Michael LaFerney | Psychology | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Michael LaFerney | Psychology | Innovative Research Award

Healthdrive - United States

Author's Profile

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Summary

Dr. Michael C. LaFerney, RN, PMHCNS-BC, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized nurse specialist, educator, and mental health advocate based in Lakeville, Massachusetts, USA. With a distinguished career in psychiatric and geriatric nursing, he has made lasting contributions to clinical practice, public health policy, and nursing education. Dr. LaFerney is known for integrating holistic, nature-based, and psychological approaches into mental health care, emphasizing dignity, compassion, and person-centered treatment. He is a frequent speaker at national conferences and a prolific contributor to professional nursing and mental health publications.

Educational Background

Dr. LaFerney holds a Ph.D. in Nursing with specialization in psychiatric and mental health nursing. He is board-certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMHCNS-BC) and has completed advanced certifications in long-term care, geriatric mental health, and palliative care. In addition to his nursing credentials, he has also undertaken studies in counseling psychology, grief therapy, and ecopsychology, contributing to his broad and integrative care perspective.

Professional Experience

Currently serving with HealthDrive in the United States, Dr. LaFerney has held diverse roles across the healthcare system, including psychiatric nurse, hospice consultant, mental health educator, and long-term care specialist. He has worked extensively with aging populations and individuals experiencing complex grief, chronic illness, and psychiatric crises. His professional voice is well represented through publications in RN Journal, Elite Learning, Nursing Centered, and MDedge Psychiatry, where he discusses issues ranging from SSRI management to ethical decision-making in psychiatric care. He is also engaged in mentoring young professionals and participating in national conversations around mental health systems improvement.

Research Interests

Dr. LaFerney’s research bridges psychiatry, nursing, psychology, and environmental health. His primary interests include psychiatric nursing, grief counseling, positive psychology in aging, and the use of ecopsychology to support mental well-being. He is especially passionate about improving psychiatric care in long-term facilities, exploring ethical pharmacology, and developing therapeutic frameworks rooted in nature, spirituality, and holistic values. His advocacy for patient dignity and mental wellness underscores all his research endeavors.

Author Metrics

With more than 40 authored pieces, Dr. LaFerney has a significant footprint in academic and professional nursing literature. He is a regular contributor to top healthcare education platforms such as Elite Learning, RN Journal, and Nursing Centered. His writings are widely read by practitioners, educators, and students alike, addressing real-time decision-making, psychiatric best practices, and grief support. His presence on Google Scholar showcases his continued impact in the fields of nursing and mental health.

Awards and Honors

Dr. LaFerney’s work has earned him several prestigious honors. He received the Teachers College Career Achievement Award from Ball State University and was recognized on Certified Nurses Day by the American Nurses Association. He was also honored as a World Dignity Project GYTI Champion for his contributions to compassionate mental health care. Other recognitions include the Leaders of Tomorrow title by iAdvance Senior Care, speaker honors at the RISE Health National Conference, and a featured role during Red Sox Nurse Night 2019. His achievements reflect a lifelong commitment to advancing ethical, innovative, and patient-centered mental health care.

Conclusion

Dr. Michael C. LaFerney is strongly recommended for the Research for Innovative Research Award. His contributions redefine traditional psychiatric care by introducing human-centered, ecological, and psychological frameworks that are both compassionate and transformative. With expanded focus on empirical validation and collaborative platforms, his work is poised to set new standards in mental health care—especially in aging and long-term care settings.

Dagne Dinagde | Nurse | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Dagne Dinagde | Nurse | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Mattu University Ethiopia

Summary:

Dagne Deresa is a highly accomplished Lecturer at Mattu University, with expertise in midwifery and clinical nursing. He holds a BSc in Health Science (Midwifery) and an MSc in Clinical Midwifery Nursing. With a strong academic background and a commendable record of research, he has authored 16 publications, served as the corresponding author on 12 research projects, and maintains an H-index of 2. His research work has contributed to the understanding of maternal health and midwifery, positioning him as an emerging leader in the field of healthcare.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Dagne Deresa Dinagde completed his Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Health Science, specializing in Midwifery, from Mattu University on June 27, 2019, graduating with a remarkable CGPA of 3.95. He later pursued a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Midwifery Nursing from Arba Minch University, which he successfully completed with distinction on May 11, 2023, achieving a CGPA of 3.58 and receiving a “Very Good” rating for his research work.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Dagne Deresa currently serves as a Lecturer at Mattu University, where he plays an active role in academic and research initiatives in health sciences. As a dedicated educator, he has contributed to the university through teaching, mentoring students, and advancing health-related research. His significant contribution includes serving as the principal investigator or corresponding author in 12 research projects, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing midwifery and health science.

Research Interests:

Dagne’s research primarily focuses on health science, with a special interest in midwifery, maternal health, and clinical midwifery nursing. He is also involved in exploring various other healthcare issues, striving to enhance healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practices. He has demonstrated a strong passion for research, which is evident from his 16 publications in reputable journals.

Author Metrics:

  • H-index: 2
  • Publications: 16
  • Principal Investigator: 12 research projects

Dagne’s continued dedication to advancing health science research and education is supported by his collaborative efforts within the academic community. He remains committed to contributing to healthcare through impactful research and teaching.

Top Noted Publication:

Post COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects and Associated Factors among Vaccinated Clients in East Africa Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • Journal: Scientific African (2024, Vol. 26, e02399)
  • Authors: D.D. Dinagde, G.T. Feyisa, B.K. Lahole, M.W. Negash, S.N. Marami
  • Description: This article systematically reviews and analyzes the side effects observed after COVID-19 vaccinations in East Africa, identifying associated factors based on evidence from various studies.

Comparative Study of Neonatal Hypothermia and Associated Factors among Neonates in Rural and Urban Areas of the Shebadino Woreda, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

  • Journal: BMC Public Health (2024, Vol. 24, Issue 1, Article 1945)
  • Authors: G.T. Feyisa, S.N. Marami, D.D. Dinagde, G.W. Kitil, A.K. Biratu
  • Description: This study compares the prevalence of neonatal hypothermia in rural and urban areas, shedding light on associated factors affecting neonatal care in Southern Ethiopia.

Hidden Cost of Hospital-Based Delivery and Associated Factors among Postpartum Women Attending Public Hospitals in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

  • Journal: BMC Health Services Research (2024, Vol. 24, Issue 1, Article 495)
  • Authors: M.T. Chewaka, G. Ayele, G.Y. Tessema, B.M. Biwota, H.W. Wada
  • Description: This article explores the hidden costs incurred during hospital-based deliveries and the factors influencing these costs, with a focus on postpartum women in Southern Ethiopia.

Geographical Distribution of Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Signal Functions in Ethiopian Health Facilities: 2021–2022 Ethiopian Service Provision Assessment (SPA)

  • Journal: BMC Health Services Research (2024, Vol. 24, Issue 1, Article 409)
  • Authors: D.D. Dinagde, H.W. Wada
  • Description: This research provides an analysis of the geographical distribution of emergency obstetric and neonatal care services in Ethiopia, assessing health facility readiness.

Household Food Insecurity and Associated Factors among Postpartum Women in Southern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

  • Journal: Scientific Reports (2024, Vol. 14, Issue 1, Article 4003)
  • Authors: D.D. Dinagde, H.W. Wada, M.T. Chewaka
  • Description: This study evaluates the extent of household food insecurity among postpartum women and its contributing factors in Southern Ethiopia.
  • Citations: 1

Conclusion:

Mr. Dagne Dinagde has demonstrated remarkable promise as a healthcare researcher with a strong focus on maternal health and midwifery. His growing publication record, leadership in research projects, and commitment to healthcare education position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While his research impact is still in its early stages, with targeted improvements in research impact, global collaborations, and policy engagement, Mr. Dinagde has the potential to make substantial contributions to global healthcare and solidify his place as a leading researcher in the field.

 

 

Toktam Akbari Khalaj | health profession | Research excellence endeavor award

Mrs.Toktam Akbari Khalaj | health profession | Research excellence endeavor award

Mrs . Toktam Akbari Khalaj Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Emergency Medical Services Iran

Summary:

Toktam Akbari Khalaj is a dedicated biostatistician and researcher with extensive experience in emergency medical services and public health. With a Master’s degree in Biostatistics from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Toktam has focused on forecasting and statistical modeling, particularly in relation to prehospital emergency care and traffic accident analysis. Their research contributions include several publications in reputable journals and presentations at international conferences, emphasizing the impact of various factors on emergency medical response and outcomes.

 

Professional Profile:

   Google Scholar

🎓 Education

M.Sc. in Biostatistics (2017-2021)Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.B.Sc. in Statistics (2000-2004)Department of Science, Azad University of Mashhad, Iran.

📜 Master Thesis

Forecasting the number of dispatches of ambulances for traffic accidents in Mashhad and assessing related factors using the Time Series Regression Model.

🔍 Research Interests

Time Series ,Mathematical and Statistical Modeling ,Biostatistics ,Big Data Analysis ,Count Data ,Machine Learning ,Bioinformatics ,Data Mining ,Statistical Analysis with Missing Data ,Meta-analysis .

📖 Research Background

Researcher at Azad University of Mashhad (2002-2004).Researcher at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (2018-2022)

💼 Job Experiences

Statistician at Emergency Medical Services (2007-2017)Biostatistician at Emergency Medical Services (2017-Present)Manager at Emergency Medical Services (2021-Present).

💡 Other Experiences and Skills

Proficient in statistical software (SPSS, Stata, R, Minitab) Familiar with computer skills (Office, Photoshop, Excel, Power BI, SharePoint) Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) Strong communication skills

 Publication:

  • Title: Multiple-scale spatial analysis of paediatric, pedestrian road traffic injuries in a major city in North-Eastern Iran 2015–2019
    Author(s): H. Shabanikiya, S. Hashtarkhani, R. Bergquist, N. Bagheri, R. Vafaei Nejad, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Spatial-time analysis of cardiovascular emergency medical requests: enlightening policy and practice
    Author(s): A. Azimi, N. Bagheri, S.M. Mostafavi, M.A. Furst, S. Hashtarkhani, F.H. Amin, …
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: Comparison of GAP, R-GAP, and new trauma score (NTS) systems in predicting mortality of traffic accidents that injure hospitals at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
    Author(s): T. Kenarangi, F. Rahmani, A. Yazdani, G.D. Ahmadi, M. Lotfi, T.A. Khalaj
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Evaluation of Prehospital Emergency Medical Services before and after COVID-19 in Mashhad
    Author(s): T.A. Khalaj, N. Sangsefidi, H. Shafaei, A. Yazdani, H. Mahzoun, G.D. Ahmadi
    Year: 2023

Conclusion:

Toktam Akbari Khalaj exemplifies a commitment to advancing the field of biostatistics and emergency medical services through rigorous research and collaboration. Their work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also provides valuable insights that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency medical systems in Iran and beyond. As they continue to engage in innovative research and professional development, Toktam is poised to make significant contributions to the health sciences, addressing critical challenges in emergency care and public health. Their journey reflects the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving meaningful change in healthcare practices.