Laiba Husain | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Laiba Husain | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Early Impact Scholar at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | United States

Dr. Laiba Husain is a distinguished public health researcher specializing in translational health sciences and primary care. Her academic journey reflects an exceptional commitment to advancing healthcare equity, particularly in digital health and marginalized communities. Currently serving as an Early Impact Scholar at the Peter O’Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, she integrates multidisciplinary approaches to address pressing healthcare challenges. Her expertise spans qualitative and mixed-methods research, stakeholder engagement, and health policy development. Through impactful collaborations across leading institutions, Dr. Husain has contributed to groundbreaking studies that influence both clinical practice and healthcare delivery worldwide.

Profile:

Scopus | Orcid

Education:

Dr. Husain’s academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan , where she was recognized as a James B. Angell Scholar. As a Fulbright Scholar, she earned her Master of Public Health from the University of Birmingham, gaining international perspectives on health systems. she completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Health Sciences at the University of Oxford under Dr. Trish Greenhalgh’s supervision. Her doctoral work focused on health disparities in digital care delivery, merging rigorous methodology with real-world application to inform evidence-based interventions.

Experience:

Dr. Husain’s career includes progressive roles at globally renowned institutions. she was a Research Associate at the University of Oxford, contributing to EU-wide healthcare initiatives.  she worked as a Research Analyst in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, enhancing methodological rigor across diverse projects. Concurrently, she served as a consultant with The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute at the University of Cambridge, advising on healthcare improvement strategies. she has advanced public health research at UT Southwestern, with a focus on tele-oncology and regional healthcare partnerships.

Research Interests:

Dr. Husain’s research interests converge on healthcare equity, digital health disparities, and patient-centered care. She investigates how intersecting disadvantages such as socioeconomic status, language barriers, and age affect access to digital healthcare solutions. Her work employs qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to capture nuanced patient experiences and inform inclusive policy frameworks. She is particularly engaged in developing practical tools, such as user personas, to address barriers in digital consultations for marginalized populations. Additionally, her studies explore the integration of telehealth in primary care and public health, aiming to improve system responsiveness, accessibility, and cultural competence in healthcare delivery.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Husain’s contributions have been recognized through numerous honors. These include the James B. Angell Scholar Award  for academic excellence, the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award and the Dean’s University Scholar Award from Oxford . She received a Doctoral Fellowship Award from The Health Improvements Studies Institute  and  honored in the International Women of Impact Portrait Series at Green Templeton College. Most recently, she earned the Nuffield Departmental Award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation, highlighting her innovative contributions to translational health sciences and the field’s understanding of digital health disparities.

Publications:

Title: Management of post-acute covid-19 in primary care

Citation: 102

year of Publications: 2020

Title:  Long Covid – the illness narratives

Citation: 65

year of Publications: 2021

Title: I can’t cope with multiple inputs a qualitative study of the lived experience of brain fog after COVID-19

Citation: 45

year of Publications: 2022

Title: Desperately seeking intersectionality in digital health disparity research: narrative review to inform a richer theorization of multiple disadvantage

Citation: 30

year of Publications: 2022

Title: Safety implications of remote assessments for suspected COVID-19 qualitative study in UK primary care

Citation: 20

year of Publications: 2023

Title: Developing user personas to capture intersecting dimensions of disadvantage in older patients who are marginalised: a qualitative studyprimary care

Citation: 12

year of Publications: 2024

Title: Examining Intersectionality and Barriers to the Uptake of Video Consultations Among Older Adults From Disadvantaged Backgrounds With Limited English Proficiency: Qualitative Narrative Interview Study

Citation: 1

year of Publications: 2025

Conclusion:

Dr. Laiba Husain exemplifies the synthesis of academic excellence, research innovation, and real-world healthcare impact. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges gaps between patient experiences, digital health innovation, and public health policy. By fostering collaborations among clinicians, policymakers, and community stakeholders, she has advanced evidence-based solutions addressing complex health inequalities. Her scholarly work not only deepens theoretical understanding but also delivers tangible benefits to underserved populations. With a trajectory marked by high-impact research, leadership in healthcare initiatives, and dedication to mentorship, Dr. Husain stands as an influential figure driving the future of equitable and effective healthcare delivery.

Haleh Ayatollahi | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member | Iran University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi is a distinguished professor in Medical Informatics at the Iran University of Medical Sciences, with a robust academic and professional background spanning over two decades. Her research and professional endeavors focus on leveraging health information technology to address global healthcare challenges, particularly in the areas of telemedicine, health data management, and disease-specific interventions. With a career encompassing significant leadership roles, extensive teaching experience, and a prolific research portfolio, Dr. Ayatollahi has emerged as a leading figure in health informatics, contributing significantly to evidence-based healthcare policies and innovative digital solutions.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Ayatollahi completed her PhD in Health Informatics at the University of Sheffield, UK, in 2010, where she developed expertise in integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare systems. She previously obtained her M.Sc. in Medical Records Education (2002) and B.Sc. in Medical Records (1998) from the Iran University of Medical Sciences, solidifying her foundation in health information management. Her academic journey began with an Associate Degree in Medical Records in 1996, also at the same institution. These accomplishments have provided her with a multidimensional perspective on healthcare data management and informatics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ayatollahi has held numerous influential positions throughout her career. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Deputy of Research and Technology at the School of Health Management and Information Sciences and the Health Management and Economics Research Centre at the Iran University of Medical Sciences. Additionally, she is a member of the Medical Informatics Evaluation and Examination Board. Her leadership roles also include her tenure as the Postgraduate and Education Office Administrator (2014–2016). With early career experiences as a lecturer and teaching assistant, Dr. Ayatollahi has been instrumental in mentoring future professionals in health informatics and medical records.

Research Interests

Dr. Ayatollahi’s research interests include the application of telemedicine technologies, health information systems, and data quality assessment in healthcare. She is deeply committed to advancing the use of digital tools for patient care, particularly in chronic disease management, pediatric healthcare, and emergency medical services. Her studies often emphasize the importance of user-centered approaches, policy development, and technological integration in resource-limited settings, contributing to both the theoretical and practical aspects of health informatics.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Ayatollahi has been recognized for her contributions to health informatics and education through several prestigious awards and nominations. Her work has been pivotal in shaping health information technology policies, for which she has earned acknowledgment from academic and professional bodies. These accolades reflect her dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and leadership.

Selected Publications

Global, regional, and national stillbirths at 20 weeks’ gestation or longer in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021. The Lancet, 2024; cited by 22 articles.

A fuzzy ontology-based case-based reasoning system for stomach dystemperament in Persian medicine. PLOS ONE, 2024; cited by 5 articles.

Acceptance and use of mobile health technology in post-abortion care. BMC Health Services Research, 2024; cited by 8 articles.

Challenges of using telemedicine for patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology, 2024; cited by 10 articles.

Application of telemedicine technology for cardiovascular diseases management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2024; cited by 6 articles.

Machine Learning Techniques for Predicting Drug-Related Side Effects. Pharmaceuticals, 2024; cited by 3 articles.

Motivating and inhibiting factors influencing the application of mHealth technology in post-abortion care: A review study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2024; cited by 4 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi’s extensive contributions to medical informatics are a testament to her dedication to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes through innovative technology. Her work in health information systems, telemedicine, and education continues to influence both national and global healthcare policies. As a leader, educator, and researcher, Dr. Ayatollahi remains committed to advancing the field of health informatics and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.