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

 

Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary | Regenerative Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary | Regenerative Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor of Regenerative Medicine,University of Ha’il, Collage of Public Health and Health Informatics,Saudi Arabia

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary is a renowned academic and researcher in Regenerative Medicine, specializing in Stem Cell Biology. She obtained the first PhD in Regenerative Medicine by a Saudi researcher from Odense University, Denmark. Dr. Al-Shammary is currently an Associate Professor and Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia. She has held prominent roles in scientific review and medical consultation, focusing on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their clinical applications. Fluent in Arabic, English, Danish, and beginner-level French, Dr. Al-Shammary has been an active contributor to the development of public health strategies in Saudi Arabia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work bridges scientific research, health policy, and community impact.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Expertise in Regenerative Medicine: Dr. Al-Shammary holds a PhD in Regenerative Medicine from Denmark, which makes her one of the first Saudi researchers in this field. Her research has been focused on human stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and human embryonic stem cells, both crucial for advancing regenerative medicine.
  2. Strong Academic Background: Her academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree in Tissue and Cell Embryology from King Faisal University and a Bachelor’s in Biology, demonstrate a solid foundation in the biological sciences. Her work in stem cell biology, specifically regarding MSCs, is of great importance in the current landscape of medical research.
  3. Research Impact: Dr. Al-Shammary’s work has led to multiple research publications in high-impact journals and conferences, contributing significantly to the scientific community. For instance, her studies on COVID-19 dynamics in Saudi Arabia and the promotion of health behaviors during the pandemic show her responsiveness to current global health challenges.
  4. Active Involvement in Cutting-Edge Projects: She has led and contributed to several highly relevant projects such as stem cell research in Saudi Arabia, the development of nano-formulated antibiotics for ocular infections, and lung cancer detection using biosensors. These projects have the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches and improve quality of life.
  5. Leadership Roles: As an Associate Professor and Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics, Dr. Al-Shammary has demonstrated leadership, not only in research but also in academic administration. She has overseen multiple projects and has held influential roles in scientific societies like INHWE and ECTS.
  6. Awards and Recognition: She has received notable awards, including an Award of Excellence from the Saudi Cultural Mission in Germany. Furthermore, her leadership in various projects and her work in public health behavior promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic have earned her recognition.
  7. Commitment to Volunteer Work: Dr. Al-Shammary has engaged in significant volunteer work related to health and science education, from serving as a trainer in scientific research methods to participating in charity work. This shows her commitment to the broader community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Public Visibility: While Dr. Al-Shammary has had notable success in research and academic leadership, enhancing her public visibility in the global scientific community through more frequent international collaborations and public speaking at major conferences could further elevate her profile.
  2. Further Collaboration in Interdisciplinary Fields: Although she is highly regarded in regenerative medicine, expanding her research and collaborations into interdisciplinary fields, such as bioengineering, could lead to more innovative outcomes, particularly in medical device development or genetic therapies.
  3. Expanding Research into Clinical Trials: While her work in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology is impressive, a further focus on translating her research into clinical trials and real-world applications would be beneficial. This would enhance the direct impact of her work on patient care and treatment.

Education

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary holds a PhD in Regenerative Medicine from Odense University, Denmark (2015), where her research focused on bone marrow skeletal stem cells and their markers. Prior to that, she earned a Master’s degree in Tissue and Cell Embryology from King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, in 2009, with research on embryonic stem cells from albino mice. In 2002, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Science College, Saudi Arabia. Her academic journey has been enriched by a series of specialized courses, including Mesenchymal Stem Cell Biology at Karolinska Institute and Matrix Biology at the University of Copenhagen. These qualifications have laid the foundation for her expertise in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology.

Experience

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary has extensive academic experience. Currently, she serves as Associate Professor in the College of Public Health & Health Informatics at University of Hail, where she was also Vice Dean from 2019 to 2023. Before this, she worked as an Assistant Professor in Biology at the same institution. Dr. Al-Shammary’s career began as a Lecturer at the University of Ha’il, followed by roles at King Faisal University. She has also held administrative positions, including Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics (since 2023) and Head of Consulting Firm specializing in Stem Cells and Epidemic Crisis Management. Her involvement in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SLLE exam) as a Head of Laboratory Operations further underscores her leadership in health sciences.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary has received several notable awards and honors throughout her career. She was awarded the Award of Excellence by the Saudi Cultural Mission in Germany (2015). Her contributions to stem cell research and COVID-19 health initiatives in Saudi Arabia have earned her recognition, including a research award for her MSC and chemotherapy project from the National Center for Radiation Research & Technology (2020-2023). Dr. Al-Shammary has been a key figure in projects such as nano-formulation of antibiotics and lung cancer detection with biosensors. Her innovative leadership in public health behavior during COVID-19 has also been highly praised. Her work continues to influence both scientific and medical communities.

Research Focus

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary’s primary research focus is in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, particularly the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in regenerative therapies. She has also contributed to COVID-19 modeling and public health behavior research in Saudi Arabia. Her research aims to bridge laboratory science with real-world applications, improving therapeutic approaches for chronic diseases and cancer. Dr. Al-Shammary’s work includes pioneering research on embryonic stem cells, cell differentiation, and therapeutic applications of stem cells in disease treatment. Additionally, she has led projects focused on quality of life improvements, nano-formulated therapies, and biomedical devices like lung cancer detection using biosensors. Her broad range of research topics highlights her contribution to medical science, public health, and the development of modern healthcare solutions.

Publications

  1. Identification of Putative Plant-Based ALR-2 Inhibitors to Treat Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy 🌿🩺
  2. Computational Analysis of PTP-1B Site-Directed Mutations and Their Structural Binding to Potential Inhibitors 💻🔬
  3. Role of Community-Based Measures in Adherence to Self-Protective Behaviors During First Wave of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia 🦠🤝
  4. Generalized Richards Model for Predicting COVID-19 Dynamics in Saudi Arabia 📊🌍

Conclusion

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She has demonstrated exceptional strength in regenerative medicine, particularly in stem cell biology, and has actively contributed to scientific and public health improvements. Her academic and administrative leadership, along with her significant research contributions and involvement in cutting-edge projects, makes her a standout figure in the field. By enhancing her visibility in international collaborations and further advancing her research to clinical stages, she would continue to have a profound impact on the scientific and medical communities.Her commitment to community health, evident in both her research and volunteer activities, further underscores her candidacy for the award.