Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Surgery at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Dr. Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis is a multidisciplinary medical professional with dual degrees in Medicine (MD) and Pharmacy (PharmD), complemented by a Master’s in Clinical and Industrial Pharmacology. He is currently a PhD researcher in Plastic Surgery at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and teaches in the postgraduate MSc program in Colorectal Surgery at the University of Thessaly. His research portfolio includes over a dozen peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, covering areas such as oncology, immunotherapy, diagnostic imaging, and surgical outcomes. He has also presented at major international conferences across Europe. With clinical training in top hospitals in Greece and France, and fluency in English and French, Dr. Karakousis brings a global perspective to his work. His recent research momentum, coupled with academic and teaching contributions, positions him as a promising early-career researcher making impactful strides in medical science and healthcare.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis holds an impressive academic background with dual professional degrees. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in 2010 and his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 2017 from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). He further completed a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical and Industrial Pharmacology, with a focus on Clinical Toxicology, also from AUTH. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Plastic Surgery at Papageorgiou General Hospital, under AUTH’s School of Medicine. His education also includes a European academic exchange through the Erasmus+ Program at Université de Paris. He holds both medical and pharmaceutical licenses from relevant Greek professional bodies. Dr. Karakousis is also multilingual, with certifications in English (C2, University of Michigan) and French (B2, DELF), which enhance his ability to collaborate internationally. His continuous academic development reflects a strong commitment to both scientific inquiry and clinical excellence.

Professional Experience

Dr. Karakousis has cultivated a dynamic professional career across medical, pharmaceutical, and academic domains. He currently teaches in the postgraduate MSc program in Colorectal Surgery at the University of Thessaly, where he contributes to the academic development of future surgeons. His clinical experience spans several prestigious institutions, including AHEPA University Hospital, Ippokrateio Hospital, and hospitals in Paris through externships at Hôpital Saint-Louis and Hôpital Paris Saint-Joseph. His earlier work includes service as a pharmacist in community pharmacies and military medical service at Greek military hospitals. He has also completed a surgical internship and practical training in both hospital and community pharmacy settings. This breadth of experience has shaped him into a well-rounded clinician and academic, capable of bridging pharmaceutical knowledge with surgical and medical practice. His active engagement in multiple clinical environments enhances his ability to apply research insights directly into patient care.

Research Interest

Dr. Karakousis has a broad and evolving set of research interests focused primarily on oncology, surgery, immunology, pharmacology, and diagnostic imaging. His recent research includes systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case studies in gastrointestinal stromal tumors, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and metastatic colorectal cancer, emphasizing clinical relevance and evidence-based care. He has shown particular interest in cancer immunotherapy, mRNA vaccines, and tumor microenvironment modulation, indicating a forward-looking approach to precision medicine. His work on metaplastic and neuroendocrine breast cancers, as well as rare tumor types, reflects a commitment to addressing under-researched clinical challenges. Additionally, his contributions to diagnostic methodology, such as PET-CT and MRI-endosonography, highlight a keen interest in enhancing preoperative assessment and surgical planning. His multidisciplinary background enables him to pursue translational research that connects pharmacological principles with surgical outcomes and immunological mechanisms, making his academic pursuits both innovative and clinically grounded.

Award and Honor

Dr. Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis has earned recognition through multiple academic and professional achievements, although formal awards are not extensively detailed in the available record. His selection as a presenter at high-level international conferences—including the Joint EWMA-GNEAUPP 2025 Conference in Spain, the 11th Conference of ESES in Turkey, and the 16th Greek-Cypriot Surgical Congress in Cyprus—reflects peer acknowledgment of the quality and significance of his research. He was also a featured presenter at the Scientific Conference of Greek Medical Students, demonstrating early engagement with academic excellence. His role as a lecturer in a postgraduate surgical program further indicates institutional recognition of his expertise. Though not explicitly listed, his numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and international collaborations suggest growing influence and respect in the medical research community. These achievements collectively support his eligibility for further awards, including the Best Researcher Award nomination.

Conclusion

Dr. Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis exemplifies the qualities of a promising, multidisciplinary medical researcher. With a robust academic foundation in both medicine and pharmacy, he combines clinical expertise with scientific rigor. His professional journey includes hands-on roles in pharmacy, surgery, teaching, and international externships, highlighting his versatility and dedication to improving healthcare. His recent surge in impactful research—covering oncology, diagnostics, pharmacology, and immunotherapy—demonstrates a forward-thinking, evidence-based approach that resonates with current global healthcare priorities. As a multilingual academic with international experience, he is well-positioned for collaboration and leadership in cross-border research initiatives. While his career is still in a growth phase, his academic trajectory, research contributions, and teaching involvement underscore his potential to make lasting contributions to medical science. Based on his achievements and promise, Dr. Karakousis is a compelling candidate for recognition such as the World Top Scientists Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes

  • Multifocal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) of the Small Intestine in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1): Meta‑Analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature

    • Authors: Stylianos Mantalovas; Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis; Christina Sevva; Panagiota Roulia; Stavros Savvakis; Georgios Anthimidis; Konstantinos Papadopoulos; Vasiliki Magra; Nikolaos Varsamis; Christoforos S. Kosmidis; et al.

    • Year: 2025

  • The Efficacy of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scan (PET CT) in the Diagnosis of Local Recurrence and Metastases in Surgical Patients with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis of the Last 5 Years (2020–2024)

    • Authors: Konstantinos Papadopoulos; Ioannis Iakovou; Stylianos Mantalovas; Christoforos S. Kosmidis; Stiliani Laskou; Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis; Christina Sevva; Marios Dagher; Panagiota Roulia; Ismini Kountouri; et al.

    • Year: 2024

  • Streamline Flow of the Portal Vein Affects the Distribution of Colorectal Cancer Metastases: Clinical Reality or Just a Belief? A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis

    • Authors: Stavros Savvakis; Vasileios I. Lagopoulos; Stylianos Mantalovas; Eleni Paschou; Periklis Kopsidas; Christina Sevva; Alexandros Vasileios Karakousis; Eleni Gigi; Isaak Kesisoglou

    • Year: 2024

  • A 78‑Year‑Old Man with Elastofibroma Dorsi Presenting as a Left Subscapular Mass

    • Authors: Christoforos S. Kosmidis; Konstantinos Vlassopoulos; Chrysi Maria Mystakidou; Vasiliki Theodorou; Alexandros Vasileios Karakousis; Nikolaos Iason Katsios; Fedra Louloudopoulou; Anna Andreadi; Paris Pentousis; Stylianos Mantalovas; et al.

    • Year: 2024

  • Neuroendocrine Breast Carcinoma: Interesting Images of an Underdiagnosed Entity

    • Authors: Christoforos Kosmidis; Kassiani Boulogeorgou; Panagiota ___; Marios Dagher; Georgios Anthimidis; Georgios Petrakis; Charilaos Koulouris; Stylianos Mantalovas; Styliani Laskou; Vasiliki Magra; et al.

    • Year: 2024

  • Immune‑Specific and Tumor‑Dependent mRNA Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy: Reprogramming Clinical Translation into Tumor Editing Therapy

    • Authors: Theodora Katopodi; Savvas Petanidis; Eirini Grigoriadou; Doxakis Anestakis; Charalampos Charalampidis; Ioanna P. Chatziprodromidou; George Floros; Panagiotis Eskitzis; Paul Zarogoulidis; Charilaos Koulouris; et al. (includes V. A. Karakousis)

    • Year: 2024

  • Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma – A Rare Subtype of Breast Cancer that Poses a Challenge to Treatment: 2 Case Reports and Review of the Literature

    • Authors: Vasiliki Magra; Sofia Baka; Eleni Georgakoudi; Vasiliki Theodorou; Chrysi Maria Mystakidou; Evanthia Papadopoulou; Alexandros Karakousis; Petrina Miltiadous; Georgios Anthimidis; Christoforos Kosmidis

    • Year: 2024

  • Tumor Cell Metabolic Reprogramming and Hypoxic Immunosuppression: Driving Carcinogenesis to Metastatic Colonization

    • Authors: Theodora Katopodi; Savvas Petanidis; Doxakis Anestakis; Charalampos Charalampidis; Ioanna Chatziprodromidou; George Floros; Panagiotis Eskitzis; Paul Zarogoulidis; Charilaos Koulouris; Christina Sevva; et al.

    • Year: 2024

  • Acute Gangrenous Appendicitis in a 70‑Year‑Old Patient with Multiple Myeloma

    • Authors: (Not fully listed); Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis included.

    • Year: 2024

  • Preoperative Assessment of Perianal Fistulas with Combined Magnetic Resonance and Three-Dimensional Endoanal Ultrasound: A Prospective Study

    • Authors: Nikolaos Varsamis; Christoforos Kosmidis; Grigorios Chatzimavroudis; Fani Apostolidou Kiouti; Christoforos Efthymiadis; Vasilis Lalas; Chrysi Maria Mystakidou; Christina Sevva; Konstantinos Papadopoulos; Georgios Anthimidis; et al.

    • Year: 2023

  • Immunohistochemical Femoral Nerve Study Following Bisphosphonates Administration

    • Authors: Vasileios Alexandros Karakousis; Danai Liouliou; Aikaterini Loula; Nikoleta Kagianni; Eva‑Maria Dietrich; Soultana Meditskou; Antonia Sioga; Theodora Papamitsou

    • Year: 2020

  • Potential Drug–Drug Interactions in Prescriptions Dispensed in Community Pharmacies in Greece

    • Authors: Anna Chatsisvili; Ioakeim Sapounidis; Georgia Pavlidou; Eudoxia Zoumpouridou; Vasileios‑Alexandros Karakousis; Marios Spanakis; Lefteris Teperikidis; Ioannis Niopas

    • Year: 2010

Jihong Hu | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jihong Hu | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Teacher at Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, China

Jihong Hu is a distinguished professor and researcher specializing in Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Statistics. With over two decades of experience in medical research, she has contributed extensively to chronic disease prevention, traditional Chinese medicine, and public health. Her work integrates modern epidemiological methods with innovative biomedical approaches, addressing critical health challenges such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory infections. She has played a key role in multiple national and provincial research projects, significantly impacting both theoretical research and practical applications in healthcare. Her commitment to advancing medical knowledge has made her a highly respected figure in the scientific community, and her contributions continue to shape the future of preventive medicine and public health.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Jihong Hu’s academic journey began at Ningxia Medical University, where she completed both her Master’s (1995-2000) and Undergraduate degree (2000-2003) in Preventive Medicine. She then pursued a Doctorate (2004-2007) in Epidemiology and Health Statistics at the prestigious Peking Union Medical College. Her education laid a strong foundation in disease prevention, statistical health analysis, and clinical research methodologies. Through rigorous training and interdisciplinary studies, she acquired expertise in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern epidemiological practices, allowing her to bridge the gap between ancient healing techniques and contemporary medical advancements. Her academic excellence and extensive research work have positioned her as a leading scholar in the medical field.

Professional Experience

Currently serving as a Professor, Jihong Hu has held several academic and research positions, contributing to multiple high-impact projects. She has been an investigator in major studies funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Innovative Project Engineering, and various provincial-level research initiatives. Her expertise extends to developing strategies for the prevention and management of chronic diseases, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of integrative medicine. Beyond research, she is an esteemed educator, mentoring postgraduate students and leading innovative studies in epidemiology and disease modeling. Her influence extends beyond academia, as she collaborates with public health organizations and policymakers to implement research-driven healthcare interventions.

Research Interests

Jihong Hu’s research focuses on preventive medicine, chronic disease epidemiology, and integrative traditional Chinese medicine. She has conducted groundbreaking studies on the effects of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, examining factors such as salt sensitivity, gut microbiota, and genetic predispositions. Her work also includes epidemiological modeling of infectious diseases, exploring predictive methods for influenza, AIDS, and pediatric respiratory infections. A significant part of her research is dedicated to integrating Chinese medicine with modern healthcare, particularly in the treatment of stroke, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Her studies have contributed to understanding the interaction between environmental and genetic factors in disease progression, offering valuable insights into early disease prevention and intervention.

Awards and Honors

Jihong Hu has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to medical research and public health. Her work has been recognized by national and provincial scientific communities, earning her grants from esteemed institutions such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. She has been a lead investigator in multiple high-profile projects, gaining accolades for her innovative research in chronic disease prevention. Her publications in renowned medical journals and leadership in public health initiatives have further solidified her reputation as a leading researcher. Additionally, she has been acknowledged for her mentorship and contributions to academia, shaping the next generation of medical researchers. Her achievements continue to influence the advancement of preventive medicine and integrated healthcare worldwide.

Conclusion

Jihong Hu is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her strong publication record, impactful research projects, and contributions to preventive medicine and public health. While her work is impressive, greater international collaborations and clinical research leadership could further elevate her profile. Nevertheless, she is a deserving nominee based on her extensive contributions to medical research.

Publications Top Noted

  • Effects of salt substitutes on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

    • Author(s): YG Peng, W Li, XX Wen, Y Li, JH Hu, LC Zhao
    • Year: 2014
    • Cited by: 91
  • Effects of salt substitute on pulse wave analysis among individuals at high cardiovascular risk in rural China: a randomized controlled trial

    • Author(s): J Hu, X Jiang, N Li, X Yu, V Perkovic, B Chen, L Zhao, B Neal, Y Wu
    • Year: 2009
    • Cited by: 40
  • Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

    • Author(s): S Wang, B Yuan, Y Wang, M Li, X Liu, J Cao, C Li, J Hu
    • Year: 2021
    • Cited by: 24
  • Effects of salt substitute on home blood pressure differs according to age and degree of blood pressure in hypertensive patients and their families

    • Author(s): J Hu, L Zhao, B Thompson, Y Zhang, Y Wu
    • Year: 2018
    • Cited by: 23
  • Effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and chemical constituents on blood lipids in an essential hypertensive population: a multi-city study in China

    • Author(s): R Lei, Z Wang, X Wang, H Tian, B Wang, B Xue, Y Xiao, J Hu, K Zhang, …
    • Year: 2022
    • Cited by: 11
  • Residential greenspace and blood lipids in an essential hypertension population: mediation through PM2.5 and chemical constituents

    • Author(s): R Lei, L Zhang, X Liu, C Liu, Y Xiao, B Xue, Z Wang, J Hu, Z Ren, B Luo
    • Year: 2024
    • Cited by: 6
  • Association between salt sensitivity of blood pressure and the risk of hypertension in a Chinese Tibetan population

    • Author(s): E Zhou, R Lei, X Tian, C Liu, J Guo, L Jin, H Jin, S Wang, L Cao, …
    • Year: 2023
    • Cited by: 5
  • Natural variances in blood pressure category among Chinese adults

    • Author(s): J Hu, Y Wu, L Zhao, Y Li, B Zhou
    • Year: 2008
    • Cited by: 4
  • The influence of benazepril and amlodipine on the expression of secretin and somatostatin in spontaneously hypertensive rats

    • Author(s): H Jin, ZJ Liu, CL Yan, FL Liu, L Chen, QJ Zhang, HQ Xu, JH Hu, RH Dou, …
    • Year: 2018
    • Cited by: 3
  • Unraveling the gut microbiota’s role in salt-sensitive hypertension: current evidences and future directions

    • Author(s): L Wang, J Hu
    • Year: 2024
    • Cited by: 2
  • Associations of PM2.5 composition and green space with metabolic syndrome in a Chinese essential hypertensive population

    • Author(s): Y Xiao, C Liu, R Lei, Z Wang, X Wang, H Tian, B Xue, E Zhou, K Zhang, …
    • Year: 2023
    • Cited by: 2
  • Seasonal peak and the role of local weather in schizophrenia occurrence: A global analysis of epidemiological evidence

    • Author(s): J Hu, Y Feng, H Su, Z Xu, HC Ho, H Zheng, W Zhang, J Tao, K Wu, …
    • Year: 2023
    • Cited by: 2
  • Impact of hot and cold nights on pneumonia hospitalisations in children under five years: Evidence from low-, middle-, and high-income countries

    • Author(s): Y Feng, Z Xu, MZ Hossain, J Chang, H Su, J Hu, X Wang, H Zheng, …
    • Year: 2024
    • Cited by: 1
  • Ambient temperature and the risk of childhood epilepsy hospitalizations: Potentially neglected risk of temperature extremes and modifying effects of air pollution

    • Author(s): Y Fan, J Hu, L Qiu, K Wu, Z Li, Y Feng, Q Wu, M Yang, J Tao, J Song, …
    • Year: 2024
    • Cited by: 1
  • Effects of bone marrow cells transplantation for acute myocardial infarction on cardiac function, infarct size, and clinical events: a meta-analysis

    • Author(s): S Wang, J Hu, G Dong, M Ma, X Chen, F Ding
    • Year: 2023
    • Cited by: 1
  • Rate and risk factors of metabolic components and component combinations according to hypertension status in Tibetans in a cross-sectional study

    • Author(s): J Hu, B Thompson, S Wang, M Guo, C Yan, F Ding, P Guo, L Chen, Z Cao, …
    • Year: 2022
    • Cited by: 1
  • Epidemiological survey of characteristics of metabolic syndrome in Gannan Tibetan population

    • Author(s): ZY Zhao Yi, HJH Hu JiHong, ZGS Zheng GuiSen, JLM Jin LiMei, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Cited by: 1
  • Screening and Validation of Potential Biomarkers of Immune Cells in Childhood Asthma Patients via Mendelian Randomization and Machine Learning

    • Author(s): Y Zhang, Y Hai, B Song, J Xu, L Cao, R Yasen, W Xu, J Zhang, J Hu
    • Year: 2025
    • Cited by: Not yet cited
  • Effect of compound exposure to snowstorm and cold spell on acute myocardial infarction mortality

    • Author(s): J Hu, Z Li, J Zhu, Q He, W Cheng, Q Cheng, Y Fan, H Su, H Wang, Z Bai, …
    • Year: 2025
    • Cited by: Not yet cited
  • Prevalence of lumbar disc herniation and its associated factors: A cross-sectional study in Gansu

    • Author(s): Z Chen, J Zhao, L Wang, H Shao, L Cao, X He, Z Yang, J Ma, Q Chen, …
    • Year: 2024
    • Cited by: 0