Gabriela Isabela Verga | Nursing and Health Professions | Pioneer Researcher Award

Mrs. Gabriela Isabela Verga | Nursing and Health Professions | Pioneer Researcher Award

University Assistant at University of “Dunărea de Jos”, of Galati, Romania

Gabriela Isabela Verga is a seasoned medical professional and academic with over three decades of experience in pediatric healthcare and medical education. Currently serving as a doctoral assistant at “Dunărea de Jos” University in Galați, she teaches and conducts laboratory work in microbiology and palliative care. Her background includes leadership roles as a principal licensed medical assistant and coordinator at the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Sf. Ioan,” where she manages healthcare teams and ensures quality standards. She holds advanced degrees in general medical assistance, clinical nutrition, and psychology, reflecting her multidisciplinary expertise. Gabriela has contributed to scientific research, co-authoring a study on vitamin D deficiency in children published in a peer-reviewed journal. She also holds certifications in clinical auditing and healthcare quality management. Known for her team-oriented approach, organizational leadership, and commitment to improving patient care through education and research, she is building a solid foundation for further academic and clinical contributions.

Professional Profile 

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✅ Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Experience in Medical Field:
    Gabriela has over 30 years of progressive experience in medical care, primarily in pediatric settings. This includes senior roles such as Principal Licensed Medical Assistant and Coordinator of integrated ambulatory units.

  2. Academic Involvement and Research Engagement:

    • Currently serving as a PhD assistant and previously as an associate doctoral assistant at “Dunărea de Jos” University.

    • Involvement in practical and lab teaching for key disciplines (Microbiology, Virology, Palliative Care).

    • Publication: Co-author of a peer-reviewed paper on vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients – a relevant, clinically meaningful topic.

  3. Multidisciplinary Education:

    • Master’s in Clinical Nutrition and Bachelor’s in General Medical Assistance.

    • Additional degree in Psychology, which enhances her approach to patient care and research in psychosomatic or behavioral health contexts.

  4. Leadership and Clinical Quality Management:

    • Leads a team of 37 staff and is involved in clinical audit and quality management, crucial for translational medical research and evidence-based practice.

  5. Strong Organizational and Communication Skills:

    • Demonstrated leadership, coordination, and training roles.

    • Experience in team-based healthcare and education, aligning with collaborative research goals.

Gabriela Isabela Verga holds a comprehensive academic background that spans healthcare, nutrition, and psychology. She earned a bachelor’s degree in General Medical Assistance from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at “Dunărea de Jos” University in Galați, followed by a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from the same institution. Her master’s curriculum covered advanced topics such as bio-nutrition, dietetics, and nutritional interventions in clinical contexts. Additionally, she holds a psychology degree from Spiru Haret University, where she focused on medical and educational psychology, enhancing her patient care approach with psychosocial insight. She has also completed certifications in clinical audit and quality management through national accreditation bodies. Gabriela’s educational path demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning, interdisciplinary competence, and the integration of scientific and human-centered knowledge. These diverse qualifications uniquely position her to engage in both applied clinical practice and emerging fields in nutrition and psychological healthcare.

💼 Professional Experience

With over 30 years of experience in the Romanian healthcare system, Gabriela Isabela Verga has held various clinical and leadership positions, primarily at the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Sf. Ioan” in Galați. Beginning as a biological laboratory technician in 1991, she progressed to senior roles including Principal Licensed Medical Assistant and eventually became the coordinator of an integrated ambulatory care unit. Her responsibilities have included supervising nursing teams, managing patient care delivery, and overseeing quality assurance in clinical settings. Since 2022, she has also been actively involved in academia as an assistant doctoral lecturer at “Dunărea de Jos” University, where she contributes to the education of future medical professionals in microbiology and palliative care. Gabriela’s dual role in teaching and clinical management reflects her ability to bridge theory and practice effectively. Her extensive professional background highlights deep-rooted experience, leadership in multidisciplinary teams, and a proactive role in healthcare quality improvement.

🔬 Research Interest

Gabriela Isabela Verga’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical nutrition, pediatric health, microbiology, and evidence-based nursing practices. Her academic progression and master’s thesis reflect a strong focus on the role of diet and nutrition in chronic and pediatric conditions. She is particularly interested in preventive healthcare strategies, micronutrient deficiencies—such as vitamin D deficiency—and their clinical implications in child development and public health. Gabriela has co-authored a publication on vitamin D deficiency prevalence in Romanian pediatric populations, indicating her inclination toward clinically impactful and population-focused research. Her experience in microbiology, acquired through teaching and clinical work, further supports a scientific approach to studying infectious diseases and immune-related disorders. She also values the integration of psychological care into nursing, inspired by her academic background in psychology. Her ongoing doctoral work is expected to deepen her contributions to applied medical science, especially in pediatric nutrition and patient-centered nursing research.

🏆 Awards and Honors

While Gabriela Isabela Verga has not yet received internationally recognized research awards, her achievements are rooted in professional credibility and institutional recognition. She is actively engaged in hospital quality assurance, serving as a certified clinical auditor and contributing to healthcare accreditation processes. These roles reflect institutional trust and leadership in improving healthcare standards. Her co-authorship in a peer-reviewed publication on pediatric vitamin D deficiency represents a significant academic milestone, especially within the Romanian research context. Gabriela is also a respected member of the Romanian Order of Nurses, Midwives, and Medical Assistants (OAMGMAMR), reinforcing her standing in the national medical community. Though still in the early phases of a dedicated research career, her consistent recognition through leadership roles, certifications, and academic involvement illustrates a growing profile in medical education and practice. Her professional trajectory positions her as a promising candidate for future awards related to clinical leadership, teaching, and applied medical research.

📚Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: A New Case of Paediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Onset after SARS-CoV-2 and Epstein-Barr Infection—A Case Report and Literature Review
    Authors: CL Petrea, DA Ciortea, M Miulescu, IL Candussi, SI Chirila, GI Verga, …
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 7

  2. Title: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a pediatric hospital in Romania
    Authors: LD Peptine, CR Răileanu, L Goroftei, GI Verga, A Neagu, TV Gurău, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

  3. Title: Healthcare Interventions in the Management of Rheumatic Diseases: A Narrative Analysis of Effectiveness and Emerging Strategies
    Authors: GI Verga, AAȘ Baltă, DA Ciortea, CL Petrea, M Șerban, MN Matei, …
    Year: 2025
    Citations: Not yet cited

  4. Title: Vitamin D Imbalance and Hydro-Electrolyte Disturbances in Hospitalized Children: A Comparation Between Post-COVID-19 Status and SARS-CoV-2/EBV Coinfection
    Authors: CL Petrea, DA Ciortea, G Gurău, NM Matei, CA Dinu, SE Bergheș, …
    Year: 2025
    Citations: Not yet cited

  5. Title: Cardiac Manifestations and Emerging Biomarkers in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Authors: DA Ciortea, MN Matei, M Debita, A Lupu, M Mătăsaru, GI Verga, S Fotea
    Year: 2025
    Citations: Not yet cited

  6. Title: STUDY OF RISK FACTORS THAT CAN INFLUENCE THE EVOLUTION OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH WOLF PARKINSON WHITE SYNDROME
    Authors: IP Moraru, RE Barbu, GI Verga, PM Bogdan, L Nițoi, DA Ciortea, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: Not listed

  7. Title: STUDY OF THE RISK FACTORS DETECTED IN THE EVOLUTION OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH HYPERTENSION
    Authors: RE Bogdan-Goroftei, D Ciortea, RE Barbu, PM Bogdan, GI Verga, L Nițoi
    Year: 2022
    Citations: Not listed

Gabriela Isabela Verga is a dedicated healthcare professional and academic with a well-rounded profile that combines clinical expertise, educational commitment, and emerging research contributions. Her educational background in nursing, nutrition, and psychology provides a multidisciplinary lens through which she approaches patient care and medical research. Professionally, she has led nursing teams and maintained high standards of clinical quality for decades, while also mentoring future healthcare providers through her teaching roles at “Dunărea de Jos” University. Her research interests are practical and population-oriented, focused on improving health outcomes through better nutrition, microbiology education, and holistic care. While her academic publication record is still developing, her proven leadership, dedication to quality, and collaborative mindset make her a valuable contributor to the healthcare and academic fields. With further support and research engagement, Gabriela has the potential to grow into a more prominent figure in clinical and applied health research in Romania and beyond.

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