Kifah Hussain | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kifah Hussain | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Northwestern University | United States

Dr. Kifah Hussain is a highly accomplished cardiologist specializing in advanced cardiovascular imaging and cardiovascular disease, currently completing a fellowship in Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago. He previously completed a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at University of Chicago (Endeavor Health – Northshore) and an Internal Medicine residency at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County. Dr. Hussain earned his medical degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, India, and holds multiple board certifications, including Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Cardiology, and Adult Echocardiography. With a prolific research portfolio comprising over 30 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and abstracts, Dr. Hussain’s work focuses on echocardiography, cardiac CT imaging, transcatheter valve interventions, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac amyloidosis, and AI-driven cardiovascular diagnostics. He has presented extensively at national and international conferences, contributed as a peer reviewer for JACC journals, and served as a mentor for cardiology fellows. Recognized for his academic and clinical excellence, he has received awards including the ASE Top 50 Early Career Investigators, multiple ACC and ASE travel and research grants, and departmental honors. Dr. Hussain’s contributions encompass over 17 documents, with an h-index of 7 and more than 123 citations. His work continues to advance cardiac imaging, structural heart interventions, and precision cardiology, reflecting a commitment to innovative research, clinical excellence, and education.

Profiles : Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Hussain, K., Lee, K., Balasubramanian, S.S., Singh, L., Vyas, N., Hussain, F., Wathen, L., Ricciardi, M.J., Leipsic, J., Rogers, C., et al. (2025). “Prognostic value of coronary CTA-based AI plaque quantification in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.” European Journal of Radiology.

Hussain, K., Saleh, D., Tang, M., Garcia, C., Kislitsina, O., Meng, Z., Baldridge, A., Puthumana, J.J., Cremer, P.C., Rigolin, V.H., et al. (2025). “Effect of Mavacamten on serial speckle-tracking strain in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.” Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

Lee, K., Hussain, K., Ding, C., Tarchala, D., Rosenberg, J., Pursnani, A. (2025). “Utility of multimodality imaging in superior anomalous pulmonary venous return with inferior sinus venosus defect.” JACC: Case Reports.

Hussain, K., Lee, K., Minga, I., Wathen, L., Balasubramanian, S.S., Vyas, N., Singh, L., Shetty, M., Rosenberg, J.R., Levisay, J.P., et al. (2025). “Real-world application of CCTA with CT-FFR for coronary assessment pre-TAVI: the CT2TAVI study.” The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging.

Hussain, K., Sam, R., Patel, R., Nso, N., Singh, L., Nazari, J., Rosenberg, J., Metzl, M., Wasserlauf, J. (2024). “Impact of moderate sedation on electrophysiology lab time for left atrial appendage occlusion using 4D-intracardiac echocardiography.” Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.

 

Elena Stamate | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Elena Stamate | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Dunarea de Jos of Galati | Romania

Dr. Stamate Elena is an accomplished Romanian cardiologist, educator, and researcher whose career bridges the domains of clinical cardiology, academic teaching, and medical innovation. Serving as both an Assistant Lecturer and a practicing Cardiology Resident Doctor, she is recognized for her contributions to advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular medicine. Her work, particularly in cardiogenic shock prediction and the integration of artificial intelligence in cardiology, has earned her a respected position in Romania’s medical and academic community. She is an active member of the Romanian College of Physicians and the Romanian Society of Cardiology, actively engaging in scientific discourse at both national and international levels.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Stamate earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați. Her academic training provided a solid foundation in general medicine and clinical sciences, which she has since built upon through advanced research in cardiology, physiology, and multidisciplinary approaches to complex cardiac conditions. As a PhD student, she continues to deepen her expertise, focusing on predictive modeling, cardiovascular pathophysiology, and AI-assisted diagnostics.

Experience

Professionally, Dr. Stamate has held dual roles that complement each other—Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Morphological and Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, and Cardiology Resident Doctor at University Emergency Hospital Bucharest. In her academic role, she is dedicated to teaching cardiology and physiology to medical students, coordinating scientific research activities, and mentoring future physicians. In the clinical setting, she provides specialized care for patients with acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, often managing complex and high-risk cases. Her experience spans both hospital-based interventions and academic research, enabling her to integrate evidence-based medicine into real-world practice.

Research Interest

Dr. Stamate’s research interests lie at the intersection of cardiology, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling. She has extensively studied cardiogenic shock in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, focusing on early detection and risk stratification using AI-based predictive models. Her work also explores big data applications in cardiology, personalized treatment approaches, and the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing complex cardiac cases. Additionally, she has contributed to research on infective endocarditis, myocardial infarction, intracardiac hemodynamics, and AI applications in forensic medicine, reflecting her versatility and interdisciplinary mindset.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Stamate has been honored for her academic and research excellence at multiple scientific conferences. She has received awards for best presentations, including first prize at the Galmed Congress for her case-based study on myocardial infarction, as well as recognition for her contributions to doctoral research conferences. Her publications in high-impact, Q1-ranked journals such as Journal of Clinical Medicine, Diagnostics, and Antibiotics further underscore her influence in the field. She has been invited as a lecturer at numerous cardiology conferences and interdisciplinary medical events, sharing her expertise on topics ranging from anticoagulation in pregnancy to updates in cardiogenic shock management.

Publications

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2025). “Dynamic Predictive Models of Cardiogenic Shock in STEMI: Focus on Interventional and Critical Care Phases” in Journal of Clinical Medicine .

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2025). “AI-Based Predictive Models for Cardiogenic Shock in STEMI: Real-World Data for Early Risk Assessment and Prognostic Insights” in Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Iancu, D., Fulga, A., Vesa, D., Fulga, I., Tutunaru, D., Zenovia, A., Piraianu, A.-I., Stamate, E., Sterian, C., Dimofte, F., et al. (2025). “Immunosuppression and Outcomes in Patients with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck” in Clinics and Practice.

Ciobotaru, O.C., Duca, O.-M., Ciobotaru, O.R., Stamate, E., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Constantin, G.B., Matei, M.N., Voinescu, D.C., Luchian, S.-A. (2024). “Hydatid Cysts of the Psoas Muscle: Insights from the Past Five Years” in Life (Cited by 1).

Copciag, R., Bratu, V., Rimbas, R., Stamate, E., Lixandru, T., Corlan, A., Vinereanu, D. (2025). “Comparative Reproducibility of Myocardial Work and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients After an Acute Coronary Syndrome” in Preprint .

Ciobotaru, O.C., Stamate, E., Stoleriu, G., Duca, O.M., Piraianu, A.-I., Ciobotaru, O.R. (2024). “The Early Stage Adenocarcinoma of the Gallbladder Incidentally Diagnosed” in Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Through her integrated roles as a physician, educator, and researcher, Dr. Stamate Elena exemplifies the modern clinician-scientist who bridges patient care with academic excellence and technological innovation. Her contributions to predictive cardiology, particularly the application of AI and big data in early diagnosis and personalized therapy, position her as a forward-thinking leader in her field. With her commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine, fostering medical education, and embracing multidisciplinary collaboration, she continues to shape the future of cardiology in Romania and beyond.

Rabea Asleh – Cardiology and cardiovascular research – Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Rabea Asleh - Cardiology and cardiovascular research - Best Researcher Award 

Hadassah University Medical Center - Israel

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Rabea Asleh's academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases. Beginning with his Bachelor's degree in Medical Science from the Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, Prof. Asleh demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, graduating summa cum laude. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology, where he delved into the complexities of diabetic cardiovascular disease under the guidance of Professor Andrew P. Levy. This phase culminated in a groundbreaking thesis elucidating the mechanisms behind the interaction between the haptoglobin polymorphism and diabetic cardiovascular disease, accompanied by a prolific publication record.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Asleh's professional journey has been marked by a commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine through clinical practice, research, and education. Following his postdoctoral fellowship at the Laboratory of Vascular Medicine, Technion Faculty of Medicine, he embarked on a journey of medical training, including residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure, and Interventional Cardiology. Notably, he honed his expertise at prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Hospital, acquiring comprehensive skills in clinical care and research methodologies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Asleh's research interests encompass a wide array of topics crucial to understanding and managing cardiovascular diseases. His investigations range from elucidating the role of gut microbiota in heart failure pathogenesis to exploring mechanisms of myocardial inflammation and heart failure development. Noteworthy areas of focus include cardiac allograft vasculopathy, cardiovascular disease in malignancy (cardio-oncology), and the interplay between diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular health. His pioneering work on haptoglobin genotype and HDL dysfunction has significantly contributed to our understanding of cardiovascular risk stratification.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Asleh's contributions to cardiovascular medicine have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Wolf Prize for Excellence in Research and the Melvin L. Marcus Young Investigator Award from the American Heart Association. His research grants from prestigious institutions such as the Israel Science Foundation and AstraZeneca underscore the significance of his work and its potential impact on patient care.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Asleh's research has left an indelible mark on the field of cardiovascular medicine, shaping clinical practice and guiding future research endeavors. His discoveries have not only advanced our understanding of disease mechanisms but also paved the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a dedicated clinician-scientist and educator, Prof. Asleh's legacy extends beyond his research accomplishments. His mentorship of medical students and involvement in academic activities exemplify his commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Moving forward, Prof. Asleh remains poised to make further breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine, leveraging his expertise and passion to address unmet clinical needs and drive innovation in the field.

Citations

  • Citations   3705
  • h-index       28
  • i10-index    58

Aneta Aleksova – Medicine/Cardiology – Women Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Aneta Aleksova - Medicine/Cardiology - Women Researcher Award 

University of Trieste - Italy

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc Prof Dr. Aneta Aleksova embarked on her academic journey with a degree in Medicine from the "SS Cyril and Methodius" University in Skopje, Macedonia, in 2003. Recognized by the University of Trieste in Degree in Medicine and Surgery, her academic excellence continued with a specialization in Cardiology from the University of Trieste in 2008. Furthering her expertise, she pursued an II level International Master in cardiovascular pathologies, spanning universities in Trieste, Ljubljana, and Graz from 2003 to 2005. Notably, her academic pursuits culminated in a II level Master in Clinical Competence in Intensive Cardiological Care from the University of Florence in 2012-2013, where she earned the highest honors (Vote 110/110 cum laude).

Professional Endeavors

Assoc Prof Dr. Aleksova's professional journey is marked by a diverse array of roles and responsibilities. She began as a Guest Doctor at the Cardiovascular Department "Ospedali Riuniti," Trieste, engaging in clinical research activities. Her expertise evolved as she assumed roles such as Cardiologist Intensivist at the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit at Giuliano Isontina University Hospital and Assistant Professor at the University of Trieste. Over time, she ascended to the position of Associate Professor, specializing in Diseases of the Cardiovascular System.

Contributions and Research Focus On Medicine/Cardiology

Assoc Prof Dr. Aleksova's research focus spans various domains within cardiology, including dilated cardiomyopathy, autoimmune disorders, and the impact of metabolic-nutritional factors on myocardial infarction prognosis. She has been instrumental in several observational prospective cohort studies, exploring novel diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for end-stage heart failure and acute myocardial infarction.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Assoc Prof Dr. Aleksova has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions. Noteworthy among these is the Award in Cardiology from the Triestina Medical Association for her impactful work on the impact of atrial fibrillation on patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. She has also been recognized for her leadership in research projects, securing funding and grants for projects aimed at advancing cardiovascular medicine.

Impact and Influence

Assoc Prof Dr. Aleksova's impact extends beyond her research contributions. As an educator, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of medical professionals, serving as a tutor, mentor, and lecturer across various academic programs. Her expertise in simulated medicine has enhanced training in emergency medicine, contributing to the preparedness of medical professionals in handling cardiac emergencies.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Assoc Prof Dr. Aleksova's legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to cardiovascular medicine, spanning research, education, and clinical practice. Her commitment to advancing knowledge and improving patient outcomes underscores her dedication to the field. As she continues her academic pursuits and professional endeavors, her future contributions are poised to further elevate the standards of cardiovascular care and inspire future generations of medical professionals.

Citations

  • Citations   1496
  • h-index       22
  • i10-index    40