Saskia Vande Velde | Pediatric Gastroenterology | Best Scholar Award

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Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde | Pediatric Gastroenterology | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde, Ghent University Hospital, Belgiu

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde is a distinguished pediatrician specializing in pediatric gastroenterology at UZ Gent. She earned her MD from Ghent University in 2002 and completed specialist training in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology in Belgium and France. In 2013, she earned her PhD with research on faecal incontinence in spina bifida patients. Since 2020, she has led the pediatric gastroenterology department at UZ Gent and serves as associate professor (ZAP) at UGent. Dr. Vande Velde is an editorial board member, ESPGHAN workgroup member, and a prolific author in pediatric nutrition, motility, and hepatology. 🌍📚

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Academic & Professional Journey

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde has an extensive academic and clinical background in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology 👩‍⚕️. She began her studies in mathematics and sciences at Sint-Andreasinstituut, Brugge (1988–1994), followed by a medical degree at Ghent University, graduating with distinction in 2002 🎓. She specialized in pediatrics (2002–2007) and neonatology, later training in pediatric gastroenterology in Lille, France 🇫🇷. She earned a DIU in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in Paris (2008) and completed a PhD on faecal incontinence in spina bifida patients in 2013 📘. She became Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology in December 2020 and a faculty member at Ghent University 👩‍🏫

🏛️ Organizational Roles & Contributions

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde plays a pivotal role in numerous national and international organizations 🌍. She is a member of BeSPGHAN, VVK, ESPGHAN, and active in ESPGHAN’s EoE and EA workgroups, as well as ERNiCA 🤝. She has served as LOK chair (2009–2024), vice-chair of BeSPGHAN (since 2019), and editorial co-editor for Acta GastroEnterologica Belgica since 2023 📚. Her educational contributions include mentoring medical students, coordinating pediatric gastroenterology courses, and leading junior internship programs at Ghent University 🏫. She also served the Flemish Coeliac Association’s Medical Advisory Board and community outreach groups 💡

Awards

In February 2011, a notable achievement was recognized with the BeSPGHAN Prize 🏅 for a groundbreaking clinical approach in pediatric gastroenterology. The award-winning project focused on achieving anal pseudo-continence through colonic irrigations in patients with spina bifida 🧠🦴. This innovative method significantly improved the quality of life and dignity for affected children, offering a non-surgical, manageable solution to a complex condition. The success of this technique highlighted the importance of individualized, compassionate care and interdisciplinary collaboration 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️. The recognition by BeSPGHAN (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) underscored its impact in advancing pediatric gastrointestinal treatment.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde’s research centers on pediatric gastroenterology with a focus on gastrointestinal disorders in children, including eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) 🧬, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 🦠, neonatal cholestasis , and rare metabolic syndromes such as FARSA deficiency 🧪. Her work emphasizes diagnostic validation tools, such as the Toronto GI Cleaning Score 📊, microbiota-modulating therapies like human milk oligosaccharides , and genetic lipid disorders. She collaborates on multicenter studies across Europe and contributes significantly to ESPGHAN guidelines 📘. Her research bridges clinical care, molecular diagnostics, and translational pediatric hepatogastroenterology

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Saskia Vande Velde clearly demonstrates a distinguished academic, research, and leadership profile. Her international publications, clinical expertise, academic contributions, and community involvement make her an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award.

Publication Top Notes

  • Validation of the Toronto Upper Gastrointestinal Cleaning Score in Children
    📅 2025 | 📄 Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 
    🔍 Validated a scoring system for assessing upper GI mucosa visualization in pediatric patients.

  • Neonatal Cholestasis Progressing to a Multisystem Syndrome With Liver Cirrhosis in Two Siblings With FARSA Deficiency
    📅 2025 | 📄 JIMD Reports 
    🧬 First report of two siblings with FARSA deficiency leading to severe liver disease.

  • A Case of Paediatric Seasonal Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
    📅 2024 | 📄 Acta Gastroenterologica Belgica 
    🌼 Detailed a pediatric case of EoE with seasonal allergen triggers.

  • Bifidogenic Effect of Human Milk Oligosaccharides on Pediatric IBD Fecal Microbiota
    📅 2024 | 📄 Microorganisms
    🍼 Explored how HMOs positively influence gut microbiota in pediatric IBD.

  • Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children: An ESPGHAN Update
    📅 2024 | 📄 Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition | 📊 20 citations
    📘 Provided updated guidelines for diagnosing and managing pediatric EoE.

  • Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome: A Novel Mutation in the Lipoprotein Lipase Gene
    📅 2024 | 📄 Acta Gastroenterologica Belgica
    🧬 Identified a new LPL gene mutation causing severe hypertriglyceridemia.

  • Fatigue and Physical Activity Patterns in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    📅 2023 | 📄 Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition | 📊 2 citations
    🏃 Analyzed fatigue and activity levels in children with IBD.

I-Chen Wu | Gastroenterology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. I-Chen Wu | Gastroenterology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. I-Chen Wu, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan

Prof. Dr. I-Chen Wu is a distinguished physician-scientist and academic leader at Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), Taiwan. With over two decades of experience in gastroenterology and internal medicine, she currently serves as Associate Dean of KMU’s College of Medicine and Director of the Digestive Disease Center at KMUH. Her leadership roles span national medical societies and regulatory bodies, reflecting her impact on healthcare policy, clinical innovation, and education. Dr. Wu is widely recognized for her contributions to esophageal cancer management and smart endoscopy technology, earning numerous accolades for her research excellence and academic service. 🏅📚

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Wu earned her MD from National Taiwan University (1994–2001), laying the foundation for her clinical expertise. She pursued her PhD at the Graduate Institute of Medicine, KMU (2005–2008), specializing in medical sciences. Her academic journey expanded globally with a postdoctoral fellowship as a Visiting Scientist in Occupational Health at the Harvard School of Public Health (2009–2010). This robust educational background integrates local excellence and international experience, equipping her with interdisciplinary knowledge and a global perspective that underpin her clinical, academic, and research achievements. 🏥📖🌏

💼 Experience

Dr. Wu has held key academic and hospital positions, including Professor of Medicine at KMU and Chief of Gastroenterology at KMUH. Her clinical journey began in 2006 as an attending physician, and she progressed to leading digestive endoscopy and cancer management teams. She’s also served on KMUH’s Institutional Review Board and national advisory councils, including Taiwan’s FDA. Beyond hospital and academic roles, she has actively shaped professional societies related to endoscopy, neuroendocrine tumors, and gastric cancer. Her career demonstrates sustained commitment to clinical excellence, research leadership, and institutional development. 👩‍⚕️🏨📈

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Wu’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with numerous honors. These include the ASCO Merit Award (2015), National Innovation Award (2020), and Young Investigator Award (2014). She’s a recipient of multiple Excellent Poster Awards, KMU’s Outstanding Research Awards (2011–2022), and the Symbol of National Quality (SNQ) for her innovative cancer care model. In addition, she earned the Outstanding Teaching Award and the Collaborative Research Outstanding Scholar Award. These accolades reflect her dedication to pioneering research, impactful teaching, and the advancement of medical science. 🥇📜🏅

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Wu’s research centers on gastroenterology, with a particular emphasis on esophageal cancer, digestive endoscopy innovations, and multidisciplinary cancer care models. She integrates clinical practice with translational research, focusing on early detection, safety, and smart technologies like endoscope medical displays. Her public health work also spans occupational health, stemming from her time at Harvard. Her studies have influenced national guidelines and health technology standards in Taiwan. Through her cross-disciplinary projects, she continues to drive innovations in cancer management, patient care models, and drug safety. ⚕️🧫📊

Publication Top Notes

  • 🧪 Phyto-Sesquiterpene Lactones Prevent the Development of Multidrug Resistance in TNBC via ABC Transporters Inhibition and STAT3/MYC Signaling, Cancers, 2025

  • 💊 Cost-effectiveness of universal esophageal cancer screening for newly diagnosed oral cancer patients, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2024

  • 🔬 Computer-aided endoscopic diagnostic system modified with hyperspectral imaging for the classification of esophageal neoplasms, Frontiers in Oncology, 2024

  • 🧫 The multicenter real-world report of the efficacies of 14-day esomeprazole-based and rabeprazole-based high-dose dual therapy in first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication in Taiwan, Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2024

  • 🧠 Advancements in Hyperspectral Imaging and Computer-Aided Diagnostic Methods for the Enhanced Detection and Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer, [Journal Name Not Specified], 2024 – 2 citations.​

  • 🧪 A phase 1 study of biweekly nab-paclitaxel/ oxaliplatin/S-1/LV for advanced upper gastrointestinal cancers: TCOGT1216 study, Oncologist, 2024

 

Vatsalya Vatsalya | Hepatology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vatsalya Vatsalya | Hepatology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vatsalya Vatsalya, University of Louisville, United States

Dr. Vatsalya Vatsalya is a physician-scientist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Louisville, specializing in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. With robust training in medicine, clinical pharmacology, and mental health counseling, he bridges translational research and patient care. He has held key research and academic roles at the NIH and Louisville VA, focusing on alcohol-related liver disease and addiction medicine. Dr. Vatsalya also directs multiple clinical research initiatives and mentoring programs, contributing to clinical advancements and education in hepatology and addiction. He is a recognized leader and collaborator in national and global health research networks. 🌍🔬

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Vatsalya earned his M.D. from Odessa State Medical University, Ukraine, followed by a D.Sc.-equivalent postgraduate clinical curriculum in Preventive Healthcare in India. He completed dual Master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling (Fort Valley State University) and Health Promotion Management (American University, DC), with advanced clinical coursework in pharmacology and genomics at NIH. He also pursued graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Louisville. His education blends global medical training with U.S.-based clinical and public health expertise, equipping him with multidisciplinary skills in medicine, research, and behavioral health. 🩺📘🧠

💼 Experience

Dr. Vatsalya has served in diverse roles from Postdoctoral Fellow at NIH to Research Scientist and Faculty at the University of Louisville. He leads addiction and liver disease clinical research, directs NIH-funded trials, and contributes as Faculty at UofL’s Pharmacology and Toxicology department. His affiliations span the Robley Rex VA Medical Center, NIH, and several Louisville hospitals. With leadership in clinical trials and translational research, he also mentors medical scholars and national student programs. His work bridges behavioral health, gastroenterology, and precision medicine. 🧪🏥📊

🏅 Honors and Awards

Dr. Vatsalya is a recipient of the Hippocrates Award, NIH Fellowship, and multiple young investigator honors from APA, ISBRA, and SNIP. He was honored by NIH India Association and selected as a panelist at the National Academy of Sciences Global Diaspora Forum. His research has been featured in the Science magazine and director’s reports at NIAAA. Multiple co-authored projects received recognition at NIH research festivals. His work on alcohol and liver disease garnered media attention across healthcare and scientific news outlets globally. 🏆📰🌐

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Vatsalya focuses on alcohol-associated liver disease, addiction medicine, and psychopharmacology. His research integrates neurobiology, genomics, and clinical interventions to explore sex-based differences, fatty acid metabolism, and pharmacological modulation in alcohol use disorder and liver injury. He has contributed to the WHO ICD-11 classification of alcohol hangover, emphasizing disease classification and public health policy. Through translational studies and clinical trials, he develops innovative treatments for AUD and hepatic conditions. His interdisciplinary research aims to personalize medicine and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. 🧬🍷🧠

Publication Top Notes

  • 📉 Vulnerability for alcohol use disorder and rate of alcohol consumption – Cited by 154 (2017)

  • 🧬 Role of zinc in the development/progression of alcoholic liver disease – Cited by 87 (2017)

  • 🩺 Keratin 18 is a diagnostic and prognostic factor for acute alcoholic hepatitis – Cited by 65 (2020)

  • 🧪 Liver injury and endotoxemia in male and female alcohol‐dependent individuals – Cited by 63 (2017)

  • 🧠 Repurposing treatment of Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome for COVID-19 immune storm – Cited by 48 (2021)

  • 🍺 Sex, drinking history & fatty acids on liver injury in heavy drinkers – Cited by 44 (2016)

  • 🧠 Alcohol expectancies and impulsivity in alcohol self-administration – Cited by 41 (2016)

  • 🦠 Diagnostic techniques of infectious diseases: rural and urban perspective – Cited by 40 (2018)

  • 🔬 Intravenous alcohol on hepatic and gonadal hormones – Cited by 40 (2012)

  • 🧃 Lactobacillus GG therapy in moderate alcohol-associated hepatitis – Cited by 39 (2023)

Tony Shindano | Gastroenterology Award | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Tony Shindano | Gastroenterology Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tony Shindano, Catholic University of Bukavu, Congo

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tony Shindano Akilimali is a seasoned Consultant Gastroenterologist and Professor at the University of Bukavu, with 19 years of experience in the medical field. He holds a PhD and Master’s in Internal Medicine, specializing in Gastroenterology. Dr. Shindano is renowned for his expertise in gastrointestinal endoscopic explorations and managing common GI disorders. He has published extensively on hepatitis and viral infections, receiving accolades such as the Young Central Africa Investigator Award. Beyond medicine, he enjoys reading, music, and mentoring. Fluent in French, English, Swahili, and Lingala, Dr. Shindano is dedicated to advancing healthcare in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 🏥📚🌍

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Educational Background 

📚 Dr. Tony Shindano Akilimali’s educational journey commenced at the Imara Institute, where he obtained his primary and secondary education certificates. He then pursued his passion for medicine, earning his medical degree from the Catholic University of Bukavu in 2004. Dr. Shindano’s academic pursuit continued with an internship in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at the Université Catholique de Louvain from 2005 to 2007. Later, he furthered his expertise by completing a Master’s in Internal Medicine at the University of Kinshasa from 2007 to 2011. His academic pinnacle was achieved with a Doctoral Thesis in Medicine from the Université Catholique de Louvain between 2013 and 2017. 🏥🎓

 

Academic Qualification 

🎓 Dr. Tony Shindano Akilimali’s academic and professional qualifications reflect his dedication to advancing medical knowledge and expertise. He holds a PhD from the Université Catholique de Louvain, accompanied by a Certificate in Medical Science Research from the same institution. His journey also includes a Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine from the University of Kinshasa and specialized training in Gastroenterology from Université Catholique de Louvain. Dr. Shindano further honed his skills through an Advanced Endoscopy Training Course in Italy and international post-graduate training in hepato-gastroenterology in Morocco. His foundational medical degree was obtained from the Catholic University of Bukavu, solidifying his commitment to healthcare excellence. 🏥📚

 

Work Experience

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tony Shindano Akilimali’s professional journey spans nearly two decades, marked by significant roles in healthcare and academia. Since 2022, he has served as a Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bukavu (UCB), contributing extensively to medical education. Notably, in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he led as President of the scientific sub-commission for the South Kivu committee’s response against COVID-19. Prior to his professorship, he held positions as Assistant Professor and Lecturer at UCB, while simultaneously practicing as a Specialist in Hepato-Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Shindano’s leadership extends to administrative roles, including Deputy Medical Director and President of the local medical board. His diverse experience reflects his commitment to healthcare excellence and education. 🏥📚

Awards and Honors 

🏆 Dr. Tony Shindano Akilimali’s dedication and contributions to the field of medicine were recognized with the prestigious Young Central Africa Investigator Award. He received this honor at the 14th “Journées de Gastro-Entérologie d’Afrique Francophone” in 2011, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. This accolade highlights Dr. Shindano’s exceptional work and commitment to advancing gastroenterology research and healthcare in Central Africa. The award underscores his significant impact as a researcher and clinician, setting a standard for excellence and innovation in his field. 🌍👨‍⚕️

 

Research Focus

🔬 Dr. Tony Shindano Akilimali’s research focus primarily centers around viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C, as well as their co-infections with HIV. His extensive body of work includes systematic reviews, case reports, and studies exploring the prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies for these infectious diseases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, Dr. Shindano has contributed to understanding the impact of antiretroviral therapy on lipid profiles in HIV patients and investigating the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimes. Through his research, he aims to advance knowledge and improve healthcare outcomes in his region. 🦠🔍

 

Publication Top Notes 

Occult HBV reactivation induced by ibrutinib treatment: a case report – Cited by 47 – 2015 📖
📄Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health-care workers about viral hepatitis B and C in south Kivu– Cited by 33 – 2017 📖
📄 Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV in pregnant women in the community in the Democratic Republic of Congo – Cited by 28 – 2015 📖
📄 Hepatitis B virus infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a systematic review of prevalence studies (2000–2016) – Cited by 16 – 2018 📖
📄 Foetal ‘flat’bile acids reappear during human liver regeneration after surgery – Cited by 13 – 2009 📖
📄 Hepatitis C virus in sub-Saharan Africa: a long road to elimination – Cited by 10 – 2021 📖
📄 Genetic and phylogenic characterization of hepatitis B virus in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo – Cited by 7 – 2018 📖
📄 Nifuroxazide-induced acute pancreatitis: a new side-effect for an old drug? – Cited by 7 – 2007 📖
📄 Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV among Children 6 to 59 Months in the Community in the Democratic Republic of Congo – Cited by 5 – 2015 📖
📄 Changes of lipid profile and other biological parameters in people living with human immunodeficiency virus on highly active antiretroviral therapy in the General Referral … – Cited by 3 – 2020 📖