Minu Ponnamma Mohan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Minu Ponnamma Mohan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Minu P. Mohan is an accomplished clinician-researcher with an interdisciplinary background in dental surgery, prosthodontics, and public health. Currently serving as a Research Scientist at the University at Buffalo, she contributes significantly to multi-site studies on cystic fibrosis, cancer psycho-oncology, and health disparities. A recipient of multiple academic honors, she earned her BDS and MDS from the University of Kerala, India, and her MPH from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Mohan has held academic positions in India and Saudi Arabia and has managed NIH-funded public health research projects in the U.S. Her expertise spans clinical research management, big data analytics, oral oncology, and machine learning applications in healthcare. She has published extensively, presented at international conferences, and is known for her contributions to understanding health outcomes among vulnerable populations. Her multidisciplinary work reflects a commitment to integrating research and clinical excellence to advance health equity.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Minu P. Mohan holds three distinguished degrees. She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2004 from the Government Dental College, Trivandrum, under the University of Kerala, India. She went on to pursue her Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge at the same institution from 2007 to 2010. To expand her global healthcare insight, she earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Healthcare Management from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (2020–2021), where she also received a Graduate Assistantship, the Tri Alpha Honors, and a Provost’s Fellowship. Her education combines rigorous clinical training, academic excellence, and research-focused public health knowledge, enabling her to transition seamlessly between dentistry, public health, and clinical research. She also participated in training on health policy and implementation science, solidifying her reputation as a well-rounded healthcare professional bridging research, policy, and clinical care.

đŸ§Ș Experience

Dr. Mohan’s career spans clinical practice, academia, and research leadership across India, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. She currently works as a Research Scientist at the University at Buffalo on multi-institutional projects related to cystic fibrosis and psycho-oncology. Previously, she served as a Clinical Research Coordinator III at Boston Medical Center, managing liver and inflammatory bowel disease trials. Earlier, she held academic roles including Assistant Professor at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia (2015–2019), and Mar Baselios Dental College, India (2011–2015), teaching prosthodontics and coordinating implantology and education quality initiatives. Her public health research roles include Graduate Research Assistant, Research Analyst, and Policy Intern at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, contributing to HIV care equity and organizational readiness initiatives. Her unique blend of clinical, academic, and analytical skills enables her to lead complex, interdisciplinary research while maintaining a patient-centered approach to healthcare innovation and education.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Minu Mohan has received numerous accolades across academic, clinical, and research domains. In 2021, she was nominated for Best Poster Award at the 14th Annual Dissemination & Implementation Science Conference. Her MPH studies were supported by the Provost’s Graduate Fellowship, Graduate Assistantship, and Tri Alpha Honors from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. During her dental residency, she won Best Scientific Paper for her work on silicone digital prostheses and Best Poster for clinical prosthetic rehabilitation cases at the 42nd Kerala State Dental Conference in 2009. Her research has since been spotlighted in global conferences such as ASCO, MASCC, and the National Ryan White Conference. She has authored or co-authored over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles and multiple conference abstracts. Her interdisciplinary projects involving AI, psycho-oncology, and public health disparities have positioned her as an award-winning thought leader in translational healthcare research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Mohan’s research bridges clinical dentistry, oncology, and public health, with a strong emphasis on healthcare disparities, psycho-oncology, and data-driven health analytics. Her current projects involve the use of machine learning (ML) and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to predict suicidal ideation and cachexia in cancer patients. She also investigates opioid dependence, mental health screening, and emerging treatment toxicities using big data in hospitalized cancer cohorts. Her earlier public health research at the University of Massachusetts focused on Black Women with HIV, contributing to policy briefs and NIH-funded interventions. Additionally, she has explored prosthodontics innovations, digital prostheses, and quality-of-life outcomes post maxillofacial rehabilitation. Dr. Mohan’s work exemplifies an integrated approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research, AI applications in health, and a commitment to vulnerable populations. Her projects regularly feature in high-impact journals and global oncology conferences, contributing to evidence-based strategies in both clinical and population health domains.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Minu P. Mohan exemplifies a unique blend of clinical acumen, academic rigor, and research innovation, with a proven record in dental prosthetics, oncology-related public health, and AI-integrated healthcare analytics.

Publications

  • Counties with Low Employment and Education Status Are Associated with Higher Age-Adjusted Cancer Mortality

    Cancers
    2025-06-19 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/cancers17122051
    CONTRIBUTORS: Minu Ponnamma Mohan; Joel B. Epstein; Kapil S. Meleveedu; Roberto Pili; Poolakkad S. Satheeshkumar

  • Hospitalized Cancer Patients with Opioid Management for Chemo-Induced Ulcerative Mucositis Lessens the Patients’ Overall Burden of Illness

    Pharmaceuticals
    2025-04-06 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ph18040536
    CONTRIBUTORS: Minu Ponnamma Mohan; Joel B. Epstein; Kapil S. Meleveedu; Parikshit Padhi; Roberto Pili; Poolakkad S. Satheeshkumar

  • A CBCT based study evaluating the degenerative changes in TMJs among patients with loss of posterior tooth support visiting Qassim University Dental Clinics, KSA: A retrospective observational study.

    The Saudi dental journal
    2022-09-27 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2022.09.002
    PMID: 36570571
    PMC: PMC9767831
    CONTRIBUTORS: AlKhairAllah HA; Mohan MP; AlSagri MS

  • Association between palliative care referral and burden of illness among cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx

    Supportive Care in Cancer
    2021-12-22 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06370-y
    CONTRIBUTORS: Poolakkad S. Satheeshkumar; Mohammed El-Dallal; Y. Raita; Minu P. Mohan; E. Adjei Boakye

  • Feature selection and predicting chemotherapy-induced ulcerative mucositis using machine learning methods

    International Journal of Medical Informatics
    2021-10 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104563
    CONTRIBUTORS: Poolakkad S. Satheeshkumar; Mohammed El-Dallal; Minu P. Mohan

 

 

 

 

 

Jaqueline Scholz | Prevention – Public Politic | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Jaqueline Scholz | Prevention – Public Politic | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Jaqueline Ribeiro Scholz, MD, PhD, is a distinguished cardiologist and academic based at the Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil. Renowned for her pioneering work in tobacco control, Dr. Scholz has made significant contributions to cardiovascular health through clinical innovation, research, and public policy. She directs the Smoking Cessation Program at InCor, offering advanced treatment modalities for tobacco dependency and developing innovative digital tools such as the PAF software and COVID-19 cessation chatbot. Her expertise has been instrumental at state, national, and global levels, including collaborations with the World Health Organization’s Tobacco or Health Program. Dr. Scholz’s commitment extends beyond clinical practice into impactful public health advocacy, contributing to legislation and preventive programs aimed at reducing tobacco-related harm globally. Her work aligns closely with international efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, positioning her as a global leader in preventive cardiology and tobacco cessation.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Jaqueline Scholz received her medical training and specialized education entirely at the prestigious Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. She completed her Residency in Cardiology at the Instituto do Coração (InCor), gaining extensive clinical expertise in cardiovascular medicine. Pursuing her academic ambitions, she specialized further with a degree in Cardiopneumology at Faculdade de Medicina da USP, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of cardiopulmonary diseases and their systemic impacts. In 2002, Dr. Scholz earned her PhD in Cardiology from Universidade de São Paulo, focusing her research on the intersection of tobacco use and cardiovascular health. Her academic foundation has underpinned her multidisciplinary approach to clinical care, research, and public health advocacy, blending cutting-edge science with practical interventions aimed at tobacco cessation. This strong educational background has positioned her as a respected authority in preventive cardiology, with a special emphasis on combating the global tobacco epidemic.

đŸ§Ș Experience

Dr. Jaqueline Scholz has over three decades of progressive experience in clinical cardiology, research, and public health policy. Since 2003, she has served as Director of the Smoking Cessation Program at Instituto do Coração (InCor), SĂŁo Paulo, leading innovative cessation strategies, including the development of patient-support technologies like the PAF software and a COVID-19 chatbot for smokers. Between 1995 and 1996, she contributed her expertise to the SĂŁo Paulo State Health Department’s Commission on Tobacco Control, directly influencing state-level anti-tobacco policies and campaigns. Earlier, from 1993 to 1996, Dr. Scholz served as a medical collaborator with the World Health Organization’s Tobacco or Health Program, participating in global strategy development for tobacco reduction. Her multifaceted career bridges clinical innovation, technology integration, public health leadership, and international policy advising, marking her as a key figure in tobacco control and preventive cardiovascular care on both national and global stages.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Although specific awards are not listed, Dr. Jaqueline Scholz’s career is marked by distinguished recognition through her leadership roles and global collaborations. Being appointed as Director of the Smoking Cessation Program at one of Brazil’s most prestigious cardiology institutes reflects professional excellence. Her selection to serve on the SĂŁo Paulo State Commission on Tobacco Control and as a collaborator with the World Health Organization underscores her expertise and international reputation in tobacco control. Her innovative development of patient-centric tools such as the PAF software and the COVID-19 cessation chatbot has further garnered professional acclaim. Dr. Scholz’s extensive involvement with leading health organizations and her continuous contributions to public health policy highlight the respect and trust she commands within the cardiovascular and tobacco control communities. Her work aligns with the global health agenda, earning her recognition as a leading advocate and innovator in preventive cardiology and tobacco harm reduction.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Jaqueline Scholz’s research focuses on tobacco dependency treatment, smoking cessation strategies, and their direct impact on cardiovascular health outcomes. Her work bridges clinical practice, digital health innovation, and public health policy to develop effective, scalable interventions for tobacco users. At InCor, she leads studies on novel cessation methodologies, including the integration of digital platforms like the PAF software and automated chatbots to enhance patient support, particularly during public health crises like COVID-19. She has contributed to global tobacco control frameworks through collaborations with the World Health Organization, emphasizing the cardiovascular consequences of smoking and advocating for robust public health responses. Her research also informs state-level policy development, contributing to evidence-based regulations and campaigns targeting smoking reduction. Dr. Scholz’s work aims to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases by addressing one of its leading risk factors—tobacco use—through innovative, patient-centered, and policy-driven approaches.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Jaqueline Scholz is a globally recognized cardiologist whose innovative clinical work, pioneering research, and leadership in public health policy have made substantial contributions to tobacco cessation and cardiovascular health, aligning with global efforts to reduce smoking-related morbidity and mortality.

Publications

  • Nicotine Dependence in a Banned Market: Biomarker Evidence from E-Cigarette Users in SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil

    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    2025-06-19 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22060960
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jaqueline Ribeiro Scholz; Elaine Cristine D’Amico; Juliana Takitane; Daniele Mayumi Sinagawa; João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia; Marcelo Filonzi dos Santos; Rodrigo Alves de Oliveira; Guilherme Vinicius Marques; Eric Nagamine Lima; Diana Fernanda Lasso Rodriguez et al.

  • Smoking cessation decreases arterial blood pressure in hypertensive smokers: A subgroup analysis of the randomized controlled trial GENTSMOKING

    Tobacco Induced Diseases
    2024-05-16 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.18332/tid/186853
    CONTRIBUTORS: Patricia V. Gaya; Guilherme Wesley P. Fonseca; Lucas Tsuyoshi Tanji; Tania O. Abe; Maria Janieire N. N. Alves; Paulo Caleb Junior de Lima Santos; Fernanda M. Consolim Colombo; Jaqueline R. Scholz

  • Posicionamento da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia sobre o Uso de Dispositivos EletrĂŽnicos para Fumar – 2024

    Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia
    2024-02-08 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.36660/abc.20240063
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jaqueline R. Scholz; Deborah Carvalho Malta; Antonio AurĂ©lio de Paiva Fagundes, JĂșnior; Ricardo Pavanello; Gerson Luiz Bredt, JĂșnior; MĂĄrio de Seixas Rocha

  • Evaluation of the nicotine metabolite ratio in smoking patients treated with varenicline and bupropion

    Frontiers in Pharmacology
    2022 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.900112

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85135484127

    Part of ISSN: 16639812
    CONTRIBUTORS: Tomaz, P.R.X.; Gonçalves, T.S.; Santos, J.R.; Scholz, J.; Abe, T.O.; Gaya, P.V.; Figueiredo, E.C.; de Faria, H.D.; Martins, I.; Pego, A.M.F. et al

Nastaran Zamani | Exercise – Appetite – Obesity | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Nastaran Zamani | Exercise – Appetite – Obesity | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nastaran Zamani is a distinguished Iranian neuroscientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Payame Noor University, Tehran. With a research career grounded in neurophysiology and Alzheimer’s disease models, she has made valuable contributions to understanding the effects of neuroprotective agents like memantine, vitamin D, folic acid, and DHA on cognitive function. Her expertise spans from electrophysiological recordings of hippocampal neurons to behavioral studies in rodent models. Dr. Zamani has actively collaborated with renowned researchers and co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals in neuroscience, physiology, and pharmacology. Her work bridges cellular neurobiology and therapeutic research, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach. Dr. Zamani is also known for her participation in national and international scientific congresses. Through her teaching and mentoring roles, she fosters academic growth and promotes scientific inquiry among students and young researchers in Iran. Her commitment to neuroscience research and education continues to inspire many in the field.

Professional Profile

Googlescholar

Education

Dr. Nastaran Zamani earned her Ph.D. in Animal Physiology from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2019, with a doctoral thesis focused on the electrophysiological and behavioral effects of memantine and DHA on hippocampal CA1 neurons and spatial memory in Alzheimer’s disease rat models, under the supervision of Prof. Ahmad Ali Moazedi. She completed her MSc in Animal Physiology from Razi University, Kermanshah, in 2004, where her thesis explored the hematological effects of sodium nitrate in mice, co-supervised by Dr. Syrus Shamili and Dr. Syrus Ghobadi. Her academic foundation was built at the University of Isfahan, where she received her BSc in Biology with a focus on Animal Sciences in 1999. Her education reflects a consistent and deep interest in the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders, forming the basis of her current research in neuroscience and therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease and related neurological conditions.

Experience

Dr. Zamani began her academic career as a faculty instructor in the Department of Biology at Payame Noor University from 2011 to 2019. Since 2019, she has held the position of Assistant Professor in the same department. She has over a decade of teaching experience, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in physiology, neurobiology, and experimental research techniques. Her research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease models, involving electrophysiology, behavioral neuroscience, and pharmacological interventions. Dr. Zamani has presented her findings in more than ten national and international conferences and has authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles in neuroscience and physiology. In addition to teaching and research, she has participated in various academic development workshops on molecular biology, drug delivery, data analysis using MATLAB, and scientific writing. Her continuous contributions to neuroscience research and education have strengthened her role as a dedicated academic professional in the Iranian scientific community.

Research Interests

Dr. Zamani’s research centers on the neurophysiological and therapeutic mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, with a primary focus on hippocampal CA1 neuron activity, memory, and learning. She explores the pharmacological effects of memantine, folic acid, vitamin B12, DHA, and vitamin D in rodent models of neurodegeneration, using electrophysiological recordings and behavioral assessments such as maze tests. Her investigations examine how these compounds influence spatial learning, memory deficits, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s models. She has expanded her research to include studies on motor coordination, depression, anxiety, and thermal dysregulation related to neurological disorders, as well as broader physiological effects of exercise and natural antioxidants. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates neuroscience, pharmacology, and physiology, supported by collaborations with international researchers and active engagement in congresses and workshops. By bridging cellular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, Dr. Zamani’s work contributes significantly to preclinical efforts targeting Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive disorders.

Awards

While formal award titles are not explicitly listed, Dr. Nastaran Zamani’s consistent scholarly productivity and academic recognition are evident through her extensive peer-reviewed publications, conference participations, and workshop invitations. She has been selected to present at prestigious neuroscience congresses, such as the Congress of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, and has contributed to multiple multidisciplinary international collaborations, demonstrating her recognition within the academic community. Her research contributions to Alzheimer’s disease models have earned her collaborative roles in high-impact studies published in journals like Frontiers in Physiology, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Cytotherapy. She has also participated in professional development programs hosted by Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Elsevier Research Academy, and the International Brain Research Organization, further reflecting her ongoing commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Zamani’s profile highlights the high regard she holds among peers and institutions for her active role in advancing neurophysiological research in Iran and beyond.

Conclusion:

Dr. Nastaran Zamani is a dedicated neuroscientist whose innovative research on neurodegeneration and therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease has significantly advanced our understanding of cognitive function, making her a valuable contributor to the global neuroscience community.

 

Top Noted Publications

Paula San MartĂ­n GonzĂĄlez | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Paula San MartĂ­n GonzĂĄlez | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Paula San MartĂ­n GonzĂĄlez, born in Salamanca, Spain, is a dedicated academic and healthcare professional currently serving as Profesora Ayudante Doctora at Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca. With a solid foundation in nursing, she has steadily advanced through both clinical and academic pathways. She holds a PhD in Human and Social Sciences and multiple master’s degrees in oncology, critical care, and emergency nursing, as well as in teaching secondary education. She has also earned postgraduate expertise in leadership, management, and ultrasound in nursing care. Since 2017, she has been deeply involved in higher education, delivering over 20 courses in nursing and health sciences. Recognized with the DOCENTIA award, her contributions span simulation-based teaching, innovation in health education, and interdisciplinary learning. Paula continues to enrich healthcare pedagogy through teaching, research, and curriculum development in simulation-based clinical practice.

Profile

🎓 Education

Paula San MartĂ­n GonzĂĄlez completed her Bachelor’s in Nursing at Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in 2014. She pursued specialized education with three official master’s degrees: one in Palliative Care for Oncology Patients (University of Salamanca, 2016), another in Critical and Emergency Nursing (University of LeĂłn, 2017), and a third in Secondary and Vocational Education Teaching (UPSA). Additionally, she earned postgraduate qualifications in Leadership in Nursing Services (UDIMA, 2020) and Clinical Ultrasound for Nursing (Universidad CatĂłlica de Ávila, 2024). Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in Human and Social Sciences from Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in 2022. Notably, she also became an Instructor in Advanced Clinical Simulation (UCAM, 2020), further deepening her pedagogical capabilities. Her educational background reflects a harmonious blend of clinical, academic, and teaching excellence, equipping her to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and healthcare practice with precision and empathy.

đŸ§Ș Experience

Paula has accumulated diverse experience in clinical and academic settings. She began her career as a nurse at FundaciĂłn Hospital General de la SantĂ­sima Trinidad (2015–2016) and later worked at Hospital Universitario MarquĂ©s de Valdecilla (2016–2017). In 2017, she transitioned to academia, joining Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca as a full-time Profesora Ayudante, later promoted to Profesora Ayudante Doctora in 2024. Her teaching portfolio spans over 25 university-level nursing and education courses, including mental health nursing, health alterations, community nursing, clinical practicums, and simulation-based learning. She also taught in collaborative programs like the University of Experience and courses at the University of Burgos. Alongside teaching, she has delivered workshops and seminars on simulation, leadership, and innovation in nursing education. Her consistent progression from bedside care to academic excellence highlights a commitment to training future nursing professionals through innovation, clinical insight, and dedication.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Paula San Martín González has been recognized for her exceptional teaching contributions with the DOCENTIA Award granted by Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in 2024. This prestigious award acknowledges excellence in university teaching and reflects her high-quality performance in classroom instruction and academic mentorship. Her teaching activity from 2017 to 2021 was evaluated as Excellent by the ACSUCYL/ANECA accreditation bodies, affirming her effectiveness and impact as an educator. Additionally, she earned positive accreditation for the rank of Profesor Ayudante Doctor in 2024, further validating her professional competence and qualifications within Spain’s higher education system. Her commitment to innovative teaching methodologies, such as clinical simulation and patient-standardized training, has also contributed to her recognition as a leader in educational innovation. These accolades underscore her influence in the academic community and her drive to elevate the standards of nursing education.

🔬 Research Focus

Paula’s research centers on clinical simulation, educational innovation in nursing, leadership development, and digital health literacy. She is especially invested in exploring how simulation methodologies improve the practical training of nursing students. Her published work includes book chapters on simulation-based instruction using standardized patients, the integration of social media in health education, and strategies to foster entrepreneurial leadership among health sciences students. These contributions reflect her broader goal to blend academic rigor with technological advancements in pedagogy. She is a leading author in projects linked to educational transformation, particularly through simulation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, her research supports reflective, student-centered learning models that promote critical thinking, self-efficacy, and adaptive clinical decision-making. Her engagement with simulation-based projects aligns with current trends in nursing education and contributes to a deeper, evidence-based understanding of its efficacy in real-world preparedness for healthcare professionals.

✅ Conclusion

Paula San Martín González exemplifies a modern nursing educator whose blend of clinical expertise, academic excellence, and pedagogical innovation—particularly through simulation-based learning—positions her as a transformative force in healthcare education.

Publications

  • Promotion of Healthy Habits in Adolescents: An Interdisciplinary Study on Motivation Towards Physical Education, Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity

    Behavioral Sciences
    2025-06 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/bs15060778
    CONTRIBUTORS: Paula San Martín Gonzålez; José Enrique Moral García; Mario Amatria Jiménez; Rubén Arroyo Del Bosque

  • Prevalence of burnout syndrome among veterinarians in SpainJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

    2023-02-07 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.09.0407
    Part ofISSN: 0003-1488
    CONTRIBUTORS: Álvaro San Martín Gonzålez; Paula San Martín Gonzålez; María-Prado Míguez-Santiyån; Francisco Soler Rodríguez; Marcos Pérez-López

  • Manejo del dolor en el paciente terminal oncolĂłgico

    Cuidados en salud en iberoamérica
    2022 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Paula San Martín Gonzålez