Elisa Placidi | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Elisa Placidi | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS |Italy

Dr. Elisa Placidi is a distinguished researcher in medical physics and interventional radiotherapy, with a strong publication record reflected in 785 citations, an h-index of 16, and 26 i10-index publications. Her research focuses on advancing modern brachytherapy, improving dosimetric accuracy, and integrating innovative technologies such as 3D-printed applicators and image-guided systems. She has contributed extensively to studies evaluating the dosimetric impact of air gaps in high-dose-rate contact radiotherapy for non-melanoma skin cancers, the transition from PDR to HDR techniques for head and neck tumors, and the development of multilayer, high-density shielding applicators for personalized treatment. Her work also includes retrospective comparisons of HDR brachytherapy versus VMAT and electron beam therapy, investigations into patient-reported outcomes in nasal vestibule treatments, and characterization of plastic scintillator detectors for in vivo dosimetry. In her clinical role as a medical physicist, she supports treatment planning and optimization for external beam and interventional radiotherapy, contributing to high-precision cancer care. Complementing her clinical and research activities, she is involved in quality assurance and the academic training of future professionals in physics and radiological safety.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Rosa, E., Fionda, B., Vaccaro, M., Placidi, E., Lancellotta, V., Napolitano, A., Pastore, F., Greco, F., Dragonetti, P., La Milia, M. C., et al. (2025). Dosimetric impact of air gaps in high-dose-rate contact interventional radiotherapy (modern brachytherapy) for non-melanoma skin cancer of the ear. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(21).

van Noortwijk, R., Kroon, P., Kastelijns, M., Jürgenliemk-Schulz, I., Verduijn, G., Kolkman-Deurloo, I.-K., Tagliaferri, L., Fionda, B., Placidi, E., Al-Mamgani, A., et al. (2025). A review on the transition from PDR to HDR brachytherapy (interventional radiotherapy) for treatment of head and neck cancer: Clinical and practical aspects. Brachytherapy.

Rosa, E., Raponi, S., Fionda, B., Vaccaro, M., Napolitano, A., Lancellotta, V., Pastore, F., Ciasca, G., Siebert, F.-A., Tagliaferri, L., et al. (2025). Intensity-modulated interventional radiotherapy using 3D-printed applicators with multilayer geometry and high-density shielding materials for NMSC treatment. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 15(10).

Rosa, E., Raponi, S., Fionda, B., Vaccaro, M., Lancellotta, V., Napolitano, A., Ciasca, G., Bannoni, L., Cornacchione, P., Tagliaferri, L., et al. (2025). 3D-printed devices in interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) applications: A literature review. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 15(6).

Tagliaferri, L., Manfrida, S., Fionda, B., Dinapoli, N., Barbaro, B., De Luca, V., Placidi, E., Bertolini, R., Marazzi, F., Lancellotta, V., et al. (2025). High-tailored anal canal radiotherapy (HIT-ART): Long-term results of MR image-guided interventional radiotherapy boost. Brachytherapy.

Placidi, E., Fionda, B., Rosa, E., Lancellotta, V., Napolitano, A., De Angeli, M., Ciasca, G., Pastore, F., Gambacorta, M. A., Tagliaferri, L., et al. (2024). Retrospective dosimetric comparison of HDR interventional radiotherapy versus planning with VMAT and electron beam therapy for non-melanoma skin cancer treatment. Applied Sciences, 14(22).

Tagliaferri, L., Sciurti, E., Fionda, B., Loperfido, A., Lancellotta, V., Placidi, E., Parrilla, C., La Milia, M. C., Rosa, E., Rigante, M., et al. (2024). PRO-NOVELTY: Patient-reported outcomes in nose vestibule interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(16).

Herreros, A., Pérez-Calatayud, J., Ballester, F., Abellana, R., Neves, J., Melo, J., Moutinho, L., Tarrats-Rosell, J., Serrano-Rueda, S., Tagliaferri, L., et al. (2024). Characterization of plastic scintillator detector for in vivo dosimetry in gynecologic brachytherapy. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 14(3).

Kalei Hering | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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

Harvard Medical School | United States

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 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