Brandon Brooks | Medicine and Dentistry | Innovation Trailblazer Award

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Dr. Brandon Brooks | Medicine and Dentistry | Innovation Trailblazer Award

DPM, MPH at Columbia VA Health Care System, United States

Dr. Brandon M. Brooks is an accomplished podiatric physician, public health researcher, and academic leader whose career reflects a strong blend of clinical excellence, innovative research, and community service. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University and a Master of Public Health from Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, where he was awarded the Henry Masters Award for academic and research distinction. His expertise lies in limb preservation, opioid prescribing practices, and the integration of mental health in podiatric care, leading to groundbreaking frameworks such as the Saint Dymphna Modification and Saint Brendan’s Guide. Dr. Brooks has authored numerous award-winning studies, served in leadership roles within the American College of Podiatric Medicine and the American Limb Preservation Society, and continues to mentor, teach, and inspire through his dedication to advancing patient care and public health.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Brandon M. Brooks pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Saint Leo University, where he distinguished himself as a scholar and leader, earning recognition as one of the youngest alumni to receive high professional honors. He then earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, where he was recognized for his academic excellence, leadership qualities, and commitment to patient-centered care. He later completed a residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, gaining extensive surgical experience and serving as chief resident. Building on this foundation, he completed a fellowship in podiatric public health at Dartmouth College and earned a Master of Public Health at the Geisel School of Medicine, focusing on epidemiology, biostatistics, and healthcare improvement.

Experience

Dr. Brooks has held key professional roles that reflect both clinical expertise and administrative leadership. As a podiatrist at the Columbia VA Health Care System, he provides advanced surgical and medical care for veterans, while also serving as Interim Chief of Podiatry where he restructured systems to improve access and quality of care. His earlier experience includes serving as an associate physician at Physicians Footcare, where he treated a wide range of complex foot and ankle conditions. He has also served as a teaching assistant at Dartmouth, supporting graduate-level instruction in epidemiology and health statistics. His leadership roles extend beyond clinical practice, including treasurer and board member of the American College of Podiatric Medicine, as well as contributions to national committees focused on education, advocacy, and clinical practice improvement.

Research Interest

Dr. Brooks’ research interests are centered on limb preservation, pain management, public health approaches in podiatry, and the integration of mental health in diabetic foot care. He has pioneered several innovative frameworks, such as the Saint Dymphna Modification to wound classification, which incorporates depression as a determinant of healing, and novel opioid prescribing guidelines tailored to foot and ankle surgery. His studies have addressed pressing issues including opioid misuse, postoperative pain outcomes, and patient-centered approaches to clinical decision-making. He is also passionate about bridging gaps between public health and podiatric medicine through large-scale studies, systematic reviews, and quality improvement projects. His work consistently emphasizes practical, evidence-based solutions that improve patient outcomes and influence national practice guidelines.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Brooks has received numerous awards that recognize his leadership, innovation, and academic contributions. At Dartmouth, he was honored with the Henry Masters Award for his lasting impact on healthcare and excellence in his Master of Public Health program. His research has earned multiple first-place poster awards at major conferences, including the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, for groundbreaking studies on opioid prescribing, limb preservation, and the intersection of depression with diabetic foot disease. He has also been recognized with distinguished alumni awards from Saint Leo University, as well as monetary awards for exceptional service at the Veterans Affairs Health System. These accolades reflect his ability to translate research into meaningful change in both clinical and community settings.

Research Skill

Dr. Brooks possesses advanced research skills that span quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including cross-sectional studies, systematic reviews, data analysis, and quality improvement initiatives. He is highly skilled in epidemiology and biostatistics, applying these competencies to investigate health disparities, prescribing practices, and patient-centered outcomes. His ability to design innovative frameworks, such as opioid prescribing models and novel classification systems, demonstrates creativity and scientific rigor. He has experience mentoring students in research design, statistical analysis, and academic writing, contributing to the development of future healthcare scholars. Additionally, his role as a peer reviewer for leading journals underscores his expertise in critically appraising scientific literature. These skills, combined with his clinical insight, enable him to conduct impactful research that directly informs practice and policy in podiatric medicine and public health.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus dynamic ultrasound for plantar plate injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: RH Albright, BM Brooks, M Chingre, EE Klein, LS Weil Jr, AE Fleischer
Year: 2022
Citation: European Journal of Radiology, 152:110315

Title: Postoperative opioid-prescribing practice in foot and ankle surgery
Authors: BM Brooks, AE Fleischer, RG Smith, RH Albright
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(5)

Title: The Diabetic Foot–Pain–Depression Cycle: A Multidisciplinary Cohort Study
Authors: BM Brooks, CD Shih, DE Tower, TT Tran, JE Simon, et al.
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(3)

Title: Cognitive Bias in Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Practice: A Novel Effect
Authors: BM Brooks, CD Shih, RWR Bratches, AS Arp, GJ Coughlin, KB Wolff, et al.
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(3)

Title: Postprocedural Opioid-Prescribing Practice in Nail Surgery: A National, Questionnaire-Based, Cross-Sectional Study with Recommendations
Authors: BM Brooks, Q Li, AE Fleischer, NA Anderson, AZ Handa, CD Shih
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(3)

Title: Opioid-Prescribing Approaches—One-Size-Fits-All versus Patient-Centric and Procedure-Focused—Among Podiatric Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: BM Brooks, RWR Bratches, KB Wolff, MD Stapp, KW Bruce, DE Tower
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(4)

Title: The opioid use agreement in foot and ankle surgery: an addition to your informed consent
Authors: BM Brooks, NL Salvo, JM Robbins
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(4)

Title: Evidence-based opioid education that reduces prescribing: The 10 principles of opioid prescribing in foot and ankle surgery
Authors: CP Ryans, BM Brooks, DE Tower, JM Robbins, ML Butterworth, MD Stapp, et al.
Year: 2024
Citation: The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 63(2):214–219

Title: Podiatry and the opioid epidemic: a call to action
Authors: BM Brooks
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(4)

Title: American podiatric surgeons’ postoperative multimodal analgesic-prescribing practice: A 2019–2020 national survey
Authors: BM Brooks, RWR Bratches, AM Nettles, AE Fleischer, et al.
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(4)

Title: The anesthetic effects of lidocaine with epinephrine in digital nerve blocks: a systematic review
Authors: AS Arp, JK Multani, RW Yen, BM Brooks
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(4)

Title: Depression: the fourth pillar of classifying risk of diabetes-related amputation in veterans
Authors: BM Brooks, J Banks, AS Arp, V Saysoukha, et al.
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Disorders, 7:201

Title: Diabetes-Related Extremity Amputation Depression and Distress (DREADD): A Multimethod Study
Authors: LM Brooks, BM Brooks, AS Arp, CR Dove, LC Rogers, R Michel, V Clinton, et al.
Year: 2025
Citation: Seminars in Vascular Surgery, 38(1):94–100

Title: Social pain: A systematic review on interventions
Authors: BM Brooks, FJ Cordero, SL Alchermes
Year: 2025
Citation: F1000Research, 14:58

Title: Concomitant Use of Spasmolytics and Opioids for Postoperative Pain After Foot and Ankle Surgery: Fair or Foul?
Authors: BM Brooks, RG Smith
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(5)

Title: Diabetes Psychiatry: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle to Prevent Complications of the Diabetes Pandemic
Authors: BM Brooks, AM Nettles
Year: 2025
Citation: Psychoactives, 4(2):13

Title: Social Pain and Opioid Misuse: A Synergistic Epidemic (Syndemic)
Authors: BM Brooks, MI Brown, V Clinton, FJ Cordero, ML Butterworth
Year: 2025
Citation: IntechOpen

Title: Baseline Knowledge of Peripheral Arterial Disease and Factors Influencing Learning Material Preferences in the San Francisco Chinese-Speaking Community: A Survey Analysis
Authors: CD Shih, T Lee, S Hassan, H Chau, BM Brooks, B Zhang, ER Rosario
Year: 2024
Citation: Journal of Vascular Diseases, 4(1):1

Title: Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Practice in Limb Preservation Surgery
Authors: BM Brooks, CD Shih, RWR Bratches, KT Pham, L Hooshivar, et al.
Year: 2024
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 114(2)

Title: Misdiagnosis or Missed Diagnosis-Hallux Sesamoid Fractures among Active-Duty Females in the United States Air Force: A Case Series
Authors: BM Brooks, KB Wolff
Year: 2024
Citation: Unpublished / Case Series Report

Title: A Book Review of Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy
Authors: BM Brooks
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 113(5)

Title: Winners of the Student/Resident Poster Contest 2018
Authors: B Brooks, K Pham, S Saeedi
Year: 2019
Citation: Linacre Quarterly, 86(2–3):254–257

Conclusion

Dr. Brooks exemplifies a professional who bridges the worlds of clinical practice, research innovation, and leadership with distinction. His strong educational foundation, extensive clinical experience, and groundbreaking research have contributed to redefining approaches in limb preservation, pain management, and podiatric public health. His numerous awards highlight his influence as both a practitioner and innovator, while his professional memberships and leadership positions reflect his commitment to advancing the field at national and international levels. With his unique ability to integrate patient care, academic excellence, and health systems improvement, he continues to inspire peers and trainees. Dr. Brooks stands out as a forward-thinking leader whose contributions will shape the future of podiatric medicine and public health, positioning him as a role model and trailblazer.

Hind Rafei | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

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 Dr. Hind Rafei | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

Dr at MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States.

Dr. Hind Rafei, MD, MS, 🇱🇧 is an accomplished Assistant Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center specializing in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy. 🔬 Her pioneering research focuses on enhancing CAR-NK cell immunotherapy for solid tumors by targeting immunometabolic pathways and overcoming tumor microenvironment barriers. 💉 She has secured multiple high-impact grants, holds innovative patents, and is advancing several first-in-human trials. 📈 As Associate Director of Education and Fellowship, she mentors the next generation of physician-scientists while serving on prestigious review committees globally. 🌍 With deep expertise bridging bench to bedside, Dr. Rafei’s groundbreaking work promises safer, off-the-shelf cellular therapies for hard-to-treat cancers, making her a true leader and visionary in cancer immunotherapy. 🧬

Professional Profile

📚 Education

Dr. Hind Rafei 🇱🇧 has a stellar academic background, graduating with a BS in Biology (High Distinction) and an MD (Alpha Omega Alpha) from the American University of Beirut 🎓. She expanded her expertise with a Master’s in Cancer Biology and Immunology from MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Graduate School (GPA 4.0) 📖. Her education reflects a perfect blend of rigorous clinical training and cutting-edge laboratory research. Additional postgraduate fellowships at the NIH and MD Anderson in CAR-NK cell therapy enriched her scientific vision 🔬. This elite training equipped Dr. Rafei with multidisciplinary knowledge spanning internal medicine, hematology-oncology, cancer immunotherapy, and cellular therapy design. Her education showcases her commitment to bridging lab research with real-world cancer care, positioning her as a role model for clinician-scientists globally 🌍.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Rafei’s professional experience is a testament to her dedication to translational cancer research and patient care 🏥. She trained in Internal Medicine at The George Washington University, followed by Hematology and Medical Oncology at MD Anderson, where she also advanced CAR-NK cell research 🔬. Currently an Assistant Professor in Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy and Associate Director of Education, she mentors fellows and leads research initiatives 🤝. Her dual faculty roles in Immunology and Cancer Biology highlight her cross-disciplinary impact. From pioneering lab-based NK cell engineering to participating in early-phase clinical trials, Dr. Rafei demonstrates seamless integration of bench-to-bedside research. Her leadership on institutional committees and career expos further underscores her commitment to collaborative science and mentorship 📈.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Rafei’s research passion centers on developing next-generation engineered CAR-NK cell therapies to combat treatment-resistant solid tumors 🧬. She explores how modulating immunometabolism and targeting the tumor microenvironment can enhance cellular therapies’ potency and persistence. Her projects span renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers, pushing the frontiers of off-the-shelf NK cell immunotherapies 🔍. With a focus on genetic engineering, epigenetic reprogramming, and metabolic fitness, Dr. Rafei bridges cutting-edge molecular biology with translational medicine. She actively pursues novel combination strategies, like pairing CAR-NK cells with HIF2a inhibition, to overcome immune resistance. Her research embodies innovation with a clear goal: safer, scalable, and more effective immunotherapies that reshape the landscape of solid tumor treatment 🌟.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Rafei’s excellence is highlighted by numerous prestigious honors, including the ASCO Young Investigator Award, Clifton D. Howe Award, and multiple institutional merit grants 🏅. She is a two-time Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society inductee, demonstrating both academic distinction and leadership 🎖️. Recognitions like the Joseph E. Johnson Leadership Award and institutional research fellowships underscore her dual strength as a clinician and researcher. Her selection for competitive training workshops and peer review programs reflects her growing influence in the cancer research community ✨. These accolades validate her innovative contributions to cellular immunotherapy and her dedication to advancing the field through mentorship and clinical trials. Each award strengthens her credibility as a promising leader in cancer immunology 🔑.

🧪 Research Skills

Dr. Rafei brings an impressive portfolio of research skills spanning lab and clinical domains 🔬. Her expertise includes genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas9 editing, NK cell immunometabolism, xenograft modeling, and preclinical validation of novel cellular therapies 🧬. She leads multi-institutional translational protocols, writes successful grant applications, and manages complex projects across large collaborative teams 📊. Her ability to design and translate laboratory findings into early-phase clinical trials sets her apart as a clinician-scientist. Skilled in immunology, tumor biology, and innovative protocol development, she stays at the forefront of adoptive cell therapy research. Her collaborations with top mentors and global research networks showcase her talent for bridging diverse expertise into actionable breakthroughs, ensuring her work remains impactful and clinically relevant 🌍.

📄 Publication Details

Title: Role of baseline echocardiography prior to initiation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Mina A., Rafei H., Khalil M., Hassoun Y., Nasser Z., Tfayli A.
Year: 2015
Citation: BMC Cancer. 2015 Jan; 15(10). PMID: 25605569
Source: BMC Cancer

Title: Chemotherapy induced inflammation due to cosmetic oils: A case report
Authors: Hassoun Y., Khoury N.J., Rafei H., Mina A., Tfayli A.
Year: 2015
Citation: Case Reports in Internal Medicine. 2015 Jul; 2(3): 49-51
Source: Case Reports in Internal Medicine

Title: Pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusions: Outcome and predictors of success
Authors: Rafei H., Jabak S., Mina A., Tfayli A.
Year: 2015
Citation: Integrative Cancer Science and Therapeutics. 2015 Sep; 2(5): 216-221
Source: Integrative Cancer Science and Therapeutics

Title: Beer Potomania: A Challenging Case of Hyponatremia
Authors: Rafei H., Yunus R., Khurana P.
Year: 2016
Citation: Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2016 Sep; 6(4): 123-126
Source: Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Title: Perspective of Lebanese oncologists on the symptom burden among adult cancer patients
Authors: Rafei H., Khalil M., Hassoun Y., Mina A., Nasser Z., Tfayli A.
Year: 2016
Citation: Lebanese Medical Journal. 2016 Dec; 64(4): 200-204. PMID: 29845844
Source: Lebanese Medical Journal

Title: Prevalence of EGFR and ALK Mutations in Lung Adenocarcinomas in the Levant Area – a Prospective Analysis
Authors: Tfayli A., Rafei H., Mina A., Khalil M., Fakhreddine N., Mahfouz R., et al.
Year: 2017
Citation: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2017 Jan; 18(1): 107-114. PMID: 28240017
Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

Title: Combination targeted pulmonary hypertension therapy in the resolution of dasatinib-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Jose A., Rafei H., Ahari J.
Year: 2017
Citation: Pulmonary Circulation. 2017 Jan; 7(4): 803-807. PMID: 28644066
Source: Pulmonary Circulation

Title: A rare breed: Wild-type BRAF and IgHV expression in a 29 year old lady with classical hairy cell leukemia
Authors: Hossain A., Rafei H., Jariwala A., El-Shami K.
Year: 2017
Citation: Leukemia Research Reports. 2017 Jan; 7: 20-22. PMID: 28275540
Source: Leukemia Research Reports

Title: Immune-based Therapies for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rafei H., El-Bahesh E., Finianos A., Nassereddine S., Tabbara I.
Year: 2017
Citation: Anticancer Research. 2017 Feb; 37(2): 377-387. PMID: 28179283
Source: Anticancer Research

Title: Disseminated intravascular coagulation-like reaction following rituximab infusion
Authors: Rafei H., Nassereddine S., Garcia I.F.
Year: 2017
Citation: BMJ Case Reports. 2017 Feb; pii: bcr2016218443. PMID: 28179388
Source: BMJ Case Reports

✅ Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Hind Rafei is a dynamic physician-scientist whose elite education 📚, robust professional experience 💼, cutting-edge research 🔬, decorated honors 🏆, and advanced lab-to-clinic skills 🧪 uniquely position her as a trailblazer in cancer immunotherapy. Her pioneering work with engineered CAR-NK cells is shaping the future of solid tumor treatments, tackling critical barriers like immunosuppression and tumor heterogeneity 🔑. Through impactful leadership, mentorship, and groundbreaking clinical trials, Dr. Rafei is transforming innovation into hope for patients worldwide 🌍. Her unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and relentless pursuit of safer, scalable therapies make her a deserving candidate for any top-tier recognition celebrating research excellence and translational impact ⭐.

Duaa AL Maghaireh | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Duaa AL Maghaireh | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Irbid National University, Jordan

Summary:

Dr. Duaa Al Maghaireh is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Irbid National University, holding a PhD from the University of Malaya. With seven years of teaching and extensive clinical experience, she specializes in pediatric and psychiatric nursing. Dr. Al Maghaireh has completed numerous research projects, published articles in high-impact journals, and contributed to academic books. Her research focuses on health education and innovative interventions to address vaccine hesitancy, aiming to improve pediatric healthcare outcomes in Jordan. She is an editorial member of the Global Journal of Public Health Medicine and collaborates with various universities and professional councils in Jordan.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Dr. Duaa Al Maghaireh is an Associate Professor of Nursing at the College of Nursing, Irbid National University. She holds a PhD in Nursing from the University of Malaya, a university ranked among the world’s top 100 according to the World QS Ranking. With seven years of teaching experience, Dr. Al Maghaireh has a robust background in clinical practice, accreditation, and e-learning education. Her academic journey and professional expertise have greatly contributed to her role as an educator and researcher in the nursing field.

🏢 Professional Experience:

As an Associate Professor, Dr. Al Maghaireh has been instrumental in advancing nursing education and practice. She has completed 12 research projects, published numerous articles in high-impact journals, and contributed to a book chapter (ISBN: 978-967-488-175-7). She also holds an editorial appointment with the Global Journal of Public Health Medicine and collaborates with esteemed institutions such as AL Quds University, Philadelphia University, and Al Balqa Applied University. Additionally, she is an active member of the Jordanian Nurses and Midwives Council and the Jordanian Nursing Council.

Research Interests

Dr. Al Maghaireh’s research interests lie primarily in pediatric and psychiatric nursing, with a strong focus on health education. Her work addresses critical issues such as vaccine hesitancy, aiming to develop innovative interventions that improve patient care and outcomes. She is particularly interested in educational programs that enhance the uptake of vaccines, which is evident in her notable paper on measles-rubella vaccine hesitancy in Jordan.

Top Noted Publication: