Akram Azad | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Akram Azad | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Iran

Dr. Akram Azad is a distinguished academic and professional in the field of Occupational Therapy, serving as a Professor at the Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. With over three decades of dedicated service in education, research, and clinical rehabilitation, Dr. Azad has significantly contributed to the advancement of rehabilitation sciences in Iran and internationally. Her extensive background in developing rehabilitation tools and expertise in physical dysfunctions, especially in upper extremity disorders, stroke, and geriatric rehabilitation, has positioned her as a thought leader in the occupational therapy domain. With a strong academic portfolio and a passion for mentorship, she has supervised numerous undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, nurturing the next generation of therapists and researchers.

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Education

Dr. Azad’s academic journey is deeply rooted in the Iran University of Medical Sciences, where she completed all her higher education. She earned her Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from the School of Rehabilitation at IUMS between 2010 and 2014, focusing on evidence-based practices in therapeutic interventions. Earlier, she pursued her MSc in Occupational Therapy with a specialization in physical dysfunctions from the same institution from 1993 to 1996, laying a strong clinical foundation for her later academic pursuits. Her professional career began with a B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy, earned between 1983 and 1987, which marked the beginning of her long-standing commitment to patient care and rehabilitation sciences.

Experience

Dr. Azad has amassed extensive experience in various areas of rehabilitation. Her clinical expertise includes the development and validation of rehabilitation tools, with a special emphasis on therapeutic interventions for upper extremity problems, stroke rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal disorders in children. A key area of her focus has also been geriatric rehabilitation, where she has addressed the unique challenges faced by the aging population. Her multidisciplinary approach combines clinical practice with empirical research to innovate and refine therapeutic methodologies, particularly for populations with complex rehabilitation needs.

Research Interest

Her research interests are closely aligned with her clinical focus and include the development of standardized assessment tools, rehabilitation methodologies for upper limb impairments, stroke recovery strategies, and functional improvement among older adults. Additionally, she has explored pediatric musculoskeletal issues, advancing the understanding and treatment of childhood disabilities. Dr. Azad is also deeply invested in knowledge dissemination through systematic literature reviews and research methodologies, which she actively teaches and incorporates in her supervision of theses and dissertations.

Award

Throughout her career, Dr. Azad has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences. She has received several institutional awards and nominations for excellence in research and academic leadership. Her work has significantly influenced policy and practice in rehabilitation in Iran. As a nominee for distinguished academic awards, her dedication to improving the quality of life for patients through innovative rehabilitation approaches has been widely acknowledged in academic and clinical circles.

Publication

Dr. Azad has published approximately 80 articles in English and an additional 25 in Persian, contributing substantially to the literature in occupational therapy. Some of her recent and notable publications include:

Development and validation of a rehabilitation tool for post-stroke upper limb function (2020, Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation) – cited by 45 articles.

The efficacy of task-specific training in older adults with upper limb dysfunction (2019, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics) – cited by 38 articles.

Reliability and validity of occupational performance tools in Iranian elderly (2018, Disability and Rehabilitation) – cited by 30 articles.

A systematic review of rehabilitation interventions in pediatric musculoskeletal disorders (2021, BMC Pediatrics) – cited by 28 articles.

Comparative analysis of occupational therapy approaches in stroke recovery (2017, Clinical Rehabilitation) – cited by 50 articles.

Design and testing of culturally adapted assessment tools in OT practice (2022, International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation) – cited by 15 articles.

Integrative rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal conditions: A pilot study (2016, Physiotherapy Research International) – cited by 20 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Akram Azad’s career stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to occupational therapy, research, and education. She has not only contributed to academic literature and clinical advancement but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and mentoring future professionals in the field. Her work reflects a seamless blend of theory and practice, with a commitment to evidence-based rehabilitation that has impacted countless lives. With her broad spectrum of expertise and scholarly output, Dr. Azad continues to be a prominent figure in rehabilitation sciences, inspiring innovation and excellence in occupational therapy both in Iran and beyond.

Sawsan A Mohammed | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sawsan A Mohammed | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Clinical Education Qatar University, Qatar

Dr. Sawsan Gholam A. A. Mohammed is a distinguished medical professional specializing in clinical education, rehabilitation medicine, and precision medicine. With a strong academic foundation and extensive research experience, she has contributed significantly to advancing medical knowledge, particularly in genomics, immunotherapy, and patient safety culture. Her dedication to medical research and education has earned her recognition as a thought leader in the field.

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Education

Dr. Mohammed completed her Medical Doctorate (PhD) at the University of Heidelberg in June 2019, where she conducted groundbreaking research in functional genome analysis. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from the Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain, in December 1997, and earlier earned a Bachelor of Basic Medical Science (BBMS) from the same institution in April 1996. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in both clinical and research-oriented medical sciences.

Experience

Dr. Mohammed currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Clinical Academic Education Department at the College of Medicine, Doha, Qatar, where she has been shaping the next generation of medical professionals since January 2023. Additionally, she has been a Clinical Tutor in the same department since January 2022. Her research career includes her tenure as a doctoral student at the German Cancer Research Center from September 2014 to June 2019, where she explored functional genome analysis. Prior to that, she was a Guest Researcher in the Department of Clinical Chemistry at Heidelberg University Hospital from October 2011 to July 2014. Her clinical expertise spans multiple roles, including Clinical Associate at Rumailah Hospital’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department (2008–2011), Clinical Trainee at Danderyds Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Sweden (2003–2008), and Resident Physician at Rumailah Hospital (2001–2003). She also served as Acting Chief of the Speech Therapy Unit at Rumailah Hospital from 1999 to 2002.

Research Interests

Dr. Mohammed’s research interests are diverse and encompass precision medicine, biomedical informatics, genomic screening, and immunotherapy. She has contributed significantly to the understanding of how artificial intelligence can enhance medical practice and patient care. Her work also explores pharmacogenomics and its role in public health, particularly in Qatar. Additionally, she has a strong focus on maternal and neonatal health, autism-related neurodevelopmental disorders, and the integration of nutrition in medical treatment.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Mohammed has been recognized for her contributions to medical research and education through various awards and honors. She has participated in leadership and capacity-building programs, including the Leadership and Building Capacity Program at Qatar University (2023–2024). Her expertise has also been highlighted through invited talks, media interviews, and contributions to international medical publications. Her work in promoting women’s sports in Qatar and advocating for precision nutrition in autism care further demonstrate her multifaceted contributions to society.

Selected Publications

“Application of Proteomics in Maternal and Neonatal Health: Advancement and Future Directions,” FASEB Bioadvances, Feb. 2025.

“Holistic Precision Wellness: Paving the Way for Next-Generation Precision Medicine with AI,” Biomedical Informatics and Clinical Medicine, Feb. 2025.

“Ṯābit Ibn Qurrah’s Contributions to Toxicology,” Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, Aug. 2024.

“Genomic Newborn Screening for Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Syndromes,” MDPI Cancers, May 2024.

“Optimizing Cancer Therapy: A Review of Metronomic Chemotherapy,” Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, May 2024.

“Forging the Path to Precision Medicine in Qatar: A Public Health Perspective on Pharmacogenomics,” Frontiers in Public Health, March 2024.

“Current Technologies and Future Perspectives in Immunotherapy toward a Clinical Oncology Approach,” MDPI Biomedicines, Jan. 2024.

Conclusion

Dr. Sawsan Mohammed is a dedicated academician, researcher, and clinician whose contributions to medicine have had a far-reaching impact. Her work in precision medicine, genomics, and clinical education continues to drive innovation in healthcare. As a mentor, she inspires future medical professionals, and as a researcher, she advances the boundaries of medical science. Through her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to improving patient care, she remains a vital contributor to the global medical community.

Muhammed Akif Yenikaya | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Akif Yenikaya | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Kafkas University, Turkey

Muhammed Akif Yenikaya is an Assistant Professor at Kafkas University, specializing in Management Information Systems. With an academic career steeped in computer engineering and data sciences, Yenikaya has made significant contributions in healthcare AI applications, deep learning, and machine learning. His diverse academic background, including degrees in both computer engineering and occupational health and safety, complements his expertise in integrating AI into real-world solutions, particularly in healthcare diagnostics and energy efficiency. Yenikaya is actively involved in research projects and academic leadership, shaping the direction of digital content development and artificial intelligence applications.

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Education

Yenikaya’s academic journey spans several prestigious institutions, marking milestones with a PhD from Maltepe University (2022) in Computer Engineering. His doctoral thesis focused on the detection of age-related macular degeneration using artificial intelligence through optical coherence tomography images. Before this, Yenikaya completed his Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety from Kafkas University (2024), along with another Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Izmir University of Economics (2018). His educational foundation was further solidified by various degrees in literature, management information systems, and graphic design, demonstrating his multidisciplinary approach to both technical and managerial challenges.

Experience

Since 2020, Yenikaya has held various academic positions at Kafkas University, advancing from Research Assistant to Assistant Professor. He has contributed to significant research projects, including those supported by TUBITAK, focusing on climate change and augmented reality. Additionally, Yenikaya has served as both Deputy Director and Director of the Informatics Technologies Application and Research Center at Kafkas University, leading initiatives in digital transformation and AI-based research. His work in both academia and industry, particularly in software development for banks and augmented reality applications, complements his teaching role.

Research Interests

Yenikaya’s research interests are centered around artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning, with a primary focus on healthcare applications such as diabetic retinopathy detection and skin cancer diagnosis through image classification. He is also keenly interested in the use of AI in optimizing industrial processes, particularly in energy efficiency within the steel industry, and in agricultural innovations like hydroponic systems for sustainable food production. His work has extended to examining the strategic role of digital technologies and their integration in business management.

Awards

Yenikaya’s work has garnered recognition in the form of several prestigious nominations and certifications. His academic achievements are supported by international certifications in data security, project management, and networking technologies, which further underline his expertise in various technological fields. Additionally, his involvement in national projects, such as the Hydroponic Agricultural Production System, showcases his contribution to advancing knowledge in the intersection of technology and sustainability.

Publications

YENİKAYA, MUHAMMED AKİF, KERSE, GÖKHAN, OKTAYSOY, ONUR (2024). Artificial Intelligence in the Healthcare Sector: Comparison of Deep Learning Networks Using Chest X-ray Images, Frontiers in Public Health, 12(2024). Doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1386110

YENİKAYA, MUHAMMED AKİF, KAVAK, ONUR (2023). Use of Artificial Intelligence Applications in The Healthcare Sector: Preliminary Diagnosis With Deep Learning Method, Sakarya Universitesi Isletme Enstitusu Dergisi, 5(2), 127-131. Doi: 10.47542/sauied.1394746

YENİKAYA, MUHAMMED AKİF, GÜVENOĞLU, ERDAL (2021). Prediction Diabetic Retinopathy From Retinal Fundus Images Via Artificial Neural Network, AIP Conference Proceedings, 2334(1), Doi: 10.1063/5.0042204

YENİKAYA, MUHAMMED AKİF, OKTAYSOY, ONUR (2024). Enerji Verimliliğinde Makine Öğrenmesi: Çelik Endüstrisinde Enerji Tahmin Modellerinin Karşılaştırılması, 5. Bilsel International Efes Scientific Researches and Innovation Congress, 287-297

YENİKAYA, MUHAMMED AKİF, KAVAK, ONUR (2023). Hydroponics: Alternative to the Global Food and Water Problem, 6th International Antalya Scientific Research and Innovative Studies Congress, 495-502

YENİKAYA, MUHAMMED AKİF, GÜVENOĞLU, ERDAL (2023). Automatic Diagnosis of Skin Cancer Using Dermoscopic Images: A Comparison of ResNet101 and GoogLeNet Deep Learning Models, 1st International Silk Road Conference, 759-768

YENİKAYA, MUHAMMED AKİF, KERSE, GÖKHAN (2022). ALEXNET and GoogLeNet Deep Learning Models in Image Classification, VII. International European Conference on Social Sciences, 713-720

Conclusion

Muhammed Akif Yenikaya is a dedicated academic and researcher who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the fields of artificial intelligence, healthcare, and digital transformation. His ability to bridge technical expertise with practical applications has earned him recognition both in academia and industry. With a continued focus on using AI to improve healthcare diagnostics and industrial efficiency, Yenikaya remains a pivotal figure in the integration of modern technologies into real-world solutions.

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

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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.