Alexander Iliev

Alexander Iliev, PhD is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology at the Medical University - Sofia, Medical Faculty. He has been serving in this capacity since June 14, 2016, having previously worked as an Assistant at the same institution from February 2012 to June 2016. In addition to his position at Medical University - Sofia, Dr. Iliev serves as an honorary lecturer at both New Bulgarian University (since 2016) and Sofia University (since 2024).

Dr. Iliev's educational background includes:

• Specialist in Anatomy, Histology and Cytology (2014-2017) from Medical University - Sofia
• Educational and scientific degree "Doctor of Medicine" (2014-2016) from Medical University - Sofia
• Master - Doctor of Medicine (2005-2011) from Medical University - Sofia
• High school education at Natural-Mathematical High School "Vasil Levski", Smolyan (2000-2005)

Dr. Iliev's research interests focus on anatomical variations, cardiac and renal pathology, hypertension-related changes in organs, and microscopic analysis of tissue structures. His work frequently examines the morphological changes in the heart and kidney under hypertensive conditions, with particular attention to microcirculatory alterations, mast cell involvement, and growth factor expression. His research employs various microscopic techniques including light microscopy, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry to analyze tissue structures at different levels of detail.

Analysis of Dr. Iliev's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on cardiovascular and renal pathology, particularly examining hypertension-induced damage to these organs. His work often employs rat models to study age-related and hypertension-related changes in cardiac and renal tissues. A significant portion of his research investigates microcirculatory changes, mast cell distribution, and growth factor expression in hypertensive conditions. Dr. Iliev also maintains a strong interest in anatomical variations, particularly in the upper extremities, which has clinical implications for surgical procedures.

Dr. Iliev has received recognition for his work, including:

• Award for young scientist named after Academician Asen Hadzhilov for significant contributions to scientific and teaching activities in the field of fundamental sciences (2018)

As an active educator, Dr. Iliev teaches courses in Histology (CELB010), Human Anatomy (CELB300), and Seminar: Histology (VIRB513). He has been involved in teaching students from the Medical Faculty, Dental Medicine Faculty, and Pharmacy Faculty at Medical University - Sofia, as well as students from Medical College - Sofia. His teaching responsibilities include preparing and delivering exercises, reports, lectures, conducting practical exams, colloquiums, seminars, tests, and consultations with students.

Dr. Iliev is an active member of the scientific community, serving as a reviewer for the International Journal of Anatomical Variations since 2017 and for Cureus since 2017. He is also a member of the Bulgarian Anatomical Society (since 2012) and the Bulgarian Medical Union (since 2012).