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.

Profile

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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.

leilei pei | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Prof. leilei pei | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Xi’an Jiaotong University | China

Professor Leilei Pei is a prominent academic specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics. Currently serving as the Vice Director of the Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics at the School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, he is a leader in disease prediction modeling and life-cycle health promotion strategies. With over 50 scholarly publications, including contributions as the first or corresponding author, his work has significantly impacted public health methodologies. As a mentor to 29 graduate students and an editor of academic texts, Professor Pei exemplifies excellence in research, education, and professional service.

Profile

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Education

Professor Leilei Pei completed rigorous training in biostatistics and epidemiology, culminating in advanced degrees that laid the foundation for his research career. His education emphasized the integration of statistical methodologies with public health applications, equipping him to address complex health challenges. This educational background has enabled him to innovate in areas such as disease modeling and intervention strategies, contributing to advancements in public health.

Experience

With extensive experience in academic research and leadership, Professor Pei has played a pivotal role in multiple high-impact projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He has held key administrative positions at Xi’an Jiaotong University and collaborated on significant national and international initiatives. His expertise extends to serving as a reviewer for prestigious grants and participating in professional associations that shape public health policies.

Research Interests

Professor Pei’s research interests focus on the prevention and control of birth defects, nutritional epidemiology, and advanced statistical methods for longitudinal data analysis. He is particularly skilled in developing early warning models for congenital diseases and optimizing intervention strategies using hidden Markov models. These interests align with his commitment to improving population health through data-driven insights and innovative methodologies.

Awards

Professor Pei has been recognized for his contributions to public health research, including leading projects on congenital heart disease and myopia prevention. His innovative methodologies have earned acclaim from both academic and professional communities, establishing him as a leading figure in his field.

Publications

The Contribution of the Underlying Factors to Socioeconomic Inequalities in Obesity: A Life Course Perspective (2024, International Journal of Public Health)

    • Cited by: Articles focusing on life-course health disparities.

Life-Course Social Disparities in Body Mass Index Trajectories Across Adulthood (2023, BMC Public Health)

    • Cited by: Studies on social determinants of health.

Associations Between Trajectories of Cardiovascular Risk Factor Change and Cognitive Impairment (2023, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience)

    • Cited by: Research on cardiovascular and neurological health intersections.

Effects of Potential Risk Factors on Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity Among the Elders in China (2022, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine)

    • Cited by: Multimorbidity and aging studies.

The Association of Folic Acid, Iron Nutrition During Pregnancy and Congenital Heart Disease (2022, Nutrients)

    • Cited by: Nutritional epidemiology research.

Conclusion

Professor Leilei Pei’s career is a testament to his dedication to public health and biostatistics. Through ground breaking research, mentorship, and active participation in professional communities, he has contributed to improving health outcomes on both national and global scales. His work exemplifies the integration of innovative statistical approaches with real-world health challenges, making a lasting impact on the field.