Chiaman Chou | Surgery | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Chiaman Chou | Surgery | Women Researcher Award

Taichung Veterans General Hospital | Taiwan

Professor Chia-Man Chou is a distinguished pediatric surgeon and Chief of the Department of Surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, where she has established herself as a leader in pediatric surgical innovation and clinical excellence. She also serves as Professor at National Chung Hsing University, contributing extensively to academic teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research. Her expertise encompasses pediatric minimally invasive surgery, pediatric urology, and correction of congenital anomalies, integrating advanced laparoscopic and thoracoscopic methods into clinical practice. In addition to her clinical achievements, she has spearheaded pioneering research in biomaterials surface modification, artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and genetic analysis of congenital and oncologic diseases. Her scholarly contributions include more than one hundred publications in internationally indexed journals, significantly influencing pediatric surgery and translational medicine. Dedicated to patient-centered care and innovation, Professor Chou exemplifies the integration of medical practice, scientific research, and leadership, making her a prominent figure in pediatric surgical advancement

Profile

Scopus

Education

Professor Chia-Man Chou pursued her medical training with a strong commitment to pediatric care and surgical excellence, laying the foundation for her career as a pioneering surgeon and academic leader. She completed her medical degree followed by specialization in pediatric surgery, equipping her with comprehensive clinical knowledge and practical skills to address complex congenital and acquired conditions in children. To enhance her expertise and pursue academic growth, she obtained a doctoral degree, integrating advanced research methodologies with clinical applications. Her education bridged the medical sciences and biomedical engineering domains, enabling her to explore innovations in biomaterials, nanotechnology, and minimally invasive surgical approaches. This unique combination of clinical training and scientific research prepared her to address pressing challenges in pediatric healthcare with a translational perspective. Her academic journey reflects her dedication to lifelong learning, professional development, and the pursuit of excellence in both clinical practice and multidisciplinary research

Experience

Professor Chia-Man Chou has extensive clinical, academic, and research experience as a pediatric surgeon and surgical leader. As Chief of the Department of Surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, she oversees clinical services, surgical training, and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring patient-centered care and advancing surgical standards. Her professional journey includes more than two decades of hands-on expertise in pediatric minimally invasive surgery, pediatric urology, and thoracoscopic techniques, earning her recognition as an authority in her field. She has directed and participated in over eighty multidisciplinary research projects, ranging from clinical trials to translational studies in biomaterials and AI-driven diagnostics. In her academic role as Professor at National Chung Hsing University, she mentors medical students and junior researchers, fostering the next generation of surgical innovators. Her leadership extends to national and international collaborations, where she actively contributes to advancing pediatric healthcare, surgical innovation, and evidence-based clinical practice.

Awards and Honors

Professor Chia-Man Chou has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors that celebrate her contributions to pediatric surgery, medical innovation, and academic excellence. She has received national awards for surgical innovation, quality improvement, and outstanding medical service, underscoring her dedication to advancing pediatric care. Her achievements in pioneering minimally invasive pediatric procedures and integrating translational research into clinical practice have been acknowledged by professional associations and healthcare institutions. She has also been honored for her excellence in teaching and mentoring, reflecting her role in shaping future generations of surgeons and researchers. Her active participation in academic societies and leadership in multidisciplinary collaborations have further earned her recognition as a distinguished contributor to surgical science. These honors highlight her impact as both a clinician and researcher, reinforcing her position as a leader in pediatric surgery and a role model for innovation, compassion, and professional excellence.

Research Focus

Professor Chia-Man Chou’s research focus integrates pediatric surgery, translational medicine, and biomedical engineering to improve clinical outcomes for children with complex medical conditions. Her work emphasizes the advancement of pediatric minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches, to enhance safety, precision, and recovery. She is actively engaged in pediatric urology and gastrointestinal surgery, addressing rare and congenital disorders through innovative treatment strategies. At the translational level, she applies molecular biology, polygenic risk assessment, and artificial intelligence to disease prediction and personalized care models, exemplified by projects on early biliary atresia detection and spina bifida management. She also explores surface engineering, nanotechnology, and biomaterials for medical devices and diagnostic tools, bridging clinical medicine with biomedical science. Through nationwide cohort studies, multicenter trials, and interdisciplinary collaborations, her research continues to set benchmarks in personalized pediatric healthcare, surgical innovation, and integration of novel technologies into routine practice.

 

Publications

Title:Fabrication of ZnCo2O4-Zn(OH)2 Microspheres on Carbon Cloth for Photocatalytic Decomposition of Tetracycline
Year:2024
Citation:4

Title: Investigating the Association of Polygenic Risk Scores With Thyroid Cancer Susceptibility in a Han Chinese Population
Year:2024
Citation:1

Conclusion

Professor Chia-Man Chou is a pioneering pediatric surgeon, academic leader, and innovative researcher whose dedication to minimally invasive surgery, translational medicine, and biomedical engineering has transformed pediatric healthcare, advanced medical technology, and inspired future generations of surgeons through her exemplary blend of clinical excellence, scientific innovation, and compassionate patient care.

Eva Stefankova | pediatric | Best Researcher Award

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

    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).