Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far is a dedicated PhD candidate in Healthcare Services Management at the School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Her research focuses on critical areas such as healthcare workforce management, disaster preparedness, and cost-effectiveness in cancer treatment. She has contributed to peer-reviewed publications on topics like healthcare worker retention during epidemics, nurses’ disaster preparedness, and chemotherapy cost-effectiveness, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of both operational and strategic aspects of health systems. As an emerging scholar, she shows strong potential through her interdisciplinary approach, blending public health, management, and economic analysis. While her citation metrics are still developing, her work addresses timely and impactful issues relevant to both national and global healthcare challenges. With continued scholarly engagement and expanded collaboration, she is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the field of health services research.

🔹Professional Profile 

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🏆Strengths for the Award

1. Published in Peer‑Reviewed Journals on Timely Health Topics
Dr. Tabatabaei Far has authored several peer‑reviewed articles addressing critical issues in healthcare management, including a scoping review on retention of healthcare workers during epidemic disasters (2021), an analysis of nurses’ knowledge and performance on disaster management (2020), and a study on the cost‑effectiveness of chemotherapy regimens for stage IV colorectal cancer (2023). Her research is both relevant to public health preparedness and clinical decision‑making.

2. Interdisciplinary Expertise in Health System Resilience
Her work engages both operational (cost‑effectiveness analysis) and human resources dimensions (staff retention, disaster readiness), indicating a broad methodological skill set and the capacity to blend quantitative health economics with behavioral management insights.

3. Emerging Scholarly Profile
Though early in her academic career, she has already contributed multiple publications and demonstrated engagement with national and international health challenges pertinent to Iranian healthcare and potentially beyond.

🎓 Education

Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far has pursued her higher education with a clear focus on health system improvement and management. She is currently enrolled as a PhD candidate in Healthcare Services Management at the School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Master’s degree in the same field at the same university, where she built a strong foundation in health policy, system evaluation, and management strategies. Her academic coursework has included areas such as healthcare economics, strategic planning, disaster management, and hospital operations. Her educational background reflects a consistent commitment to evidence-based management practices in healthcare. Throughout her academic career, she has demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a strong capacity for research, often collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to address emerging challenges in healthcare delivery and administration. Her educational achievements have laid the groundwork for impactful and policy-relevant research.

🏥 Experience

Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far brings diverse experience in both academic research and collaborative healthcare projects. As a PhD candidate, she has participated in several national and institutional research initiatives, primarily under the Student Research Committee at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Her practical experience includes working with hospital and university teams to assess healthcare delivery systems, evaluate workforce performance, and develop disaster preparedness frameworks. She has also contributed to projects focusing on the cost-effectiveness of treatment regimens, specifically in oncology. Sedighe has served in various roles such as research assistant, data analyst, and project coordinator, allowing her to engage with data collection, literature review, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Her exposure to both theoretical and applied dimensions of healthcare management enhances her ability to propose actionable recommendations for policy and practice. Through these experiences, she has honed her analytical, communication, and project management skills, which are essential for success in health services research.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far has received recognition for her growing contributions to healthcare research and academic excellence. While early in her academic career, she has already been acknowledged through institutional honors and involvement in competitive research programs. As a member of the Student Research Committee, she has been entrusted with responsibilities that reflect her dedication and capability in leading health-related studies. Her research has been selected for presentation and publication in peer-reviewed outlets, demonstrating academic merit. In addition, she has been recognized for her work on timely issues such as workforce retention during pandemics and cost-effective treatment strategies. Although she has not yet accumulated major international awards, her trajectory suggests a strong potential for future honors. Her continued engagement with meaningful topics and her consistent output of quality research position her as a competitive candidate for both national and international recognitions in healthcare management and research excellence.

🔬 Research Focus on Health Profession

Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far’s research is centered on enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and responsiveness of healthcare systems. Her primary focus includes healthcare workforce management, especially retention strategies during health crises, as well as disaster preparedness among frontline workers. Another critical area of her work is health economics—evaluating the cost-effectiveness of clinical treatments, with a recent emphasis on chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. She employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including scoping reviews, survey research, and economic evaluation frameworks. Her interdisciplinary approach allows her to address operational, strategic, and policy-level questions in healthcare. Sedighe’s research is driven by the goal of improving service delivery in hospitals and public health systems, particularly within resource-constrained settings. She also maintains an interest in how healthcare systems respond to pandemics and disasters, aiming to generate evidence that informs practical planning and policy. Her ongoing work seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world health system needs.

📚Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and performance about disaster management: A case of Iran
    Authors: SST Far, MA Marzaleh, N Shokrpour, R Ravangard
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 19

  • Title: A scoping review on interventions for retention of healthcare workers in epidemic disasters
    Authors: SST Far, T Kushki, M Jamshidi, S Delavari
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 4

  • Title: Cost-effectiveness of FOLFOX6+ bevacizumab versus FOLFOX6+ cetuximab in stage IV colorectal cancer patients in Shiraz, Iran
    Authors: A Jafari, SS Tabatabaei Far, M Dehghani, R Ravangard
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

  • Title: Resilience model of public health sector during unknown pandemics: a grounded theory approach for COVID-19 in Iran
    Authors: O Sadeghkhani, P Mehdi Alamdarloo, MA Mahmoodi Mehr, SS Tabatabaei Far, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Comparison of quality of care and welfare services for middle-aged and older disabled individuals in Iran and Lebanon using ServQual model
    Authors: SST Far, NP Jahromi, SM Al-Zoubi, A Abyad, A Asadollahi
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Studying The Mental Health Status Of Nurses In The Era Of Covid-19 (A Rapid Review Study In Iran)
    Authors: M Zare, Z Kavosi, SS Tabatabaei Far
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  • Title: A Review of the Procrastination Phenomenon among Hospital Employees in Iran
    Authors: H Dastan, SS Tabatabaei Far, M Ghanbari-Jahromi, Z Kavosi
    Year: 2025

🎯 Conclusion

Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far exemplifies the qualities of a committed and impactful early-career researcher in healthcare services management. Through her focused academic background, growing body of peer-reviewed publications, and engagement with pressing public health issues such as disaster preparedness, workforce retention, and cost-effectiveness analysis, she demonstrates a keen understanding of both operational and strategic healthcare challenges. Her interdisciplinary approach—combining health economics, management, and policy—adds meaningful value to the field. Though still building her citation impact and international visibility, her steady progress and contributions to collaborative research efforts position her as a rising voice in the global health research community. With continued academic engagement, mentorship, and broader collaboration, she holds strong potential to evolve into a thought leader in healthcare systems strengthening. Sedighe’s trajectory reflects both academic dedication and a deep-seated drive to improve healthcare delivery, making her a compelling candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

Gebeyehu Bulcha | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Jimma University, Ethiopia

Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha Duguma is a seasoned public health expert and researcher with over 16 years of experience in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), epidemiology, and health communication. He holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Communication and Health Behavior. Dr. Bulcha has contributed to more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on digital health innovations, behavior change communication, and health system strengthening. His work integrates practical field experience with academic research, having served in various roles including PHEOC Coordinator, RMNCH Expert, and consultant for organizations like KOICA, KOFIH, and IMCHA. He is also recognized for mentoring young epidemiologists and developing mobile health tools such as the Ulfamijuu messaging platform. With a multidisciplinary background and a commitment to evidence-based interventions, Dr. Bulcha stands out as a leader driving impactful public health research and innovation in Ethiopia and beyond.

Professional Profile 

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ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha Duguma has pursued a multidisciplinary academic journey grounded in public health and social sciences. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Haramaya University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Work from Jimma University. He further advanced his expertise by earning a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Jimma University, where he developed a strong foundation in disease surveillance and health data analytics. Currently, Dr. Bulcha is a PhD candidate in Health Communication and Health Behavior at Jimma University, where his research focuses on innovative communication strategies to improve maternal and child health outcomes. His academic pursuits are deeply aligned with his professional commitments, equipping him with the theoretical and methodological tools to address complex public health challenges. His educational background reflects a unique blend of technical, behavioral, and communication expertise, making him well-suited for interdisciplinary health research and interventions.

Professional Experience

With over 16 years of progressive experience, Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha has held a range of pivotal roles in public health. He has served as a Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) Coordinator, leading epidemic surveillance and response, while mentoring Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) residents. From 2016 to 2019, he worked as an RMNCH Expert, coordinating maternal-child health programs, WASH interventions, and behavioral change communication initiatives. Earlier roles include HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Malaria Coordinator, and Maternal & Child Health Expert, all contributing to his rich operational background. He has also worked with international partners as a consultant or project management member in organizations like KOICA, KOFIH, ABH, and IMCHA. Dr. Bulcha has managed several large-scale public health projects and has delivered capacity-building trainings, campaign coordination, and strategic planning, demonstrating leadership across policy, research, and community-based implementation. His career showcases a deep integration of practice, mentorship, and policy-level influence.

Research Interest

Dr. Bulcha’s research interests center on maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), health communication, mobile health (mHealth) technologies, and epidemiology. He is particularly passionate about leveraging digital platforms to improve health behaviors and service utilization, as evidenced by his recent work on developing the Ulfamijuu mobile messaging software. His research also explores health systems strengthening, community engagement, and the use of spatial analysis and mixed-methods studies to understand public health barriers and enablers. He has contributed to more than 25 publications in peer-reviewed journals, with topics ranging from mobile messaging interventions to health information systems and social determinants of health. His research frequently adopts a user-centered design approach, ensuring that interventions are practical and culturally appropriate. Dr. Bulcha’s focus on integrating technology with behavioral science reflects a forward-thinking and impactful research agenda, tailored to address public health challenges in low-resource settings like Ethiopia.

Award and Honor

While specific formal awards are not detailed in the available documentation, Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha Duguma’s recognition stems from his extensive contributions to high-impact public health research and programs. He has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI on numerous funded projects supported by international organizations such as KOFIH, KOICA, and IMCHA, which in itself reflects trust in his leadership and research capabilities. His peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals such as BMJ Open, BMC Public Health, and JMIR Research Protocols highlight the academic community’s acknowledgment of his work. Additionally, his continuous invitations to contribute as a consultant, trainer, and lead researcher on national and international projects stand as informal honors affirming his expertise. His selection to present at the 35th EPHA Annual Conference and his leadership in developing mobile health technologies further signify his status as an innovator and leader in Ethiopian public health research.

Conclusion

Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha Duguma exemplifies the qualities of a transformative public health leader and researcher. With a multidisciplinary educational background, hands-on experience across multiple domains of public health, and a strong research portfolio, he has made significant contributions to improving health outcomes in Ethiopia. His work on mobile health interventions, capacity building, and community health systems bridges the gap between research and practical implementation. He stands out for his ability to integrate epidemiological rigor with innovative communication strategies, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of public health programs. Through numerous collaborations with international organizations, he has demonstrated leadership, innovation, and sustained impact in the field. Dr. Bulcha is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, not only for the volume and quality of his research but also for its relevance, scalability, and alignment with global health priorities. His career reflects a commitment to evidence-based practice and a vision for health equity and innovation.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: A quality assessment of Health Management Information System (HMIS) data for maternal and child health in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
    Authors: M Ouedraogo, J Kurji, L Abebe, R Labonté, S Morankar, KH Bedru, G Bulcha, et al.
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 88

  • Title: Factors associated with maternity waiting home use among women in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: a multilevel cross-sectional analysis
    Authors: J Kurji, LA Gebretsadik, MA Wordofa, M Sudhakar, Y Asefa, G Kiros, G Bulcha, et al.
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 53

  • Title: Effectiveness of upgraded maternity waiting homes and local leader training on improving institutional births: a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Jimma, Ethiopia
    Authors: J Kurji, LA Gebretsadik, MA Wordofa, S Morankar, KH Bedru, G Bulcha, et al.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 26

  • Title: Utilization of key preventive measures for pregnancy complications and malaria among women in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
    Authors: M Ouedraogo, J Kurji, L Abebe, R Labonté, S Morankar, KH Bedru, G Bulcha, et al.
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Uncovering spatial variation in maternal healthcare service use at subnational level in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
    Authors: J Kurji, B Talbot, G Bulcha, KH Bedru, S Morankar, LA Gebretsadik, et al.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 12

  • Title: Maternal social support and health facility delivery in Southwest Ethiopia
    Authors: A Mamo, M Abera, L Abebe, N Bergen, S Asfaw, G Bulcha, Y Asefa, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 8

  • Title: Effectiveness of a Mobile Phone Messaging–Based Message Framing Intervention for Improving Maternal Health Service Uptake and Newborn Care Practice in Rural Jimma Zone
    Authors: G Bulcha, HG Abdissa, J Noll, DA Sori, ZB Koricha
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

  • Title: Community’s knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices on Onchocerciasis in Jimma zone, Ethiopia, formative mixed study
    Authors: D Abdissa, Y Kebede, M Sudhakar, G Abraham, G Bulcha, T Shiferaw, et al.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

  • Title: Prevalence and Predictors of Contraceptive Use Among Women of Premenopausal Period in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Data Analysis
    Authors: D Geleta, A Kebede, G Bulcha, H Usman, K Hajibediru, S Kebede, et al.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 4

  • Title: Spatial variability in factors influencing maternal health service use in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: a geographically-weighted regression analysis
    Authors: J Kurji, C Thickstun, G Bulcha, M Taljaard, Z Li, MA Kulkarni
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Effectiveness of Integrated Social and Behavior Change Communication Interventions in Mass Drug Administration Campaigns in Enhancing Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preventive Practices
    Authors: D Abdissa, Y Kebede, S Morankar, G Abraham, G Bulcha, T Shiferaw, et al.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  • Title: Maternal health service utilization in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: results from a baseline study for mobile phone messaging interventions
    Authors: G Bulcha, H Gutema, D Amenu, Z Birhanu
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  • Title: Exploring religious leaders’ experiences and challenges on childbirth at health institutions. A qualitative study
    Authors: L Abebe, Z Birhanu, N Bergen, G Bulcha, K Haji, M Kulkarni, J Kurji, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 2

  • Title: Barriers to use of institutional childbirth services: A qualitative study in the rural Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
    Authors: LA Gebretsadik, F Lakew, A Mamo, M Abera, KH Bediru, G Bulcha, et al.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Maternal Social Support and Determinants of Health Facility Delivery in Rural Ethiopia
    Authors: A Mamo, M Abera, L Abebe, N Bergen, S Asfaw, G Bulcha, Y Asefa, et al.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 1