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

Alexander Kirichenko | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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)