Izabella Petre | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Izabella Petre | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Petre (Șargan) Izabella is a distinguished Romanian medical professional specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Based in Timișoara, she currently serves as the Head of the Obstetrics-Gynecology II Clinic at the County Emergency Clinical Hospital and as a University Lecturer at the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy. With over two decades of academic and clinical experience, she holds two doctoral degrees in medicine, complemented by master’s and postgraduate certifications in healthcare management, ultrasonography, and maternal-fetal medicine. Dr. Izabella’s career integrates medical education, clinical practice, and advanced research in women’s health, cardiovascular risks during pregnancy, and gynecological oncology. Her international recognition includes prestigious awards and membership in multiple medical societies. She is an influential mentor, author, and board member contributing to advancing reproductive health and evidence-based gynecological care in Romania and beyond.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Izabella’s academic journey began with a degree in General Medicine (1997–2003) from “Victor Babeș” University, Timișoara. She pursued dual specialization: General Surgery (2004–2010) and Obstetrics-Gynecology (2011–2014), earning certifications through national examinations. She holds two doctoral degrees—one in Anatomy (2007), with research on gastric pathology, and another in Obstetrics-Gynecology (2019), focused on cardiovascular risk in pregnant women. Her formal education includes a Master’s in Healthcare and Social Services Management and advanced professional training in colposcopy, laparoscopy, maternal-fetal medicine, and ultrasonography. Additionally, she completed Level I and II psychopedagogical modules from West University of Timișoara to strengthen her academic teaching capacity. Dr. Izabella’s multidisciplinary expertise spans clinical, surgical, administrative, and pedagogical domains, making her a rare blend of physician-scientist-educator. She continuously updates her skills through postgraduate courses and certifications, including national accreditations in obstetric imaging and minimally invasive gynecological surgery.

Experience

Dr. Izabella boasts over 20 years of professional experience in medicine and academia. She currently holds the position of Head of Obstetrics-Gynecology Clinic II at the County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Timișoara (since 2019), where she also works as a senior consultant. Concurrently, she is Associate Professor at the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, where she has served progressively as assistant professor (2004–2014), lecturer (2017–2018), and now conferențiar (since 2018). Her early career included residency in both General Surgery and Obstetrics-Gynecology. She has trained countless students and residents, integrating education with patient care and research. Her work emphasizes high-risk pregnancy management, cervical pathology, maternal-fetal health, and minimally invasive gynecological procedures. Beyond clinical duties, she coordinates academic curricula, research supervision, and medical education events. Her multilingual skills and experience in telemedicine further enhance her adaptability in global and digital healthcare environments.

Research Interests

Dr. Izabella’s research centers on maternal-fetal medicine, gynecological oncology, and cardiovascular risks in pregnancy, integrating clinical investigations with population-level health data. Her doctoral work examined the utility of arterial function assessment in pregnant women at cardiovascular risk. She has studied the pathophysiology of abnormal uterine bleeding, ultrasound scoring systems, subclinical atherosclerosis, and endometrial lesions in comorbid patients. Her projects under the Romanian research initiative PRECISI led to significant publications in indexed journals. Other topics of interest include analgesic use in early pregnancy, epidermolysis bullosa diagnosis, and employee satisfaction in healthcare systems. Dr. Izabella applies both clinical data analysis and experimental models, collaborating on cross-border studies and international programs. She also participates in medical education and knowledge dissemination through poster presentations, mentorship, and academic coordination. Her research goal is to optimize diagnostic accuracy, reduce maternal morbidity, and foster sustainable, patient-centered gynecological care, using both technological innovation and clinical insight.

Awards

Dr. Izabella has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to gynecology, education, and cross-border healthcare collaboration. She won First Prize for Best Strategic Cross-Border Project (DKMT BABY RO HU, 2023), and Best Poster Awards at national and international congresses (e.g., SOGR 2024). She received the “Mircea Teodorescu”, “Ioan Lighezean”, and “Cornel Prostean” awards for clinical excellence and case presentations in obstetrics and gynecology. Her research has been supported under PRECISI programs, with notable publications in Diagnostics, Science of the Total Environment, and Sustainability. Additional recognitions include honorary diplomas, appreciation certificates from Romania’s top maternal-infant institutions, and awards for innovation in prenatal care. She has been acknowledged by societies such as the Romanian-German Society for Obstetrics-Gynecology. Her contributions have earned her reviewer roles in ISI journals and invitations to international scientific boards, reflecting her dedication to excellence and her impact in reproductive health sciences.

Conclusion

Dr. Izabella Petre is an accomplished physician-scientist and academic whose exceptional contributions to obstetrics-gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, and women’s healthcare leadership are underscored by her dual doctorates, high-impact research, prestigious awards, and dedication to clinical excellence and medical education at national and international levels.

 Publications

Eva Stefankova | pediatric | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Eva Stefankova | pediatric | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eva Štefánková, PhD., is a Slovak clinical anthropologist with specialized expertise in pediatric anthropometry and craniofacial measurements. Currently serving at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, National Institute of Children’s Diseases in Bratislava, she has been instrumental in assessing growth patterns, body composition, and developmental anomalies in children. Eva completed her doctoral studies in pediatric surgery and anthropology at Comenius University, where her research focused on children with congenital CNS malformations. Her academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to interdisciplinary studies, combining biology, anthropology, and clinical applications. Eva is also a certified Ayurvedic nutrition consultant, and has completed multiple international workshops in traditional medicine and diagnostic techniques. Beyond her scientific pursuits, she is actively engaged in academic publishing and has presented research at both national and international conferences. Her work bridges modern clinical science and holistic approaches, offering valuable insights into child development and integrative care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Eva Štefánková earned her PhD in pediatric surgery from the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava (2011–2015), with a dissertation on anthropometry in children with congenital CNS malformations. She holds an RNDr. degree (Doctor of Natural Sciences) in Anthropology and a Master’s degree (Mgr.) in Anthropology and Biology from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University. Her Master’s thesis focused on growth and development in Slovak patients with eating disorders. She also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Anthropology with a thesis on environmental impacts on congenital malformations. Eva attended the Albert Einstein Grammar School in Bratislava, where she excelled in biology and scientific activities. She furthered her education with international training in 3D anthropometry at Charles University and received certifications in Ayurvedic nutrition and diagnostics. Her education reflects a strong foundation in both scientific research and holistic medical disciplines.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Eva Štefánková has accumulated significant experience in clinical anthropology, primarily through her roles at the National Institute of Children’s Diseases in Bratislava. Since 2022, she has been working as a Clinical Anthropologist in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, focusing on craniofacial analysis, body measurements, and growth assessments in pediatric patients. She previously held the same position between 2015 and 2016. Her clinical experience is complemented by strong research involvement, scientific publication, interdisciplinary collaboration with medical departments, and educational engagement in Slovak and English. Between her appointments, she took two maternity leaves. During her postgraduate studies, she developed expertise in hospital information systems (TOMOCON, MEDEA) and anthropological software (WHO Anthro). Eva also engaged in outpatient care, patient communication, and teaching. Her clinical roles are enriched by certifications in nutrition and Ayurvedic diagnostics, enhancing her ability to approach pediatric care from a multidimensional perspective.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Eva Štefánková has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to clinical and anthropological research. She won the 3rd place Best Research Presentation Award at the 7th Kramáre Clinical Research Day in 2023, highlighting her commitment to translational research in pediatric surgery. As an early-career researcher, she received grants for young investigators in 2012 and 2013, and contributed as a co-investigator on Ministry of Health-funded projects. Eva has actively participated in national and international conferences, symposia, and scientific forums, including the Faculty Student Scientific Conference and Doctoral Scientific Conference, where her work was frequently recognized. Her international academic exposure includes a study stay at Charles University, Prague, focusing on 3D anthropometry. She has also been awarded multiple certificates for specialized training in nutrition, Ayurvedic medicine, and academic English, enhancing her interdisciplinary profile. Her accolades reflect excellence in research, collaboration, and professional development.

Research Interests 🔬

Eva Štefánková’s research centers on clinical anthropometry in pediatric populations, with a specific emphasis on children with congenital central nervous system (CNS) malformations. Her doctoral and postdoctoral work has involved craniofacial and whole-body measurements, analysis of body composition, and the monitoring of growth trends in children with developmental disorders and post-surgical conditions. Her interdisciplinary approach combines anthropological methodology with clinical data analytics using advanced statistical and imaging tools, including 3D anthropometry, WHO Anthro software, and diagnostic modeling. She is also deeply interested in the interface of traditional and modern medicine, applying insights from Ayurvedic phytotherapy and nutrition to holistic pediatric care. Her work contributes to improving diagnostic precision, surgical outcomes, and long-term health monitoring in children. She continues to present her research internationally and remains committed to collaborative projects that link biological anthropology, pediatrics, and integrative medicine for enhanced patient care.

Publications

  • Anthropometry of craniosynostosis

    E Štefánková, F Horn, E Neščáková… – Neurologia i …, 2015 – journals.viamedica.pl
    Background Anthropometry is becoming a popular method for diagnostics of various diseases
    in pediatric clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the growth changes in …

  • Assessment of Facial Asymmetry in Slovak Patients with Positional Deformity

    …, F Horn, P Slaná, A Plž, M Zarinshad, E Štefánková – Children, 2024 – mdpi.com
    Objectives: Positional deformity (PD), also known as deformational plagiocephaly or non-synostosis,
    is a primary cause of abnormal head shape and asymmetry in infants. The most …

  • The impact of body mass index on craniofacial parameters

    A Nádaždyová, E Štefánková, M Samohýl – Kontakt, 2016 – Elsevier
    The purpose of the study is to analyze BMI and the mean values of craniofacial parameters
    in the patients measured by directed anthropometry (PDAA) and by 3D scan (P3DAS).

Valeria Azevedo de Almeida | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Valeria Azevedo de Almeida | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Valéria Azevedo de Almeida is a Brazilian physiotherapist and researcher with expertise in neuroengineering, maternal and child health, and neonatal care. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), where she also completed her undergraduate studies. Valéria holds a Master’s in Neuroengineering from the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neurosciences and has extensive experience in hospital and academic settings. Her research contributions focus on neonatal neural activity and pediatric urological sequelae linked to congenital infections like Zika virus. She has served in both clinical and academic roles across various Brazilian institutions, including UFRN, ISD, HU-UFGD, and HRG. Fluent in Portuguese and proficient in English, she also acts as a journal referee and participates in numerous collaborative health projects. Valéria has earned distinctions for her dedication to education and contributions to neonatal physiotherapy research and care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Valéria Azevedo de Almeida is completing her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy (2021–2025) at UFRN, under Dr. Silvana Alves Pereira. She earned a Master’s in Neuroengineering (2018–2020) at the Edmond and Lily Safra Institute, supervised by Dr. Reginaldo Freitas Jr., with a CAPES scholarship. Previously, she completed a specialization in Maternal and Child Health through a multiprofessional residency at UFRN (2016–2018), also under Dr. Pereira. Her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy (2011–2015) was completed at UFRN with CNPq scholarship support. Complementary education includes over 20 short courses in areas like public health, intensive care, clinical pilates, neonatal care, and professional development, offered by institutions such as FIOCRUZ, CEDEP, UFMG, and the Albert Einstein Institute. These reflect her commitment to continuous learning and interdisciplinary training in health care and leadership. She also completed a 240-hour English language course and has participated in multiple training programs since 2009, enhancing her clinical and academic capacities.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Valéria has accumulated rich experience in public health, academic research, and clinical physiotherapy. Since 2022, she works at the University Hospital of Grande Dourados (HU-UFGD/Ebserh) as a government-employed physiotherapist. She has concurrently held research and academic roles at UFRN since 2021. Her past positions include clinical roles at Hospital Rio Grande, Hospital Municipal de Campanha, and UPA Esperança, and academic/research posts at Instituto Santos Dumont (ISD), where she contributed to projects on Zika-related pediatric sequelae. From 2016 to 2018, she was a research fellow at the Regional Hospital Dr. Mariano Coelho. Her early experience includes a scholarship-based position at Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra. She’s also an active participant in ongoing projects at Instituto Fernandes Figueira and ISD. Valéria’s work combines hands-on physiotherapeutic care with clinical research, specializing in neonatal, neurological, and urological rehabilitation, making her a key contributor in multidisciplinary health teams.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Valéria received an Honorable Mention in 2018 from the Escola Multicampi de Ciências Médicas do RN for her contribution to the first class of the multiprofessional residency in maternal and child health. In 2015, she won first place in the area of Neonatal and Pediatric Physiotherapy at the III Northeastern Congress of Cardiorespiratory and Intensive Care Physiotherapy (CONEFIR), highlighting her excellence as a student-researcher. These awards recognize her early and continued dedication to improving clinical physiotherapy practice in neonatal and pediatric populations, as well as her commitment to rural health education and service delivery. Her leadership in education and practical training programs, especially in underserved areas, has been widely acknowledged. These honors underscore her impact on both the academic and practical dimensions of physiotherapy and affirm her growing reputation as a committed clinician, researcher, and mentor in Brazil’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Research Interests 🔬

Valéria’s research focuses on neonatal neurophysiology, pediatric rehabilitation, and health impacts of congenital infections such as the Zika virus. At UFRN, her Ph.D. work investigates the relationship between neural activity and visual processing in premature newborns. Through the Instituto Santos Dumont and Instituto Fernandes Figueira, she has contributed to long-term studies on urinary and intestinal dysfunctions in children with congenital Zika syndrome. She integrates neuroengineering principles into pediatric physiotherapy to enhance diagnostic and rehabilitative outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach includes neurodevelopmental monitoring, urological sequelae analysis, and intervention design for affected children. In addition to field research, she is involved in designing care protocols, training health professionals, and evaluating public health strategies. Her work bridges neuroscience, physiotherapy, and maternal-child care, aiming to improve outcomes for vulnerable pediatric populations. She also serves as a peer reviewer, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based practices in neurorehabilitation and child health.

Publications

Rebecca Nunge | Perinatology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rebecca Nunge | Perinatology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rebecca A. Nunge, MD, is a dedicated Obstetrics and Gynecology resident at the University of South Florida with a passion for women’s health, health equity, and medical education. A graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of Notre Dame, she combines academic excellence with extensive clinical, research, and leadership experience. Rebecca has been recognized with numerous awards for her compassion, advocacy, and commitment to underserved populations. She has led initiatives in correctional health, served as a peer mentor, and contributed significantly to student outreach clinics and leadership programs. Her research spans trauma immunology and maternal-fetal medicine, with published work in top journals and presentations at national conferences. She brings a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care and remains committed to mentoring and service. Rebecca embodies leadership, empathy, and scholarship, shaping her future as a physician-leader in OB-GYN.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Rebecca Nunge earned her Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University School of Medicine in 2023, where she was inducted into both Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Societies. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Notre Dame in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Studies and a supplementary major in Peace Studies. She pursued global learning through study-abroad programs in Greece and the Middle East, reflecting her early interest in cultural competency and global health. During medical school, she complemented her formal education with active participation in peer mentoring, curriculum development, and medical volunteerism. Her education was further enriched by leadership academies, global health brigades, and clinical rotations that strengthened her holistic, service-oriented approach to medicine. Scholarships from IUSM supported her academic excellence, leadership, and service. Rebecca’s education exemplifies intellectual rigor, ethical commitment, and an enduring dedication to patient advocacy and healthcare equity.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Rebecca Nunge’s experience spans clinical service, community engagement, teaching, and leadership. As a current OB-GYN resident at USF, she provides compassionate care grounded in hands-on medical training and extensive volunteer experience. She served in multiple leadership roles at the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic, including Women’s Health Chair and Clinic Manager, overseeing prenatal care and operational logistics. She founded the Correctional Medicine Student Outreach Project to address health disparities in incarcerated populations, merging clinical exposure with advocacy and curricular integration. She mentored peers through multiple IU School of Medicine programs and contributed to clerkship orientation panels. Her experience includes volunteering at the Harbor Light Center, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, and global brigades in Nicaragua. Rebecca’s teamwork, organizational skills, and empathy shine through her community impact and mentoring. She also worked on immunology and maternal-fetal research projects, demonstrating a commitment to integrating clinical insight with scholarly contribution.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Rebecca Nunge has received numerous awards for academic excellence, leadership, service, and advocacy. In 2023, she was named Resident Intern of the Year at Tampa General Hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit. She was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society, prestigious recognitions reserved for the top percentage of medical students. At IUSM, she earned several scholarships, including the Roggenkamp, Moore, Hutchens, Means, and Wenning scholarships, honoring academic merit and service. Rebecca was named Women’s Health Volunteer and Advocate of the Month for her dedication at the IU Student Outreach Clinic. She also received the Visionary Leader Award and was recognized among IUPUI’s Elite 50 and Premiere 10 for graduate leadership. Her research was honored with an NHLBI-T35 Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation. Rebecca’s honors reflect her unwavering commitment to equity, excellence, and compassion in medicine, distinguishing her as a leader among her peers.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Rebecca Nunge’s research focuses on maternal-fetal medicine, trauma immunology, and the social determinants of health. At Indiana University, she collaborated with Dr. Todd McKinley and Dr. Mark Kaplan to develop a minimally invasive, cell-based model predicting immune responses to trauma—work that earned recognition at national research symposiums. In OB-GYN, she studied early childhood adversity and post-op pain with Dr. Insiyyah Patanwala, and risk factors for gestational diabetes in twin pregnancies with Dr. Hiba Mustafa. Her interdisciplinary approach merges clinical practice with immunology, public health, and machine learning, as reflected in publications in Seminars in Perinatology and Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Rebecca has also explored the health implications of mass incarceration through her Correctional Medicine Outreach Project, advocating for system-level change. Her research consistently integrates compassion, innovation, and advocacy to improve maternal and community health outcomes, especially among underserved populations.

Publications 

  • Pain medication use during pregnancy.

    Seminars in perinatology
    2025-04-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2025.152074
    PMID: 40175217
    CONTRIBUTORS: Nunge RA; Kendle AM; Alwan S

  • Machine learning prediction of hypertension and diabetes in twin pregnancies using characteristics at prenatal care entry: a nationwide study

    Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology
    2024-05-28 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1002/uog.27710
    Part ofISSN: 0960-7692
    Part ofISSN: 1469-0705
    CONTRIBUTORS: Hiba Mustafa; Erkan Kalafat; Smriti Prasad; M. ‐H. Heydari; R. N. Nunge; Asma Khalil

  • Developing a Minimally Invasive Cell-Based Model to Predict Response to Major Trauma

    Insight: Indiana University Medical Student Research Journal
    2021-12-16 | Journal article
    HANDLE: 25970
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rebecca Nunge

  • Developing a Minimally Invasive Cell-Based Model to Predict Response to Major Trauma

    Proceedings of IMPRS
    2020-12-15 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.18060/24607
    Part of ISSN: 2641-2470
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rebecca Nunge