Stephen Higgins | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Stephen Higgins | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Surgical Resident at Nebraska Medicine, United States

Dr. Stephen E. Higgins Jr., DMD, MPH, is an accomplished clinician and academician currently pursuing his M.D. at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. He is a resident in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University School of Dentistry. Dr. Higgins combines extensive training in dentistry, medicine, and public health to provide interdisciplinary insights into surgical and public health challenges. Known for his academic rigor and leadership, he serves as a Clinical Instructor at Creighton University and actively contributes to academic and clinical teaching. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous presentations, scholarly publications, and leadership roles within national medical and dental organizations. Dr. Higgins is especially noted for his dynamic involvement in both clinical care and scientific research, aiming to integrate cutting-edge research with clinical practice. With more than a decade of progressive academic and research experience, Dr. Higgins stands out as a dedicated scholar, committed to improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge. His work reflects a balance of clinical expertise, teaching, and research that positions him as a future leader in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Higgins has pursued a diverse and intensive academic path, integrating dentistry, medicine, and public health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine in 2022, where he also received multiple commendations for academic excellence and leadership. He holds a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, completed in 2018, where he developed a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health systems research. He is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, scheduled to graduate in 2025. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College in 2012, complemented by a minor in Business Studies. Dr. Higgins also completed a post-baccalaureate program at Worcester State University, graduating in 2016. His academic foundation has been enhanced by strong performance and honors, such as his induction into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. This comprehensive educational background uniquely equips Dr. Higgins with an integrated approach to healthcare, enabling him to navigate clinical practice, academic research, and health policy with precision and insight.

Professional Experience

Dr. Higgins’s professional trajectory reflects a blend of clinical practice, academic instruction, and research leadership. Since 2022, he has been training as a resident in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University School of Dentistry. His dual-role residency under esteemed mentors Dr. Valmont Desa and Dr. Terry Lanphier emphasizes complex surgical procedures and interdisciplinary collaboration. Concurrently, he has served as a Clinical Instructor at Creighton University, where he mentors dental students in clinical procedures, case management, and academic development. Prior to his residency, he held leadership positions as President of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Club and Student Representative to the Research Committee at the University of New England. His clinical experience is further strengthened by licensure to practice dentistry in Nebraska, and affiliations with major national bodies including the ADA, AMA, and AAOMS. Throughout his training, Dr. Higgins has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating patient care with academic inquiry, often taking lead roles in research projects and quality improvement initiatives. His professional experience demonstrates a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and continuous learning in both surgical and academic contexts.

Research Interests

Dr. Higgins has cultivated a broad and evolving portfolio of research interests that span clinical oral surgery, public health, and medical education. His primary research focus includes the evaluation of surgical techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly in stability and outcomes following procedures like sagittal split osteotomies. He has explored topics ranging from dentist comfort in diagnosing oral pathology to the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiota, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Higgins has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and has presented extensively at national conferences, including the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology. His early work in emergency medicine explored benchmarking scholarly productivity, while subsequent research examined substance abuse interventions via telemedicine and health referral systems. These interests underscore his commitment to bridging gaps between research, policy, and patient care. By integrating clinical practice with inquiry-driven research, Dr. Higgins aims to advance evidence-based approaches in surgery and healthcare delivery. He continues to develop research that is translational in nature, driven by real-world clinical challenges and guided by rigorous academic methodologies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Higgins has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his academic and professional career, underscoring his excellence in leadership, research, and academic performance. While pursuing his D.M.D. at the University of New England, he was awarded the prestigious AAOMS Dental Student Award, recognizing exceptional promise in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He consistently earned Letters of Commendation for four consecutive years, reflecting his high academic performance and dedication. He graduated with Honors Research Distinction, highlighting his scholarly contributions to oral health research. He also received a Student Leadership Certificate for his active engagement in student organizations and advocacy. During his earlier academic career, Dr. Higgins was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at Worcester State University, a distinction reserved for students of the highest academic caliber. These accolades reflect not only Dr. Higgins’s intellectual aptitude but also his capacity for leadership, initiative, and service. His ongoing involvement with national professional organizations such as the ADA, AMA, and AAOMS further reflects his commitment to the highest standards of clinical practice and professional development. These honors validate Dr. Higgins’s standing as a promising figure in academic medicine and surgery.

Conclusion

Dr. Stephen E. Higgins Jr. is a highly promising and accomplished early-career researcher whose interdisciplinary background and active research involvement make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His combination of clinical training, research leadership, and publication record reflects a deep commitment to advancing evidence-based practices in oral and maxillofacial surgery and public health.

While he is still building his publication portfolio and academic footprint, the trajectory and potential for impact are clearly evident. If the award committee values early-career excellence, breadth of contribution, and leadership, Dr. Higgins would be a very deserving recipient.

Publications Top Notes

  • Authors: Stephen E. Higgins Jr., Valmont Desa

  • Year: 2025

  • Title: Comparing the Infection Rates of Strut Versus Straight Plates in Sagittal Split Osteotomies

  • Journal: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2025.03.001

  • Citation: Higgins, S.E. Jr., & Desa, V. (2025). Comparing the infection rates of strut versus straight plates in sagittal split osteotomies. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2025.03.001

 

  • Authors: Edwin D. Boudreaux, Stephen E. Higgins Jr., Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, Bo Wang, Gregory Volturo

  • Year: 2019

  • Title: Scholarly Productivity and Impact: Developing a Quantifiable, Norm-Based Benchmarking Methodology for Academic Emergency Medicine

  • Journal: Academic Emergency Medicine, Volume 26, Issue 6, Pages 594–604

  • DOI: 10.1111/acem.13704

  • Citation: Boudreaux, E.D., Higgins, S.E., Reznik-Zellen, R., Wang, B., & Volturo, G. (2019). Scholarly productivity and impact: Developing a quantifiable, norm-based benchmarking methodology for academic emergency medicine. Academic Emergency Medicine, 26(6), 594–604. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.13704

 

Alexander Kirichenko | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Alexander Kirichenko | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Professor Drexel University College of Medicine Drexellat at Allegheny General Hospital, United States

Dr. Alexander V. Kirichenko, MD, PhD, is a distinguished radiation oncologist and researcher with extensive expertise in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and radiation biology. He currently serves as an Attending Radiation Oncologist at Allegheny General Hospital and System Director for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy & Gastrointestinal Cancers Program at Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute. With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Kirichenko has made significant contributions to oncology research, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma and functional treatment planning. His humanitarian efforts include leading international collaborations to advance radiation oncology care in Ukraine. A dedicated educator and innovator, Dr. Kirichenko has contributed to multiple clinical trials, patents, and book chapters, shaping the future of radiation oncology.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Kirichenko earned his MD from Kyiv Medical University, Ukraine, in 1981, followed by a residency in Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine. He later obtained a PhD in Radiation Biology and a D.Sc. in Radiation Medicine. In pursuit of advanced training, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center and obtained U.S. medical licensure from the University of Virginia. His residency training in General Surgery and Radiation Oncology at the University of Virginia further solidified his expertise. These rigorous academic and clinical experiences have enabled him to excel in both patient care and research.

Professional Experience

With a career dedicated to radiation oncology, Dr. Kirichenko has held various prestigious academic and clinical positions. He served as an Associate Professor at the Ukrainian National Cancer Institute and the University of Virginia before joining Allegheny General Hospital in 2006. As a leading expert, he has been involved in the development of advanced radiation therapies, including SBRT for liver malignancies. His work also extends to international collaborations, where he has played a pivotal role in enhancing global cancer care standards. His leadership within multiple healthcare institutions has made a lasting impact on cancer treatment methodologies.

Research Interests

Dr. Kirichenko’s research primarily focuses on radiation-induced toxicity, functional treatment planning, and advanced imaging techniques in radiation therapy. His studies on SBRT for hepatocellular carcinoma have contributed to improving survival outcomes while minimizing toxicity. He has also explored the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) for enhancing MRI-guided radiotherapy. Through his involvement in numerous clinical trials and NIH-funded studies, he has pioneered innovative approaches in liver and rectal cancer treatment. His research continues to influence clinical practices, bridging the gap between experimental oncology and patient-centered care.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Kirichenko has received numerous accolades for his contributions to radiation oncology. He has been recognized as one of the Best Doctors in America (2013–2023) and has received the Health Care Heroes Award from Pittsburgh Business Times. His leadership in national and international oncology projects has earned him appointments to expert panels, including the National Center for Biosecurity and Biodefense Preparedness. His extensive list of invited lectures, patents, and book chapters further reflects his commitment to advancing cancer research and treatment.

Conclusion

Dr. Alexander V. Kirichenko is a highly qualified and impactful researcher in radiation oncology with strong contributions to clinical innovation, translational research, and international collaboration. His extensive body of work, patents, leadership roles, and humanitarian contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. If supplemented with further high-impact publications, mentorship initiatives, and policy engagements, his profile would be nearly unbeatable.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Chronomodulated chemotherapy and irradiation: An idea whose time has come?

  • Authors:

    • Tyvin A. Rich

    • Charles H. Shelton III

    • Alexander V. Kirichenko

    • Martin Straume

  • Journal: Chronobiology International

  • Year of Publication: 2002

  • Citations: 18 (as per available sources)

 

Carol North | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Carol North | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Adjunct Professor in Psychiatry (volunteer) at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States

Dr. Carol North is a highly respected psychiatrist and researcher, currently serving as an Adjunct Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She has a distinguished career spanning decades in both clinical practice and academic research, contributing significantly to the field of psychiatric epidemiology. Throughout her career, Dr. North has dedicated herself to improving mental health research, with a special focus on understanding the psychiatric consequences of trauma, disaster, and violence. Her expertise is recognized worldwide, and she has made significant contributions to the advancement of psychiatry through her research, teaching, and mentorship of future researchers.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. North’s educational journey is marked by an extensive and rigorous academic background. She completed her B.S. in General Science from the University of Iowa in 1976, which laid the foundation for her medical career. She earned her M.D. from Washington University School of Medicine in 1983. Driven by a deep interest in psychiatric research, Dr. North further pursued a Master of Psychiatric Epidemiology (M.P.E.) at Washington University in 1993. She completed her postgraduate training with an internship and residency in psychiatry at Barnes Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine from 1983 to 1987. Dr. North’s academic foundation was further strengthened by an NIMH Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Psychiatric Epidemiology at Washington University, which provided her with the tools to conduct high-level psychiatric research.

Professional Experience

Dr. North’s professional experience is vast, encompassing both clinical practice and research. She began her medical career as a Medical Extern at Jane Lamb Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Iowa, in 1977. Her subsequent psychiatric internship and residency at Barnes Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine further deepened her clinical skills and expertise. Dr. North has had a longstanding association with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she holds the position of Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry. Although her role is currently voluntary, she continues to contribute significantly to the academic community, mentoring students and conducting research. Her expertise is frequently sought after for both academic and clinical collaborations, and she has become a respected figure in the field of psychiatric epidemiology, particularly for her work on trauma and disaster-related mental health.

Research Interests

Dr. North’s primary research interests revolve around psychiatric epidemiology, with a particular focus on the mental health effects of trauma, disasters, and violence. Her research has explored the long-term psychological consequences of traumatic events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other mass casualty events. She is deeply interested in understanding how individuals and communities cope with extreme stress and how these experiences contribute to the development of psychiatric conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Dr. North’s work has also extended to examining interventions and strategies for improving mental health outcomes in populations affected by trauma, making her research highly relevant to both clinical practice and public health policy.

Awards and Honors

Dr. North has earned numerous awards and honors throughout her distinguished career, reflecting her significant contributions to psychiatric research. Notably, she completed an NIMH Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Psychiatric Epidemiology, a prestigious recognition in the field of mental health research. She has been invited to present her research at leading national and international conferences, further cementing her status as an expert in psychiatric epidemiology. Additionally, Dr. North has been recognized by her peers for her mentorship, with many of her former students and colleagues continuing to make substantial contributions to the field. While specific awards are not detailed, her longstanding role in academia and research positions her as a highly regarded leader in psychiatry.

Conclusion

This individual is certainly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given their exceptional educational qualifications, extensive clinical experience, and ongoing academic contributions. However, to enhance their application, more focus could be placed on specific research achievements, leadership in research, and impactful publications. Additionally, showcasing any broader contributions to the field of psychiatry, such as public health initiatives or policy work, could further solidify their candidacy.

Publications Top Noted

  • “Learning from Hindsight: Examining Autonomic, Inflammatory, and Endocrine Stress Biomarkers and Mental Health in Healthy Terrorism Survivors Many Years Later”
    • Authors: Tucker, P., Pfefferbaum, B., North, C.S., Zettl, R., Jeon-Slaughter, H.
    • Journal: Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • “A Qualitative Narrative Study of Rescue and Recovery Workers Responding to the Terrorist Bombing of Oklahoma City’s Murrah Building”
    • Authors: Pollio, E.W., Wang, J., Randle, E., Pollio, D.E., North, C.S.
    • Journal: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “A call to action for female front-line healthcare workers”
    • Authors: Mehta, R.M., North, C.S., Patel, H.J., Ruggiero, R.M., Adams, T.N.
    • Journal: Signa Vitae
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • “A longitudinal follow-up study of rescue and recovery narratives of Oklahoma City bombing responders nearly a quarter century later”
    • Authors: North, C.S., Suris, A., McDonald, K.
    • Journal: Journal of Emergency Management
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “A Retrospective Matched Comparison Study of Prolonged Seizures in ECT”
    • Authors: Isenberg, K., Dinwiddie, S.H., Song, J., North, C.S.
    • Journal: Journal of ECT
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • “Burnout Education: Are We Playing with Fire?”
    • Authors: Adams, T.N., North, C.S.
    • Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “War-exposed adolescents screening positive for mental health symptoms indicate a need for diagnostic evaluation to inform care”
    • Authors: Pollio, E.W., North, C.S.
    • Journal: Evidence-Based Nursing
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “A Focus Group Study of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapy for Military Veterans Reintegrating Into Civilian Life”
    • Authors: Highfill, M.C., Cassidy, J., Lee, K., Pollio, D., North, C.S.
    • Journal: Journal of Humanistic Psychology
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “Addressing Mental Health Needs Among Frontline Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic”
    • Authors: Adams, T.N., Ruggiero, R.M., North, C.S.
    • Journal: Chest
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 6
  • “Characteristics and experiences of professionals providing 9/11 mental health services”
    • Authors: North, C.S., Mahesar, S., Meltzer, K.J., Pollio, D.E.
    • Journal: Annals of Clinical Psychiatry
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0