Anna Schiefer | Medicine and Dentistry | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Anna Schiefer | Medicine and Dentistry | Research Excellence Award

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin | Germany

Ms. Anna Schiefer is an emerging researcher whose work focuses on fracture-related infections, prosthetic joint infections, and regenerative approaches in orthopaedics and traumatology. Her research has been presented at several major international conferences, including the Fracture-Related Infections Workshop and Prosthetic Joint Infections Workshop hosted by the PRO-IMPLANT Foundation, as well as the 6th Congress of the European Society of Tissue Regeneration in Orthopaedics and Traumatology and multiple annual meetings of the European Bone and Joint Infection Society. She has contributed posters and oral presentations highlighting key findings from her doctoral research on infection characteristics and outcomes following intramedullary nailing in femur and tibia fractures. Her scholarly engagement began early, with participation in academic meetings such as the Material Driven Regeneration Annual Meeting, Orthopedic Science Day at Maastricht University, the Omkadering van Jonge Onderzoekers Initiative at KU Leuven, and the MOSA biomedical research conference. She has received competitive scholarships from the PRO-IMPLANT Foundation to support cohort studies on fracture-related and prosthetic joint infections, reflecting the clinical relevance of her work. Her contributions have earned notable recognition, including the Silver Prize for Free Papers at the 6th ESTROT Congress. Her 2026 journal article in Injury further underscores her contributions to infection research within trauma surgery.

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Featured Publication

**Schiefer, A., Renz, N., Steiner, G., Märdian, S., Stöckle, U., Trampuz, A., & Meller, S. (2026). Infection after intramedullary nailing for femur and tibia fractures: Characteristics and outcome analysis. Injury.

Kalei Hering | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kalei Hering | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Harvard Medical School | United States

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kalei Hering’s academic journey began at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she majored in Life Sciences with honors, following a pre-medical and nuclear engineering track. As a Barry Goldwater Scholar and Rhodes Scholar Finalist, her undergraduate years were marked by distinction and ambition. She then advanced to Harvard Medical School, where she pursued her M.D. with exceptional performance, scoring a 265 on the USMLE Step 2 CK and actively engaging in research and leadership.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

Currently a Resident Physician in Diagnostic Radiology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (expected 2030), Dr. Hering is integrating rigorous clinical training with a robust military medical background. She has held numerous leadership positions—from Platoon Leader to President of Harvard’s Interventional Radiology Interest Group—reflecting a rare blend of military discipline and medical acumen. Her clinical and surgical experiences at institutions like Walter Reed, MGH, and BIDMC have laid a strong foundation for a future in academic and interventional radiology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Hering’s research spans vascular and interventional radiology, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, trauma imaging, and military health, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications. She has contributed to top-tier journals including CHEST, Spine Journal, Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, and Military Medicine. As an editor for the MGH “White Book”, she has also shaped essential medical manuals for house staff. Her passion for research was recognized early through internships and fellowships, including work on Lyme disease and steroid hormone physiology.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

A decorated scholar and athlete, Dr. Hering has earned numerous honors including:
🏆 1897 Fellowship Awardee (Top national Phi Kappa Phi applicant)
🥇 Trainee Case Competition Winner, New England Society of Interventional Radiology
🏃‍♀️ Champion in multiple marathons and ultramarathons including the Candlelight 12-Hour and Spartan Race
🎖️ Excellence in Life Science Award, Brigadier General Ramsden Award, and LTC Boyd Harris Leadership Award at West Point
📚 Recognized by the West Point Superintendent for academic, military, and physical excellence

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Hering is a changemaker in both academic medicine and military health systems. Her efforts to increase access and mentorship—such as developing shadowing programs, founding wellness initiatives, and mentoring underrepresented pre-med students—demonstrate her commitment to building inclusive, high-impact medical communities. Her involvement in the Society of Interventional Radiology, Excelsior Surgical Society, and Empower Conference reflects a strategic vision for the future of healthcare delivery, particularly in military and interventional contexts.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a rare combination of military leadership, scientific rigor, and clinical excellence, Dr. Kalei Hering is poised to leave a lasting mark on the fields of interventional radiology, medical education, and military medicine. Her pursuit of innovative techniques, policy development, and mentorship ensures that her influence will be deeply felt across clinical, academic, and operational environments for years to come. As she advances through her residency and beyond, Dr. Hering stands as a beacon of resilience, intellect, and service in modern medicine.

Publications


📄 Post-Treatment Monitoring of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations: Challenges and Approaches

  • Authors: Kalei Hering, Patrick Sutphin, Sanjeeva Kalva

  • Journal: CHEST

  • Year: 2025


📄 Embolization of a Bleeding Duodenal Arteriovenous Malformation with a Conformable Embolic Material (Obsidio): Case Report

  • Authors: Kalei Hering, Patrick Sutphin, Sanjeeva Kalva

  • Journal: Journal of Clinical Interventional Radiology ISVIR

  • Year: 2025


📄 Long-Term Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes After Management of Spinal Epidural Abscess

  • Authors:  Kalei Hering, Grace X. Xiong, Andrew Nguyen, Andrew J. Schoenfeld

  • Journal:  The Spine Journal

  • Year: 2024


📄 Health-Care Utilization and Expenditures Associated with Long-Term Treatment After Combat and Non-Combat-Related Orthopaedic Trauma

  • Authors: Kalei Hering, Miles W.A. Fisher, Michael K. Dalton, Andrew K. Simpson, Jamie Ye, Nishant Suneja, Zara Cooper, Tracey P. Koehlmoos, Andrew J. Schoenfeld

  • Journal: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery

  • Year: 2022


 

Kinga Grzech-Leśniak | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Kinga Grzech-Leśniak | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Wroclaw Medical University | Poland

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Kinga Grzech-Leśniak began her academic journey with a deep-rooted interest in dental sciences and specialized early in periodontology and oral pathology. Her pursuit of excellence led her to earn a Master of Science in Laser Dentistry from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome, Italy, in 2020. Her educational path was marked by a strong focus on advanced laser applications and innovations in dental treatments, setting the stage for her future accomplishments in both academia and clinical research.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Grzech-Leśniak holds multiple prestigious positions globally. She is a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Integrated Dentistry at Wroclaw Medical University in Poland, where she also serves as the Director of the Laser Laboratory. Internationally, she is an Affiliated Associate Professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University in the United States. Her leadership roles include the President of the Polish Society of Laser Dentistry (PTSL) and Executive Board Member (Treasurer) of the World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD).

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Grzech-Leśniak is a pioneer in the fields of photobiomodulation, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, and laser applications in periodontology and implantology. She has authored over 220 scientific publications, accumulating a Total Impact Factor of 240 and a CiteScore of 1157. Her research integrates cutting-edge laser technology with clinical periodontics and oral pathology, significantly contributing to the evolution of nonsurgical and surgical dental treatments. She also holds editorial positions in various prestigious journals, underscoring her influence in dental science publishing.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Grzech-Leśniak's excellence has been widely recognized. She was listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Clarivate Analytics in 2021 and 2023. She received the 2021 Individual Award from the Polish Ministry of Health for her contributions to laser therapy in dentistry and a recognition from the Polish Dental Association for her impact on Polish dental science. Additionally, she has received Rector’s Awards from Wroclaw Medical University multiple times for her outstanding scientific work.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through her active roles in global organizations like FDI World Dental Federation, IADR Laser & Bio-Photonics Group, and WFLD, Prof. Grzech-Leśniak has been shaping global discourse on laser dentistry. She has been instrumental in mentoring future dental professionals through her leadership in the EMDOLA European Master Program. Her peer reviews and editorial duties, spanning over 80 high-impact journals, have contributed to the scientific integrity and advancement of dental research worldwide.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

With her comprehensive body of work, including book chapters and monographs on laser applications in oral surgery and implant dentistry, Prof. Grzech-Leśniak has already laid a firm foundation for future generations. Her commitment to academic leadership, clinical excellence, and interdisciplinary research continues to set benchmarks in dental medicine. As she leads new educational programs and innovative research, her legacy will not only persist but also inspire a new wave of clinicians and researchers across the globe.

Publications


  • 📄 Antibacterial Effects of Er:YAG Laser Irradiation on Candida–Streptococcal Biofilms
    Authors: Zuzanna Grzech-Lesniak, Jakub Pyrkosz, Jagoda Szwach, Marzena Dominiak, Kinga Grzech-Leśniak
    Journal: Life
    Year: 2025


  • 📄 Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er:YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms—An In Vitro Study
    Authors: Diana Dembicka-Mączka, Małgorzata Kępa, Jakub Fiegler-Rudol, Kinga Grzech-Leśniak, Rafal Wiench
    Journal: Dentistry Journal
    Year: 2025


  • 📄 The Influence of Vitamin D Levels and Supplementation on the Treatment of Patients Affected by MRONJ
    Authors: Filip Michalak, Marzena Dominiak, Jan Kiryk, Jacek Matys, Kinga Grzech-Leśniak
    Journal: Applied Sciences Switzerland
    Year: 2025


  • 📄 Effect of Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation on the Growth of Oral Biofilm
    Authors: Zuzanna Grzech-Lesniak, Jagoda Szwach, Martyna Lelonkiewicz, Joanna Nowicka, Kinga Grzech-Leśniak
    Journal: Microorganisms
    Year: 2024


  • 📄 Analysis of Aerosol Generation during Er:YAG Laser-Assisted Caries Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial
    Authors: Jacek Matys, Tomasz Gedrange, Marzena Dominiak, Kinga Grzech-Leśniak
    Journal: Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine
    Year: 2024


 

Bojan Miletic | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bojan Miletic | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Rijeka | Croatia

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bojan Miletic began his academic journey at the University of Rijeka, Croatia, where he studied medicine from 1986 to 1992. His early education laid a strong foundation for his diverse career in internal medicine, cardiology, and rehabilitation. After completing his medical degree, Dr. Miletic went on to specialize in internal medicine, cardiology, and geriatric rehabilitation through various educational institutions, including the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, the Lucerne Cantonal Hospital in Switzerland, and several other renowned centers across Europe. His rigorous training allowed him to acquire multiple certifications and broaden his expertise in interdisciplinary medicine.

Professional Endeavors 🏥

Dr. Miletic has a distinguished professional career, spanning over two decades in various hospitals and rehabilitation centers across Europe. He currently serves as an Associate Professor and Co-Head of the Department of Clinical Medical Sciences at the University of Rijeka, Croatia, where he engages in both student education and clinical research. Alongside his academic duties, he also works as a Specialist in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Policlinic Primari in Rijeka and the General Hospital and Homeland War Veterans Hospital in Ogulin, Croatia. His work in clinical settings, including the establishment of new medical units, has contributed significantly to the field.

Throughout his career, Dr. Miletic held leadership roles at several prestigious institutions, including the Lucerne Cantonal Hospital in Switzerland, the Zurich Rehabilitation Center, and Herzpark Hardterwald in Germany. His roles ranged from Co-Head of Rehabilitation Centers to Head of Cardiac Rehabilitation Departments. He also contributed to the development of new rehabilitation centers, providing education and training to nurses, physiotherapists, and doctors.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Miletic has made significant contributions to clinical research, particularly in the areas of geriatric rehabilitation, cardiology, and internal medicine. His work has addressed key health issues such as depression in the elderly, rehabilitation outcomes, and diagnostic challenges in internal medicine. Dr. Miletic’s research has resulted in numerous articles published in respected journals, such as Medicina, J Sport Rehabil, Lancet Oncol, and Int J Cardiol. His studies often focus on innovative treatment methods, diagnostic challenges, and interdisciplinary approaches to medicine, aiming to improve patient outcomes and healthcare practices across various specialties.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Dr. Miletic’s contributions to the medical field have not gone unnoticed. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Green Card for contributing to the development of a culture of respect and promotion of patients' rights by the Croatian Movement for the Patients' Rights. He has also been honored by the Croatian Medical Association for his merits in advancing the medical profession and his health and humanitarian efforts. His excellence in clinical research, education, and leadership has earned him recognition from various professional bodies.

Impact and Influence 🌍

With over 20 years of experience in clinical and academic settings, Dr. Miletic has profoundly impacted the fields of cardiology, internal medicine, and rehabilitation. His role in establishing new departments and hospitals has improved medical services and patient care. His international experience and collaborations across Europe have allowed him to influence healthcare practices and medical education in multiple countries. His ongoing participation in congresses, scientific activities, and as a member of numerous professional societies further amplifies his influence on the global medical community.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Dr. Miletic’s career is marked by his unwavering commitment to improving patient care, advancing medical research, and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. His work in developing new rehabilitation centers and his leadership in clinical research will continue to shape the future of healthcare in Europe and beyond. As an active member of professional societies like the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiovascular Imaging, Dr. Miletic is poised to make continued contributions to the medical field, ensuring that his legacy as a leader in cardiology, rehabilitation, and internal medicine endures for years to come.

Publications


  • 📄Depression and Its Effect on Geriatric Rehabilitation Outcomes in Switzerland’s Aging Population

      • Authors: Bojan Miletic, Antonia Plisic, Lejla Jelovica, Jan Saner, Marcus Hesse, Silvije Segulja, Udo Courteney, Gordana Starcevic-Klasan
      • Journal: Medicina
      • Year: 2025

  • 📄Icterus provoked by Echinococcus mimicking a tumor: A diagnostic challenge

      • Authors: Bojan Miletic, Yves Sutter, Elefteri Buset, Silvije Segulja, Marcus Hesse
      • Journal: Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
      • Year: 2025

  • 📄The Physical Activity and Dietary Habits of Nursing Students

    • Authors: Željko Jovanović, Maja Šarić, Bojan Miletic
    • Journal: Medical Research Archives
    • Year: 2024

  • 📄Virtual reality in the education of instrumentation techniques for nurses/technicians

    • Authors: Marija Spevan, Željko Jovanović, Bojan Miletic
    • Journal: World of Health
    • Year: 2024

  • 📄Infarkt miokarda s elevacijom ST segmenta kao indikacija za hitan medicinski transport u Opću bolnicu Zadar

    • Authors: Slavica Balgavi, Silvije Šegulja, Bojan Miletic
    • Event: 27th Congress of Emergency Medicine with International Participation
    • Year: 2024