Dr. Javier Crespo | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Javier Crespo | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at IDIVAL, Spain

Professor Javier Crespo is a distinguished physician-scientist and academic leader in the field of digestive and liver diseases. Currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of Cantabria and Director of the Translational Research in Digestive Pathology group at IDIVAL, he has made significant contributions through over 400 original publications, more than 120 clinical trials, and leadership in numerous national and international research projects. With an H-index of 70 and over 30,000 citations, his work has had a profound global impact. He has played a pivotal role in national health strategies, including Spain’s Hepatitis C elimination plan, and served as President of major professional societies such as SEPD. A mentor to numerous doctoral and master’s students, he has also received multiple prestigious awards for his contributions to medicine and research. His leadership at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital earned repeated national recognition for excellence in digestive and hepatitis care.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Professor Javier Crespo earned his Degree in Medicine and General Surgery from the University of Cantabria with an Outstanding qualification. He later obtained his Doctorate in Medicine in 1993, receiving the Extraordinary Doctorate Award for academic excellence. His formal education laid a strong foundation for a career marked by clinical rigor and academic depth. In addition to his medical qualifications, he has been accredited as a Professor by ANECA (the Spanish National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation). His academic journey reflects not only excellence in performance but also an enduring commitment to scientific learning and advancement. His scholarly trajectory is rooted in a lifelong dedication to the field of hepatology and digestive pathology, with an early focus on merging basic medical science with clinical research. These formative years have played a crucial role in shaping his influential career in medicine, teaching, and research.

Professional Experience

Professor Crespo has held several prestigious positions throughout his career. He is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Cantabria and Director of the Translational Research in Digestive Pathology group at IDIVAL. He served as Head of the Digestive Service at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital from 2010 to 2024. Additionally, he has played strategic roles in healthcare governance, including being a member of Spain’s National Strategic Plan against Hepatitis C since 2015 and coordinator of the AEEH National Liver Health Plan Challenge 2032. His leadership extends to professional societies—he served as President of the Spanish Society of Digestive Pathology (SEPD), President of the National Digestive Commission, and Secretary of the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver. His professional career reflects a unique blend of clinical excellence, policy leadership, academic mentoring, and research management, making him one of the most respected figures in his specialty.

Research Interest

Professor Crespo’s primary research interests center around digestive and liver diseases, with a particular focus on hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. He has led more than 120 clinical trials across Phases I–III and participated in 15 national and 8 international competitive research projects. His translational approach bridges laboratory findings with clinical application, especially in hepatology. Under his leadership, the IDIVAL research group has produced high-impact findings in digestive pathology and liver disease progression. He has authored over 400 original scientific articles, with a strong presence in high-impact journals. His work is cited more than 30,000 times, and he holds an H-index of 70, underscoring his global influence. He is also actively involved in supervising doctoral and postgraduate theses, reflecting his dedication to advancing the next generation of researchers in gastroenterology. His research has contributed significantly to public health, particularly in the management and elimination of hepatitis C.

Award and Honor

Professor Javier Crespo has received numerous national and international awards that recognize both his scientific excellence and public health impact. Among his most prestigious accolades are the Elimination Champions 2023 International Award, granted by the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, and the International Award at the VI LIFE Forum for HCV Elimination in Lima (2024). Nationally, he has been honored with the Commendation of the Civil Order of Health, the SEPD Gold Medal, and the ACAD Gold Medal. He was also named an Illustrious Torrelaveguense in 2024. Under his leadership, the Digestive Service at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital received the Best in Class Award for several consecutive years for excellence in digestive and hepatitis care. His honors reflect not only scientific merit but also his dedication to clinical service and public health leadership, making him one of the most decorated professionals in his field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professor Javier Crespo is a highly accomplished and impactful leader in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology. His career combines outstanding academic achievement, clinical leadership, and translational research excellence. With more than 30,000 citations and an H-index of 70, his scientific contributions have shaped current practices in liver disease treatment and public health strategies. He has held top-level positions in hospitals, universities, research institutes, and national health commissions, evidencing his multifaceted influence. Through his mentorship, he has cultivated a generation of researchers and clinicians, further extending his legacy. His work has not only garnered national and international recognition through prestigious awards but has also led to meaningful improvements in patient care, especially in hepatitis C management. Professor Crespo exemplifies the qualities of a visionary researcher, a compassionate physician, and a dedicated educator—making him exceptionally worthy of recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes

  • Carvedilol vs. propranolol for the prevention of decompensation and mortality in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis

    • Authors: Not listed

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 3

  • Letter to the Editor: Optimizing MASLD treatment—A “lead-in phase” before resmetirom

    • Authors: Not listed

    • Year: Not listed

    • Citations: 1

  • Comprehensive Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis in Spain: Bases for Implementation

    • Authors: Not listed

    • Year: 2025

  • Unraveling MASLD: The Role of Gut Microbiota, Dietary Modulation, and AI-Driven Lifestyle Interventions

    • Authors: Not listed

    • Year: Not listed

    • Citations: 1

  • A multisociety Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature

    • Authors: ME Rinella, JV Lazarus, V Ratziu, SM Francque, AJ Sanyal, F Kanwal, …

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 4,096

  • Host recognition of bacterial muramyl dipeptide mediated through NOD2: implications for Crohn’s disease

    • Authors: N Inohara, Y Ogura, A Fontalba, O Gutierrez, F Pons, J Crespo, K Fukase, …

    • Year: 2003

    • Citations: 2,245

  • Modeling NAFLD disease burden in 8 countries (2016–2030)

    • Authors: C Estes, QM Anstee, MT Arias-Loste, H Bantel, S Bellentani, J Caballeria, …

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 2,027

  • A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Subcutaneous Semaglutide in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

    • Authors: HSA Newsome, PN Buchholtz, K Cusi, M Linder, T Okanoue, V Ratziu, S Sanyal, …

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 1,673

  • Obeticholic acid for the treatment of NASH: Phase 3 trial analysis

    • Authors: ZM Younossi, V Ratziu, R Loomba, M Rinella, QM Anstee, Z Goodman, …

    • Year: 2019

    • Citations: 1,286

  • Elafibranor resolves NASH without fibrosis worsening

    • Authors: SA Ratziu, V Harrison, S Francque, P Bedossa, P Lehert, L Serfaty, …

    • Year: 2016

    • Citations: 1,217

  • Sofosbuvir and ribavirin in HCV genotypes 2 and 3

    • Authors: ER Zeuzem, S Dusheiko, GM Salupere, R Mangia, A Flisiak, RH Hyland, …

    • Year: 2014

    • Citations: 1,048

  • A Phase 3 Trial of Resmetirom in NASH with Liver Fibrosis

    • Authors: Not listed

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 983

  • Gene expression of TNF-α and TNF receptors in NASH patients

    • Authors: J Crespo, A Cayón, P Fernández‐Gil, M Hernández‐Guerra, M Mayorga, …

    • Year: 2001

    • Citations: 971

  • Advancing the global public health agenda for NAFLD: Consensus statement

    • Authors: JV Lazarus, HE Mark, QM Anstee, JP Arab, RL Batterham, L Castera, …

    • Year: 2022

    • Citations: 683

Daniel Akyeampong | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Daniel Akyeampong | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

General Surgery Resident at Medical University of South Carolina, United States

Dr. Daniel K. Akyeampong, MD, born on August 13, 1993, is an emerging leader in the field of general surgery and medical education. Currently a resident in General Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, he has demonstrated a profound commitment to both clinical practice and academic achievement. He holds dual roles as a mentor and educator, fostering future physicians while simultaneously contributing to advancements in surgical care. A natural communicator, Daniel excels in patient-centered care and effective communication, which has earned him multiple recognitions, including the Trauma Llama Award in 2025. His dedication to the medical field is complemented by his active involvement in various professional societies such as the American College of Surgeons and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. With a focus on both clinical excellence and research, Daniel is poised to make significant contributions to the medical community in the years to come.

Education

Daniel K. Akyeampong’s educational journey reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and medical innovation. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015, graduating cum laude. Following his undergraduate studies, Daniel pursued his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, completing his degree in 2021. His rigorous academic training was followed by an internship at Vanderbilt University in General Surgery, before he embarked on his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. Throughout his education, Daniel consistently demonstrated a passion for both learning and teaching, as evidenced by his involvement in multiple teaching and mentorship roles. His academic achievements are further underscored by prestigious awards, including the Bowman Scholar award and numerous merit scholarships, which highlight his academic dedication and promise as a future leader in the medical field.

Professional Experience

Daniel K. Akyeampong has accumulated valuable professional experience in both clinical practice and academic settings. His clinical journey began during his internship in General Surgery at Vanderbilt University, where he honed his surgical skills and deepened his understanding of patient care. In 2022, Daniel began his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, continuing to develop his expertise in general surgery. He has actively participated in various trauma and surgical care initiatives, where his communication and patient-centered approach have earned him recognition. Additionally, Daniel’s leadership abilities extend beyond patient care, as he has taken on roles such as Administrative Chief Resident for 2025. His involvement in various committees, including the James Ramsay Surgical History Society and the Medical Society of Virginia, highlights his commitment to advancing the profession through service and leadership. Daniel’s experience as a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician also adds to his comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems, further enhancing his capability as a surgeon and educator.

Research Interests

Dr. Daniel Akyeampong’s research interests primarily focus on the intersection of surgery, trauma care, and medical education. He has a keen interest in exploring clinical and surgical innovations that enhance patient outcomes, particularly in trauma and emergency surgical settings. Daniel’s research has already been acknowledged with a Larry S. Nichter Research Award finalist recognition, which highlights his potential for making significant contributions to the field. He is particularly driven by the need for advancements in surgical techniques and protocols that improve patient survival rates in trauma situations. In addition to his clinical research interests, Daniel is dedicated to the advancement of medical education, focusing on improving teaching methods and mentorship in surgical training. His interest in education is evident in his multiple awards for teaching excellence and his active involvement in mentoring medical students and residents. By combining clinical expertise with research, Daniel seeks to contribute to both practical improvements in patient care and the academic growth of future surgeons.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his medical career, Dr. Daniel Akyeampong has received numerous awards and honors that reflect his dedication, excellence, and leadership within the medical community. Notable among these is the Trauma Llama Award (2025), recognizing his exceptional communication and patient-centered care during pediatric trauma activations. Additionally, Daniel has earned the Resident Award for Excellence in Student Teaching (2023, 2024), which highlights his outstanding contributions to medical education and his role in mentoring medical students. He has also been nominated for the prestigious Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023 and 2024, an honor given to faculty members nominated by students for excellence in teaching. As a finalist for the Larry S. Nichter Research Award in 2021, Daniel has demonstrated his commitment to impactful research in the medical field. His academic excellence is further underscored by several merit-based scholarships, such as the Bowman Scholar award and the Society of the Cincinnati Scholarship. These awards serve as a testament to his potential for continued success in both academic and clinical medicine.

Conclusion

Daniel K. Akyeampong shows strong potential for the Best Researcher Award, particularly through his combination of academic excellence, clinical expertise, and leadership. His research contributions, while recognized, could be enhanced by a more robust publication record and broader scope of research. With more focus on these areas, he has the potential to become a leading figure in surgical and clinical research.

Publications Top Notes

  • Epidemiology of Symptomatic Non-Union/Malunion Rib Fractures

    • Author: Daniel Akyeampong, Alexander Hoey, Ronald Gross, Evert Eriksson

    • Year: 2025

    • Citation: Akyeampong D, Hoey A, Gross R, Eriksson E. Epidemiology of Symptomatic Non-Union/Malunion Rib Fractures. Surgeries. 2025 Apr; 6(2):32. DOI: 10.3390/surgeries6020032

  • Anatomy of the Interchondral Joints and the Effects on Mobility of Ribs

    • Author: Daniel Akyeampong, Alexander Hoey, Aakash Patel, Andrew Privette, William Ganske, Justin Halmark, Christopher Muir, Steven Kubalak, Evert Eriksson

    • Year: 2024

    • Citation: Akyeampong D, Hoey A, Patel A, Privette AR, Ganske W, Halmark J, Muir C, Kubalak SW, Eriksson EA. Anatomy of the Interchondral Joints and the Effects on Mobility of Ribs. The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. 2024 Sep 6; DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004430

  • Racial and Gender Discrimination in Hand Surgery Letters of Recommendation

    • Author: Bradford PS, Daniel Akyeampong, MA 2nd Fleming, Andrew Dacus, AB Chhabra, DEGEORGE BRENT

    • Year: 2021

    • Citation: Bradford PS, Akyeampong D, Fleming MA 2nd, Dacus AR, Chhabra AB, DeGeorge B. Racial and Gender Discrimination in Hand Surgery Letters of Recommendation. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2021 Aug 20; DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.07.009

  • Three-dimensional Printing and Craniosynostosis Surgery

    • Author: Soldozy S, K. Yağmurlu, Daniel K. Akyeampong, Richard Burke, PF Morgenstern, RF Keating, JS Black, JA Jane Jr, HR Syed

    • Year: 2021

    • Citation: Soldozy S, Yağmurlu K, Akyeampong DK, Burke R, Morgenstern PF, Keating RF, Black JS, Jane JA Jr, Syed HR. Three-dimensional Printing and Craniosynostosis Surgery. Child’s Nervous System. 2021 Mar 29; DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05133-8

  • Systematic Review of Functional Mapping and Cortical Reorganization in the Setting of Arteriovenous Malformations, Redefining Anatomical Eloquence

    • Author: Soldozy S, Daniel K. Akyeampong, DL Barquin, Pedro Norat, Kaan Yağmurlu, JD Sokolowski, KA Sharifi, P Tvrdik, MS Park, MYS Kalani

    • Year: 2020

    • Citation: Soldozy S, Akyeampong DK, Barquin DL, Norat P, Yagmurlu K, Sokolowski JD, Sharifi KA, Tvrdik P, Park MS, Kalani MYS. Systematic Review of Functional Mapping and Cortical Reorganization in the Setting of Arteriovenous Malformations, Redefining Anatomical Eloquence. Frontiers in Surgery. 2020 Sep 30; DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.514247

  • Consequences of Chronic Frequent Premature Atrial Contractions: Association with Cardiac Arrhythmias and Cardiac Structural Changes

    • Author: Sampath Gunda, Daniel Akyeampong, J. Gomez-Arroyo, Daniel G. Jovin, Gurukripa Narayan Kowlgi, Karoly Kaszala, Tan AY, JN Koneru, Jordana Kron, KA Ellenbogen et al.

    • Year: 2019

    • Citation: Gunda S, Akyeampong D, Gomez-Arroyo J, Jovin DG, Kowlgi GN, Kaszala K, Tan AY, Koneru JN, Kron J, Ellenbogen KA. Consequences of Chronic Frequent Premature Atrial Contractions: Association with Cardiac Arrhythmias and Cardiac Structural Changes. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2019 Aug 1; DOI: 10.1111/jce.14067

 

Carolin C. Hack | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Carolin C. Hack | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Scholar Award

Deputy clinical director at Erlangen University Hospital Women’s Clinic, Germany

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Carolin Christine Hack is an accomplished medical professional and the Deputy Director of the Women’s Clinic at the University Hospital Erlangen. With a specialization in gynecological oncology and integrative medicine, Dr. Hack combines her clinical expertise with a passion for patient-centered care. Her innovative approach to medicine, along with her extensive training and research, positions her as a leading figure in her field.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Hack completed her medical degree at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, where she also pursued her habilitation in “Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of Gynecological Oncology Patients.” Her academic journey included a comprehensive curriculum that laid the groundwork for her clinical and research interests, ultimately leading to a robust foundation in both conventional and integrative medicine.

Experience 💼

With over a decade of experience at the University Hospital Erlangen, Dr. Hack has advanced through various roles, from assistant physician to Deputy Director of the Women’s Clinic. She has managed quality assurance initiatives and specialized in integrative medicine, focusing on the intersection of traditional and complementary therapies in patient care. Her leadership in the clinic has fostered a collaborative environment that emphasizes innovative treatment methodologies.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Hack’s research primarily focuses on integrative medicine and complementary therapy methods, with a specific emphasis on mammographic density as a risk factor for breast cancer. Her work seeks to enhance patient outcomes through evidence-based practices that incorporate holistic approaches to treatment.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Hack’s contributions to gynecological oncology have been recognized with multiple awards, including:

  • 2015: Klaus-Dieter-Schulz-Versorgungsforschungspreis
  • 2016: First Science Award from the German Society for Senology
  • 2018: Award from the Foundation for Women and Child Health
  • 2022: Research Award for Complementary Medicine from NATUM e.V.

Publications 📚

Dr. Hack has an extensive publication record, including:

  • The impact of physical activity on progression-free and overall survival in metastatic breast cancer based on molecular subtype
    • Authors: Ziegler, P., Hartkopf, A.D., Wallwiener, M., Schneeweiss, A., Goossens, C.
    • Journal: BMC Cancer
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 24(1), Article 1284
  • Tumor-Associated Neutrophils Are a Negative Prognostic Factor in Early Luminal Breast Cancers Lacking Immunosuppressive Macrophage Recruitment
    • Authors: Schmidt, E., Distel, L., Erber, R., Fietkau, R., Schnellhardt, S.
    • Journal: Cancers
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 16(18), Article 3160
  • Prognostic impact of selection criteria of current adjuvant endocrine therapy trials NATALEE and monarchE in postmenopausal HRpos/HER2neg breast cancer patients treated with upfront letrozole
    • Authors: Fasching, P.A., Hack, C.C., Nabieva, N., Fehm, T.N., Häberle, L.
    • Journal: European Journal of Cancer
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 209, Article 114239
  • Correlation of RANK and RANKL with mammographic density in primary breast cancer patients
    • Authors: Wunderle, M., Heindl, F., Behrens, A.S., Fasching, P.A., Emons, J.
    • Journal: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 310(2), pp. 1223–1233
  • CDK4/6 Inhibition – Therapy Sequences and the Quest to Find the Best Biomarkers – An Overview of Current Programs
    • Authors: Schneeweiss, A., Brucker, S.Y., Huebner, H., Fehm, T.N., Fasching, P.A.
    • Journal: Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 84(5), pp. 443–458
  • Initial experience with a next-generation low-field MRI scanner: Potential for breast imaging?
    • Authors: Dietzel, M., Laun, F.B., Heiß, R., Uder, M., Ohlmeyer, S.
    • Journal: European Journal of Radiology
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 173, Article 111352
  • Unbiased high-dimensional flow cytometry identified NK and DC immune cell signature in Luminal A-type and triple negative breast cancer
    • Authors: Heger, L., Heidkamp, G.F., Amon, L., Beckmann, M.W., Dudziak, D.
    • Journal: OncoImmunology
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 13(1), Article 2296713
  • Predicting mammographic density with linear ultrasound transducers
    • Authors: Behrens, A., Fasching, P.A., Schwenke, E., Beckmann, M.W., Emons, J.
    • Journal: European Journal of Medical Research
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 28(1), Article 384
  • Evaluation of automated techniques for extraction of circulating cell-free DNA for implementation in standardized high-throughput workflows
    • Authors: Lehle, S., Emons, J., Hack, C.C., Ruebner, M., Huebner, H.
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 13(1), Article 373
  • Long-term Follow-up and Safety of Patients after an Upfront Therapy with Letrozole for Early Breast Cancer in Routine Clinical Care – The PreFace Study
    • Authors: Hack, C.C., Maass, N., Aktas, B., Hein, A., Fasching, P.A.
    • Journal: Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 84(2), pp. 185–195

Conclusion ✨

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Carolin Christine Hack is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative contributions to integrative medicine and gynecological oncology, coupled with her extensive publication record and commitment to patient care, position her as a leader in her field. By addressing areas for improvement, such as interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, Dr. Hack can further enhance her impact in research and continue to advance the frontiers of medical knowledge.