Phyu Aung | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States

Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Pathology (Dermatopathology Section) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT-MDACC). She earned her Medical Degree from the Institute of Medicine, Rangoon, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology from Hiroshima University, Japan. Dr. Aung completed her residency at the National Cancer Institute/NIH and a fellowship in Dermatopathology at Boston Medical Center. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications, ten book chapters, and eight research grants, she is a leading expert in cancer biology, melanocytic neoplasms, and Merkel cell carcinoma. An executive member of multiple pathology societies and a frequent invited speaker, Dr. Aung also serves as the Director of the Oncologic Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program, mentoring over 100 national and international trainees.

Education:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

Institution: Institute of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar

Duration: 1995 – 2002

Degree: MBBS (MD)

Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology

Institution: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan

Duration: 2003 – 2006

Degree: Ph.D. (Molecular Pathology)

Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Institution: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

Duration: 2006 – 2009

Field: Research in Molecular Pathology

Pathology Residency

Institution: National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA

Duration: 2009 – 2012

Specialization: Anatomic Pathology / Laboratory of Pathology

Dermatopathology Fellowship

Institution: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

Duration: 2012 – 2014

Specialization: Dermatopathology

Professional Profiles:

ORCID Profile

Google Scholar

Professional Experience:

Professor, Pathology (Sep 2024–Present)

Serving as a senior faculty member at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, contributing to research, diagnostics, and medical education in pathology.

Director, Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program (Jul 2019–Present)

Leading the Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program, overseeing training, curriculum development, and mentorship.

Associate Professor, Pathology (Sep 2019–Aug 2024)

Conducted research in pathology, particularly focusing on cancer diagnostics and histopathology.

Assistant Professor, Pathology (Jul 2014–Aug 2019)

Contributed to pathology education, clinical diagnostics, and research at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Associate Director, Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program (Jul 2018–Jun 2019)

Assisted in managing the Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program, ensuring high-quality training for future pathologists.

Top Notable Publications:

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosing Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN): Practical Recommendations and Insights from Countries of the Gulf Cooperation

Authors: N Bakshi, A Al Hejazi, H Al-Maghraby, A Al Mugairi, AS Alotaibi, et al.

Journal: Cancers 17 (2), 221, 2025

Genomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Digital Papillary Adenocarcinomas Reveals Alterations in Matrix Remodeling and Metabolic Genes

Authors: EC Bayraktar, PP Aung, P Gill, G Shen, V Vasudevaraja, Z Lai, et al.

Journal: Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, 2025

Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum-Like Features in Poroma: An Unusual Morphologic Pattern of Poroma or True Synchronous Occurrence of 2 Distinct Neoplasms?

Authors: M Alsawas, FF Muhaj, PP Aung, P Nagarajan, WC Cho

Journal: The American Journal of Dermatopathology 46 (12), 871-874, 2024

Dual PD-L1/SOX10 Immunohistochemistry Combined With Digital Imaging Enhances Stratification Accuracy of Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Authors: J Pineda-Reyes, SK Arudra, PP Aung, P Nagarajan, JL Curry, M Tetzlaff, et al.

Journal: The American Journal of Surgical Pathology 48 (12), 1551-1556, 2024

Approach to Mycosis Fungoides in Children: Consensus-Based Recommendations

Authors: A Zvulunov, H Neale, J Stern, P Santaguida, AB Stein, M Koh, et al.

Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 91 (6), 1078-1085, 2024

Recommended Guidelines for Screening for Underlying Malignancy in Extramammary Paget’s Disease Based on Anatomic Subtype

Authors: N Kibbi, JL Owen, B Worley, M Alam, JX Wang, V Harikumar, et al.

Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2024

MTAP and p16 IHC as Markers for CDKN2A/B Loss in Meningiomas

Authors: HI Ozkizilkaya, A Vinocha, A Dono, OB Ogunbona, GA Toruner, PP Aung, et al.

Journal: Cancers 16 (19), 3299, 2024

Utility of Next-Generation Sequencing in the Diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Report

Authors: S Turcios Escobar, R Yang, KC Nelson, JE Gershenwald, H Tawbi, et al.

Journal: Journal of Cutaneous Pathology 51 (9), 644-648, 2024

The Secret Life of Junior Pathologists: Challenges and Future Directions

Authors: DH Kwon, M Taherian, DR Milton, P Iaeger, K Chin, PP Aung

Journal: Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 148 (7), 836-845, 2024

Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma: The Detection of Low-Risk Human Papillomaviruses and the BRAF p.V600E Mutation in a Subset of Cases

Authors: F Chen, P Nagarajan, PP Aung

Journal: Dermatopathology 11 (3), 177-183, 2024

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung stands out as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her significant contributions to cancer research, her leadership in advancing clinical applications, and her global impact make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition. Her work continues to shape the future of oncology, improving patient outcomes and influencing cancer research worldwide. Therefore, Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung’s research excellence and broad-reaching impact make her an outstanding nominee for this award.

Bikila Balis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bikila Balis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bikila Balis, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Mr. Bikila Balis is a highly skilled and results-oriented health professional with a strong focus on improving maternal and child health. He has made significant contributions to public health through his work at Gimbi Public Hospital and as a proactive lecturer and researcher at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With over 8 years of experience, Mr. Balis has secured four research grants for projects on COVID-19 vaccines, child vaccines, diarrhea, and maternal and child health.

Education:

Higher Diploma Program (HDP), Haramaya University (2021-2022)

Expected Completion Date: July 1, 2022

Achievements: Certificate

Language of Instruction: English

Field of Study: Maternity and Neonatal Nursing

Role: Assistant Professor

Master of Science (MSc), Haramaya University (2018-2019)

Expected Completion Date: August 2, 2019

Major: Maternity and Neonatal Nursing

Achievements: GPA of 3.92

Language of Instruction: English

Bachelor of Science (BSc), Haramaya University (2011-2014)

Expected Completion Date: July 10, 2014

Major: Midwifery

Achievements: GPA of 3.75

Language of Instruction: English

Entrance and Matric, Amuru High School and Preparatory, Ethiopia (2007-2010)

Achievements: Certificates

Language of Instruction: English

Professional Profiles:

Scopus Profile

Professional Experience:

Currently, Mr. Balis is coaching 8 BSc research projects and 5 Master’s theses while teaching various courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University. He also holds the position of freshman program coordinator at the college, enhancing the academic experience for new students. His dedication to both teaching and research makes him a valuable asset to the health sector and academia in Ethiopia.

Top Notable Publications:

Systemic and meta-analyses of diabetic retinopathy and its care-related predictors after diabetic mellitus treatment initiation in Ethiopia

Authors: Motuma, A., Birhanu, A., Regassa, L.D., Mohammed, F., Mussa, I.

Published in Endocrine and Metabolic Science, 2025, 17, 100209

Association between the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes among mothers in eastern Ethiopia

Authors: Getachew, T., Tura, A.K., Dheresa, M., Regassa, L.D., Eyeberu, A.

Published in Heliyon, 2024, 10(24), e40941

Further analysis of determinants of Pentavalent and Measles immunizations dropouts among children under five years of age in Ethiopia from Mini-EDHS 2019

Authors: Tolera, M., Birhanu, A., Regassa, L.D., Balis, B., Mussa, I.

Published in BMC Health Services Research, 2024, 24(1), 1527

Knowledge, perceived needs of continuous professional’s development, and associated factors among healthcare workers in East Ethiopia: a multi-health facility-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Yadeta, T.A., Mohamed, A., Behir, K., Debella, A., Letta, S.

Published in BMC Medical Education, 2024, 24(1), 497

Diarrheal disease and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Oda Bultum District, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Getachew, Z., Asefa, N., Gashaw, T., Regassa, L.D., Mussa, I.

Published in BMC Infectious Diseases, 2024, 24(1), 303

Prevalence and adverse outcomes of twin pregnancy in Eastern Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Getachew, T., Negash, A., Debella, A., Shiferaw, K., Eyeberu, A.

Published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2024, 24(1), 169

Utilization of continuous professional development among health professionals in East Ethiopia: a multi-health facility-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Yadeta, T.A., Mohammed, A., Alemu, A., Balis, B., Letta, S.

Published in BMC Medical Education, 2024, 24(1), 61

Predictor of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: a case-control study

Authors: Dufera, T., Dheresa, M., Dingeta, T., Balis, B., Balcha, T.

Published in International Health, 2024, 16(4), pp. 438–445

Trend, prevalence and predictors of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Balis, B., Bekele, H., Hunde, A.D., Abdisa, L., Lami, M.

Published in International Health, 2024, 16(4), pp. 371–379

Patterns of basic pneumococcal conjugated vaccine coverage in Ethiopia from 2015 to 2018; further analysis of Ethiopian DHS (2016–2019)

Authors: Gamachu, M., Mussa, I., Deressa, A., Balis, B., Demissie Regassa, L.

Conclusion:

Mr. Balis’ extensive community involvement, both academically and professionally, makes him a standout candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions have had a tangible impact on healthcare and public health in Ethiopia, demonstrating his holistic approach to improving health systems.