Yoshiya Tanaka | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Yoshiya Tanaka | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Occupational and Environmental Health | Japan

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Yoshiya Tanaka embarked on his academic journey at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (UOEH), where he earned his MD in 1984. His thirst for knowledge and commitment to medical research led him to pursue a PhD at the Graduate School of Medical Science, UOEH, which he completed in 1988. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his exceptional career in internal medicine and rheumatology.

🌟 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Tanaka’s illustrious career began with a prestigious opportunity as a Visiting Fellow in the Experimental Immunology Branch at the National Cancer Institute, NIH, USA, from 1989 to 1992. Upon returning to Japan, he rapidly ascended the academic ladder, becoming a Professor and Chairman of the First Department of Internal Medicine at UOEH in 2000. His leadership and expertise earned him the role of Dean of the Graduate School of Medical Science at UOEH in 2017, followed by his appointment as Director of the International Center at UOEH in 2022.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Tanaka has dedicated his career to advancing the field of rheumatology, clinical immunology, and inflammatory diseases. His research primarily focuses on rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and novel therapeutic approaches, including Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and biologic therapies. His groundbreaking work on cytokine-targeting therapies has significantly influenced treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases. As a key member of multiple scientific societies, he has contributed to the Japanese College of Rheumatology (JCR), the Japanese Society of Clinical Immunology, and the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR). His editorial contributions include serving as an editor or associate editor for prestigious journals such as The Lancet Rheumatology, Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, and Arthritis Research & Therapy.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Tanaka's contributions to rheumatology and immunology have been recognized through numerous awards. In 2003, he received the Academic Award from the Japanese Society of Bone and Mineral Research (JSBMR), followed by the President Award from the Japanese College of Rheumatology in 2008. His outstanding research was acknowledged globally when he was honored with the Congress Award from the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) in 2009. In 2023, his lifelong contributions earned him the prestigious Honorary Award from EULAR.

🔍 Impact and Influence

With over 1,067 publications in English and an impressive h-index of 117, Prof. Tanaka's research has left an indelible mark on the field of rheumatology. His total impact factor of 6,402 underscores the significance of his work in shaping clinical practices worldwide. His seminal studies, including those published in Nature, The New England Journal of Medicine, and The Lancet, have influenced treatment protocols and deepened the understanding of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. As a mentor, he has guided numerous young researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists and clinicians in Japan and beyond. His involvement in international collaborations has further solidified his role as a global leader in rheumatology research.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Tanaka’s legacy is defined by his relentless pursuit of scientific discovery and his commitment to improving patient care. His work in cytokine-targeted therapies and JAK inhibitors has paved the way for more effective and personalized treatments for autoimmune diseases. As he continues to lead groundbreaking research and mentor future medical professionals, his impact on the field will endure for generations to come. With his ongoing roles at UOEH and leadership positions in international rheumatology organizations, Prof. Tanaka remains at the forefront of medical innovation. His future contributions promise to further revolutionize treatment paradigms and enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide.

 

Publications

  • Article: Peripheral blood immunophenotypic diversity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on therapeutic responsiveness
    Authors: S. Kubo, Y. Miyazaki, T. Nishino, S. Nakayamada, Y. Tanaka
    Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
    Year: 2025

  • Article: Safety of baricitinib in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical use: 3-year data of all-case postmarketing surveillance study
    Authors: N. Okamoto, T.A. Atsumi, M. Takagi, Y. Tanaka, M. Kuwana
    Journal: Modern Rheumatology
    Year: 2025

  • Article: Association of peripheral CD8+ T cell activation with disease activity and treatment resistance in systemic lupus erythematosus
    Authors: Y. Fujita, S. Nakayamada, S. Kubo, H. Tanaka, Y. Tanaka
    Journal: RMD Open
    Year: 2025

  • Article: Time trends of variability in disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
    Authors: N. Li, A.Y.B. Hoi, S.F. Luo, R.K. Kandane-Rathnayake, E.F. Morand
    Journal: Lupus Science and Medicine
    Year: 2025

  • Article: The Uncoupling of Disease Activity from Joint Structural Progression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Filgotinib
    Authors: Y. Tanaka, T.A. Atsumi, D. Aletaha, C. Watson, T. Takeuchi
    Journal: Rheumatology and Therapy
    Year: 2025

 

Sejal Parekh | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sejal Parekh | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

NHS England | United Kingdom

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Sejal Parekh embarked on her academic journey with a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) from University College London, where she honed her expertise in pharmaceutical sciences. In 2017, she furthered her education with a Master’s in Clinical Research (MRes), funded by the NIHR. This strong academic foundation in pharmacy and clinical research equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Sejal’s career spans diverse roles within both hospital and community pharmacy settings. She has been instrumental in leading national quality improvement initiatives, particularly as a Senior Project/Policy Manager at NHS England. Her role involved developing criteria for the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) and liaising with stakeholders like NHS Digital, Public Health England, and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC). Her work, particularly during the pandemic, led to the implementation of infection control measures, influencing community pharmacy operations across the country.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Sejal's contributions are deeply rooted in antimicrobial stewardship, service delivery, and policy writing. A notable project was her leadership in the NSAID safety audit within community pharmacies, where she identified a significant gap in gastroprotection for patients on NSAIDs. Her findings prompted recommendations that improved patient safety in primary care, aligning with the WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge. Sejal has co-authored several reports and articles that are widely recognized within the medical community.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout her career, Sejal has received several awards, including:

  • HSJ Winner: Patient Safety Team of 2023 for her work on the Pharmacy Quality Scheme.
  • She was also the Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacist of the Year for London (2003) and a GlaxoSmithKline Prize recipient for her work on smoking cessation.

Her accolades underscore her dedication to patient safety and innovative pharmaceutical care.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Sejal's work has had a profound impact on community pharmacy in the UK. Her development of safer prescribing initiatives and infection control protocols, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to national improvements in healthcare delivery. Her ability to collaborate across teams and organizations has resulted in smoother policy implementations and improved patient outcomes.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

As a thought leader in pharmacy, Sejal Parekh’s legacy is built upon her pioneering work in antimicrobial stewardship and patient safety. Her ongoing contributions to the Pharmacy Quality Scheme and national healthcare initiatives demonstrate her commitment to improving service quality. With her recent role as a Programme Manager for NHS England, Sejal is poised to continue making impactful changes in the healthcare landscape. Her future endeavors will likely include further innovations in pharmacy services, ensuring continued excellence in patient care.

 

Publications

  • 📚 "An Evaluation of Oral Anticoagulant Safety Indicators by England’s Community Pharmacies"
    Journal: Pharmacy, Year: 2024
    Authors: Sejal Parekh, Lingqian Xu, Carina Livingstone
  • 📚 "Responding to Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms in England’s Community Pharmacies"
    Journal: Antibiotics, Year: 2023
    Authors: Sejal Parekh, Kieran S Hand, Lingqian Xu, Victoria Roberts, Fionna Pursey, Diane Ashiru-Oredope, Donna Lecky
  • 📚 "The National Implementation of a Community Pharmacy Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention (PAMSI) through the English Pharmacy Quality Scheme 2020 to 2022"
    Journal: Antibiotics, Year: 2023
    Authors: Catherine Hayes, Sejal Parekh, Donna Lecky, Jill Loader, Carry Triggs-Hodge, Diane Ashiru-Oredope
  • 📚 "ESPAUR Report 2021 to 2022 Chapter 5: NHS England Improvement and Assurance Schemes"
    Journal: Medical Sciences Forum, Year: 2023
    Authors: Kieran S Hand, Diane Ashiru-Oredope, Elizabeth Beech, Sabine Bou-Antoun, Gillian Damant, Naomi Fleming, Catherine Hayes, Philip Howard, Conor Jamieson, Monsey McLeod et al.
  • 📚 "National Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities in Primary and Secondary Care in England 2021–22 (ESPAUR Report)"
    Journal: Medical Sciences Forum, Year: 2023
    Authors: Ella Casale, Catherine Hayes, Donna Lecky, Luke O’Neil, Eirwen Sides, Emily Cooper, Fionna Pursey, Sejal Parekh, Eleanor J. Harvey, Diane Ashiru-Oredope

 

Oliver Skan | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Oliver Skan | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Royal Free London NHS Trust | United Kingdom

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Oliver Skan embarked on his medical journey at Keble College, University of Oxford, where he pursued a BM BCh degree from 2014 to 2020. His academic performance was exceptional, earning him a distinction in his BM BCh and a First Class Honours in Medical Sciences. Throughout his studies, he demonstrated outstanding aptitude, securing numerous prestigious educational prizes. These include the Meakins McLaren Medal for the highest overall performance during clinical school, the Sir Roger Bannister Prize for clinical neuroscience, and the Stewart Greenall Memorial Prize for excelling in OSCE examinations. His consistent excellence also earned him the Sir Peter Morris Prize in Surgery and the Gibbs Prize for his performance in first BM examinations part II, along with a scholarship from Keble College.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Skan's clinical experience is extensive and diverse. He began his foundation training in North Central London, where he spent four months each in General Surgery (F1) and Plastic Surgery (F2). His commitment to surgical excellence led him to a Junior Clinical Fellowship in Plastic Surgery at The Royal Free Hospital in London from August 2022 to February 2023. His skill and dedication were further recognized when he ranked first nationally in the 2023 Core Surgical Training applications, leading to his current position in Core Surgical Training from October 2023 to October 2025.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Skan has made significant contributions to medical research, particularly focusing on surgical outcomes and medical education. His research on gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment among medical students was published in Medical Teacher in 2024. He has also been actively involved in the STARSurg initiative, where he coordinated data collection for the RECON study, demonstrating his leadership and data management skills. His work has been published in reputable journals such as the British Journal of Anaesthesia and the British Journal of Surgery.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Skan's academic and professional journey is marked by numerous accolades. His educational achievements at Oxford are complemented by recognition for his teaching excellence, such as the Certificate of Merit from Whittington Hospital. His research presentations and posters have been well-received at various national and international conferences, showcasing his ability to contribute valuable insights to the medical community.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Skan has significantly influenced medical education and research. His efforts to improve clinical education through courses like 'Fantastic Bleeps and How to Field Them' have benefited numerous medical students nationally and internationally. His role in audits and quality improvement projects, such as improving UTI management through telemedicine, underscores his commitment to enhancing patient care and clinical practice.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Skan's legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and dedication to medical science and education. His ongoing Core Surgical Training and involvement in significant research projects position him to make further impactful contributions to the field. As a national committee member for We Are Donors, he also plays a vital role in promoting organ donation and transplantation education. Dr. Skan's future contributions are expected to continue shaping the landscape of medical education and surgical practice, benefiting both patients and the medical community at large.

 

Notable Publications

Examining medical students’ experience of gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment from clinical teachers at a UK medical school 2024