Thomas Birdwell, DPM, FACFAS, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at Temple University. He specializes in foot and ankle care, emphasizing compassionate patient treatment and informed decision-making. His clinical focus includes surgical reconstruction of deformities, trauma management, and diabetic limb salvage. Dr. Birdwell advocates for hands-on education of students and residents, aiming to advance foot and ankle care through clinical training. His research interests span Lower Extremity Reconstructive Surgery Trauma Infection Limb Salvage Charcot Neuroathropathy . At Temple University, he teaches the graduate course P253 Perioperative Protocol and maintains board certifications in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Dr. Farida Cheriet is a Full Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering and Software Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal . She serves as Director of the 4D Imaging and Vision Laboratory (LIV4D) and holds membership in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute for Data Valorization (IVADO) . Her research spans medical imaging , biomedical technology , artificial vision , and 3D movement estimation . Ph.D. (Montreal), DEA (France), Ing. (Algeria) Her work focuses on interpretable AI models for retinal pathology diagnosis, 3D anatomical reconstruction from medical imaging, and automated segmentation of vascular and spinal structures. She leads innovations in deep learning applications for diabetic retinopathy screening, coronary artery analysis , and spine surgery planning . Recent publications highlight her leadership in computer vision for biomedical applications, with 15 featured articles covering ICU readmission prediction, retinal vessel analysis, dental crown design, and spinal ultrasound processing. She received CFI funding (2021) for cutting-edge facilities and collaborates on pan-Canadian ophthalmic image databases (2018). Dr. Cheriet has supervised 28 Ph.D. students and 46 Master's students in biomedical computing, including projects on scoliosis analysis, retinal imaging, and cardiac MRI. Her teaching includes digital communications and computer graphics courses.
Marinko Sarunic is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Engineering Science , Simon Fraser University . He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and has been recognized as a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar . His research focuses on biomedical imaging , particularly optical coherence tomography (OCT) , microscopy , and low-coherence interferometry , with applications in diabetic retinopathy , Alzheimer’s disease , and age-related macular degeneration . Dr. Sarunic's work spans adaptive optics , deep learning , and sensorless OCT systems , emphasizing clinical translation and open-source software development (e.g., OCTAVA ). His Google Scholar publications highlight multimodal imaging , vascular heterogeneity analysis , and AI-driven diagnostics for retinal diseases. His contributions include the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar award. Though not currently teaching courses, his collaborations and leadership in retinal imaging and medical device innovation are pivotal for advancing non-invasive diagnostics in neurodegenerative and diabetic conditions .
Dr. Emma C. Koesters is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. She specializes in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with a focus on breast reconstruction, extremity reconstruction, and lymphatic surgery. As Co-director of Keck Medicine's Lymphedema Program, she offers specialized surgical interventions for lymphedema, a common complication of breast cancer treatment. Dr. Koesters received her medical degree from the Weill Cornell College of Medicine, where she was first exposed to reconstructive surgery. She completed an integrated plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and pursued additional fellowship training in supermicrosurgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center to focus on physiologic surgery for lymphedema. Her research interests span multiple areas of reconstructive surgery: Breast Reconstruction: Including DIEP flap surgery, immediate device reconstruction, and sensory restoration through neurotization Lymphedema Surgery: Focusing on immediate lymphatic reconstruction and developing effective resources for patients Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: Investigating outcomes predictors and free flap techniques Microsurgical Considerations: Studying vascular steal phenomenon, effects of preoperative hemoglobin, and timing of radiation therapy Autoimmune Disease Management: Exploring flap-based reconstruction in patients with autoimmune conditions Dr. Koesters' publication record demonstrates a strong focus on practical clinical applications that improve patient outcomes. Her recent work examines the role of GLP-1 agonists in surgical patients, insurance coverage impacts on lymphatic reconstruction, and the development of prognostic tools like the Smile Index for cleft palate severity. She emphasizes a comprehensive approach to women's health and breast cancer reconstruction, using advanced microsurgical techniques to tailor procedures to individual patient needs. Her scientific contributions include: Developing the Smile Index as a prognostic severity scale for unilateral cleft palate Investigating the relationship between preoperative hemoglobin levels and microsurgical outcomes Examining the optimal timing for free flap reconstruction following radiation therapy Advocating for the value of reconstructive surgeons in academic medical centers Dr. Koesters believes in working closely with patients to understand their individual goals and optimize postoperative outcomes. She states: "I believe in a comprehensive approach to women's health and breast cancer reconstruction. I use the latest tools available in microsurgery to tailor surgery to each patient's needs and not only restore, but enhance quality of life. Every patient's journey is unique, and I strive to be a long-term partner and advocate for all my patients."
Professor Steven McPhail is a leading academic in health systems innovation and health services research at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds dual roles as Director of the Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) and the Centre for Healthcare Transformation. His research focuses on improving healthcare delivery through evidence-based strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations. He has secured over $120 million in competitive research funding and published over 300 peer-reviewed articles. His work influences global health policy, cited by organizations like the WHO, World Bank, and OECD. Education: PhD (University of Queensland) and Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Queensland). Research interests include health economics, telemedicine, and diabetes-related complications. His recent studies explore opioid use in spinal cord injury, cost-effectiveness of medical interventions, and mobile health applications for chronic disease management. He supervises doctoral and master’s students in health services research and clinical epidemiology. Labs/Teams: Leads AusHSI and the Centre for Healthcare Transformation. Collaborates internationally on improving care quality and reducing healthcare costs. Current projects focus on virtual hospitals, clinical decision support systems, and global vaccination trends. His work emphasizes patient-centered care and health equity.
Professor Wendy Brown is a leading academic surgeon at Monash University, serving as Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. She is based at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where she holds multiple leadership roles, including Director of the Oesophago-Gastric-Bariatric Unit, Program Director of Surgical Services at Alfred Health, Clinical Director of the Australia and New Zealand Bariatric Surgery Registry, and Clinical Lead of the Victorian Upper GI Cancer Registry. Her educational background includes an MBBS (Hons), PhD from Monash University, and fellowships FRACS and FACS. She has held numerous national and international leadership positions in surgical societies and guideline development bodies. Professor Brown’s research is centered on bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgery, with a focus on improving patient outcomes, understanding the physiology of weight loss, and advancing surgical techniques. Her work spans clinical trials, registry development, robotic surgery, and health policy. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and leads multiple funded research projects. Her recent scholarly output shows a strong trend in patient-centered outcomes, surgical innovation (especially robotic systems), cancer survival analysis, and national registry development. Her work increasingly integrates real-time patient-reported outcomes and digital health tools to enhance clinical care quality. Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) Past President, Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand Past President, Australia & New Zealand Gastro Oesophageal Surgery Association Member, Lancet Commissioners Report on Obesity (2022–2023) Contributor, NHMRC Obesity Management Guidelines (2023) Professor Brown has advised and collaborated with numerous researchers and surgical teams. She has led major research grants, including the Bi-national Bariatric Surgery Registry and projects funded by Johnson & Johnson and the Australian Department of Health. She is a Primary Chief Investigator on multiple active national studies focused on perioperative care, robotic surgery, and cancer outcomes. She has served on assessment teams for the Australian Medical Council and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, contributing to surgical education and accreditation. She leads the Centre for Obesity Research and Education and is deeply involved in national policy through roles on the Victorian Perioperative Consultative Council, Medicare Review Advisory Committee, and Safer Care Victoria working groups. Her leadership extends to global initiatives, including the Global Registry Committee and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.
Professor Yalin Zheng is a faculty member at the University of Liverpool, specializing in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and medical image analysis with applications in ophthalmic imaging. They hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southampton (2003) and have held research roles at King's College London and Medicsight PLC prior to joining Liverpool in 2008. Research interests focus on developing AI-driven solutions for eye disease diagnosis and management, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal imaging. Their work integrates deep learning and novel imaging technologies like optical coherence tomography (OCT) for applications in ophthalmology and cardiology. Recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize AI techniques for OCTA vessel segmentation, corneal analysis, and cardiovascular risk prediction. They have secured significant research grants from organizations including the Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, and Procter & Gamble. Teaching roles include modules in Clinical Imaging and Applications (MSc) Ophthalmology Clinical Imaging (Module Co-ordinator) Medical Image Processing Professional activities include editorial roles in BMJ Open Ophthalmology (Associate Editor) Nature Scientific Reports (Editorial Board Member) and invited presentations on automated segmentation and ophthalmic imaging technologies.
Dr. Susan Coulson is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Health Sciences, with expertise in neurological rehabilitation, particularly facial nerve disorders. She holds a PhD in Physiotherapy and has over 20 years of clinical and research experience in improving outcomes for patients with facial paralysis. She currently leads the Master of Physiotherapy Program and is an acting Course Director. Education: PhD (Physiotherapy), University of Sydney MAppSc (Exercise & Sport Science) BAppSc (Physiotherapy) Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education) Research Interests: Dr. Coulson focuses on facial nerve rehabilitation, neuroplasticity, and the psychosocial impact of facial disorders. Her work includes developing treatment protocols for synkinesis, oral competence, and smile rehabilitation. She co-founded the Sydney Facial Nerve Service, a multidisciplinary initiative addressing facial nerve injuries from cancer, Bell's palsy, and developmental causes. Publications: Her research spans facial nerve assessment tools, botulinum toxin therapy, and telemedicine applications in facial paralysis care. Recent work explores oral competence measures and pelvic floor rehabilitation post-cancer surgery. Awards: Early Career Research Excellence Support Award (2008) Tempe Mann Award (2005) Australian Postgraduate Award (2002) Teaching/Grants: Dr. Coulson coordinates units in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, professional practice, and cultural competence. She has led grants on facial nerve neuroplasticity and observational learning techniques. Her team's projects include investigating cortical changes via fMRI in facial paralysis recovery. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Sydney Facial Nerve Service and collaborates with the Neurological Rehabilitation Research Group. She also contributes to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum Group in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Anas Alani, MD is an Assistant Professor in both Medicine and Radiology at the School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. His academic career spans cardiovascular medicine with a strong emphasis on advanced imaging techniques and coronary pathophysiology. Dr. Alani's research interests focus on: Cardiovascular imaging using computed tomography Coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis Diabetes-related cardiovascular complications Valvular heart disease and interventions Cardiovascular risk assessment in special populations Extra-coronary calcification patterns His scholarly work demonstrates expertise in applying advanced imaging modalities to understand cardiovascular pathophysiology and improve diagnostic accuracy. Dr. Alani has contributed significantly to the field of coronary plaque characterization, positive remodeling in smokers, and the application of CT angiography in various clinical scenarios including diabetes, HIV, and metabolic syndrome. Dr. Alani's publication record shows consistent productivity since 2013, with 24 publications through 2024. His work frequently appears in high-impact cardiology and radiology journals including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, American Journal of Cardiology, and JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. His research demonstrates methodological rigor with extensive use of CT angiography, intravascular ultrasound, and other advanced imaging techniques to quantify coronary plaque characteristics. Dr. Alani is currently serving as Principal Investigator for a clinical trial titled "Effect of Tirzepatide on progression of coronary atherosclerosis using MDCT" sponsored by Eli Lilly & Co. (2025-2026), indicating ongoing active research in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. His work frequently collaborates with Dr. Matthew Budoff and other cardiovascular imaging experts, contributing to multicenter studies including the DCCT/EDIC Research Group and Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.
Rasmus Nielsen is a Professor at the University of Copenhagen, specifically affiliated with the Globe Institute and the Section for Geogenetics. His research spans evolutionary genetics, population genetics, and computational genomics with a focus on both human and non-human species. He maintains an active research profile with numerous high-impact publications in leading scientific journals. Professor Nielsen's research interests center around evolutionary and population genetics, with particular expertise in ancient DNA analysis, statistical methods for genomic data, and phylogenetics. His work bridges computational biology with empirical data from diverse species, including humans, plants, and other organisms. He has made significant contributions to understanding human evolutionary history, population structure, and the genetic basis of adaptation. His research also extends to medical genomics, particularly in understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits and diseases. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on methodological development in genomic analysis, with papers appearing in top-tier journals like Nature , Science , and Nature Reviews Genetics . His work shows consistent engagement with both theoretical and applied aspects of genetics, spanning human evolutionary history, medical genomics, and plant evolutionary biology. The research output reveals a collaborative approach, with frequent co-authorship across multiple institutions and disciplines. As a Professor at the University of Copenhagen's Globe Institute, Nielsen leads research within the Section for Geogenetics, which focuses on evolutionary and population genetics using cutting-edge genomic approaches. The section maintains strong connections with both computational and empirical research groups, facilitating interdisciplinary work that spans from methodological development to application in diverse biological contexts.
Ramzi Moucharafieh is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at European University Cyprus. He has held academic positions at St Georges University Hospital and Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon, and previously served as Associate Professor of Orthopaedics at American University of Beirut (1991-2005). Orthopedic Surgery Hand and Microvascular Surgery Hip Fracture Research His research focuses on reconstructive techniques for extremities, including nerve transfers, free tissue transfer, and microsurgical approaches to diabetic foot salvage. Recent work examines hip joint morphology and femoroacetabular impingement through computed tomography. Moucharafieh has published extensively on lower extremity reconstruction, bone fracture risk assessment, and surgical innovations. His 2021 study on hip joint space analysis and 2020 review on nerve transfers highlight his clinical expertise. Professor's Medal Lecture (1991), Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital G.K. Rose Award for Biomechanics (1991), Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital As an editorial reviewer for journals like Injury and The Journal of Hand Surgery European , he contributes to orthopedic research evaluation. He has also served as a lecturer at international microsurgery and orthopedic conferences since 2000.
Kenneth W. Donohue, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor at Yale University's School of Medicine , affiliated with the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation . He specializes in shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand surgery , with dual fellowships in shoulder & elbow surgery and hand surgery , and additional training in advanced elbow surgery at Mayo Clinic. His clinical focus includes rotator cuff repair , shoulder replacement , and upper extremity trauma . Georgetown University (MD, Physiology MS) Drexel University (Orthopedic Residency) Cleveland Clinic (Shoulder & Elbow Fellowship) Baylor College of Medicine (Hand Surgery Fellowship) Mayo Clinic (Advanced Elbow Surgery) Dr. Donohue's research explores shoulder arthroplasty , patient-specific implant design , and outcomes in diabetic surgical patients , with recent studies on semaglutide's impact on surgical outcomes . He emphasizes nonoperative treatment and patient-specific approaches in his clinical practice. His work is published in leading journals including The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and JSES International . Dr. Donohue actively contributes to Yale's 3D Collaborative for Medical Innovation , integrating medical device design into clinical applications. He is board-certified in Hand Surgery (Orthopedics) and Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Brian J. Song, MD, MPH, FACS is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). He serves as the Director of Education and Residency Program Director in the Department of Ophthalmology at USC, as well as the Glaucoma Fellowship Director. Dr. Song is also the telehealth champion and physician quality champion for the USC Roski Eye Institute. Dr. Song specializes in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma, including advanced laser treatments, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and cataract surgery. His research interests focus on evaluating new methods to improve glaucoma detection, particularly through telemedicine applications. He is actively working with collaborators to investigate novel approaches for evaluating optic nerve and blood flow abnormalities in glaucoma using advanced ultrasound and vascular imaging techniques. His extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on glaucoma diagnostics, imaging technologies, healthcare disparities, and innovative treatment approaches. Recent work has explored AI applications in glaucoma education, ultrasound stimulation of the visual cortex, and teleretinal screening programs for glaucoma detection. Dr. Song has conducted National Institutes of Health-sponsored research evaluating glaucoma detection methods for diabetes patients and has presented his findings nationally and internationally. His scientific contributions include coauthoring the American Glaucoma Society Position Paper on Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery. Emerging Vision Scientist Award from the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research Coauthor of American Glaucoma Society Position Paper: Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery As Director of Education and Residency Program Director, Dr. Song plays a key role in training the next generation of ophthalmologists at USC. His work with telehealth initiatives demonstrates a commitment to expanding access to quality eye care. Dr. Song joined the USC Roski Eye Institute in 2019 after growing up in Houston, TX, and previously working in New Jersey.
Dr. Henry C. Hsia is a Professor of Surgery (Plastics) at Yale School of Medicine and Founding Director of the Yale Regenerative Wound Healing Center. He specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery with a focus on innovative wound healing therapies. His research bridges clinical practice and basic science, emphasizing translational approaches to address complex wounds. Education: B.A., Harvard University (Biology & Anthropology, 1990) M.D., Yale University School of Medicine (1996) Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital (Surgery, 1999–2002) Postdoctoral Fellowship: Princeton University (Molecular Biology, NIH-funded, 2005) Research Interests: Dr. Hsia investigates biological mechanisms of wound healing, including roles of extracellular matrix, fibroblast heterogeneity, and macrophage interactions. His lab develops biomaterials (e.g., alginate hydrogels, collagen scaffolds) and cell-based therapies to enhance regenerative outcomes. Key themes include: Biomedical engineering for wound care Impact of lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, diet) on healing Translational strategies for diabetic and chronic wounds Grants & Collaborations: Leads multidisciplinary initiatives at Yale and VA Connecticut Healthcare System. Collaborates with experts in biomedical engineering (e.g., Valerie Horsley, Themis Kyriakides) and clinical teams to advance therapies. Labs/Teams: Directs the Yale Regenerative Wound Healing Center, fostering collaborations between surgeons, bioengineers, and immunologists to accelerate clinical translation.
Sevim Ayça Seyyar is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University . She specializes in vitreoretinal surgery, choroidal imaging, and diabetic eye complications. Education: Medical specialization, Gaziantep University (2014-2018); Medical degree, Kocaeli University (2007-2013) Research Interests: Diabetic retinopathy, macular hole surgery, OCT angiography, familial mediterranean fever ocular effects, and retinal vascular density assessment Her recent publications focus on vitamin D implications in meibomian gland dysfunction, choroidal vascularity in autoimmune disorders, and novel intraocular surgical techniques . She has pioneered methods reducing postoperative positioning requirements. Scientific Contributions : Co-authored book chapter: Current Approaches to Vitreoretinal Interface Diseases (2024) Published 46 national/international articles, including in Graefe's Archive and Retina journals Participated in 22 international/national research initiatives, including the RBS-AMD-III study She has taught 51 undergraduate courses at Gaziantep University, including systemic diseases and ocular manifestations , pediatric ophthalmology , and uveitis , while advising multiple postgraduate theses.
