both form and function in affected individuals. Additionally, Dr. Piza Moragues is interested in conducting clinical research to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of various surgical interventions in maxillofacial surgery, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community. Through his research pursuits, Dr. Piza Moragues strives to advance the field of maxillofacial surgery, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

Research Skills:

Dr. Alejandro Piza Moragues possesses a diverse skill set in research, cultivated through extensive academic and clinical experiences. He excels in designing studies that address specific research questions, conducting thorough literature reviews to inform research objectives. Proficient in various methods of data collection, he ensures data quality and reliability. Dr. Piza Moragues utilizes statistical software for data analysis, interpreting findings critically and identifying implications for clinical practice. His ability to communicate research findings effectively, both in writing for publication and through presentations, reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge in maxillofacial surgery. Upholding ethical standards in research conduct, he prioritizes the welfare of participants. Overall, Dr. Piza Moragues’ research skills enable him to contribute significantly to the field, enhancing patient care and furthering scientific understanding.

Award and Honors:

Dr. Alejandro Piza Moragues has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his exceptional contributions to the field of maxillofacial surgery. His dedication to advancing surgical techniques and improving patient care has earned him accolades from prestigious institutions and professional organizations. These awards highlight Dr. Piza Moragues’ commitment to excellence and leadership in the field, reflecting his ongoing impact on the advancement of maxillofacial surgery. Whether for his groundbreaking research, innovative clinical practice, or contributions to medical education, these honors serve as testament to Dr. Piza Moragues’ outstanding achievements and his dedication to improving the lives of his patients.

Zhen Ma | Surgical Oncology | Best Researcher Award