Phyu Aung | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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.

Rehan Shakeel | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rehan Shakeel | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rehan Shakeel, University of the Punjab, Pakistan

Mr. Rehan Shakeel is a dedicated public health professional and educator currently serving as a Visiting Lecturer in Epidemiology at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. He specializes in teaching epidemiological principles, research methods, and biostatistics to undergraduate students, utilizing engaging techniques to enhance learning. Mr. Shakeel holds an M.Phil. in Public Health from the University of the Punjab, with expertise in epidemiology, health economics, biostatistics, and health policy.

Education

Mr. Rehan Shakeel, affiliated with the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, has a strong academic foundation in public health and data analytics. He completed an M.Phil. in Public Health at the University of the Punjab, where his coursework encompassed a diverse range of subjects, including Epidemiology, Research Methodology, Health Economics, Biostatistics, Environmental and Occupational Health, Health Policy and Management, and Health Promotion. These areas equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of public health systems and strategies to address health-related challenges effectively. Additionally, he enhanced his expertise in data analysis by attending a specialized course in Data Analytics at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) from September 24, 2024, to October 31, 2024, in Lahore, Pakistan. This combination of public health knowledge and analytical skills positions him to contribute effectively to research and policy development in the health sector.

Professional Profiles

ORCID Profile

Professional Experience

Mr. Rehan Shakeel
University of the Punjab, Pakistan
Current Position: Epidemiology Lecturer (Visiting)
University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan (27/09/2024 – Present)

Teaching epidemiological principles and methods to bachelor’s students.

Using engaging techniques such as disease etiology, types of studies, biostatistics, and epidemiology.

Actively engaging students in classroom discussions, group activities, quizzes, and tutorials to enhance understanding.

Designing and evaluating assessments (quizzes, tests, assignments) to measure student comprehension and critical thinking.

Providing constructive feedback to improve student performance.

Collaborating with faculty to maintain curriculum consistency and meet course objectives.

Attending departmental meetings and contributing to course improvement efforts.

Participating in academic conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on epidemiological research and teaching methods.

Assistant Chief Technical Officer
Chughtai Lab, Lahore, Pakistan (05/10/2019 – Present)

Managing and overseeing technical operations within the laboratory.

Ensuring high standards of laboratory procedures and quality control.

Supervising staff and coordinating activities to ensure smooth laboratory functioning.

Assisting in troubleshooting complex laboratory tests and maintaining equipment.

Unit In-Charge (Medical Lab Technologist)
Al-Abeer Medical Group, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (18/12/2012 – 15/09/2019)

Led a medical laboratory unit, ensuring efficient operation and high standards of service delivery.

Supervised laboratory staff, ensuring proper training and adherence to protocols.

Managed laboratory resources and maintained accurate records for tests and results.

Laboratory In-Charge
Hijaz Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan (05/05/2010 – 30/11/2012)

Oversaw daily laboratory operations, ensuring accurate diagnostic test results.

Coordinated with medical staff to facilitate timely patient care.

Managed inventory and ensured the proper functioning of laboratory equipment.

Assistant Technologist
Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan (01/01/2008 – 30/04/2010)

Assisted in various laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.

Maintained laboratory records and ensured compliance with health standards.

Medical Technologist Trainee
Shalamar Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan (01/01/2006 – 18/12/2007)

Gained hands-on experience in various laboratory techniques and medical procedures.

Assisted in performing diagnostic tests and managing patient samples.

Research Interests

Epidemiological Research: Investigating disease patterns, causes, and risk factors in populations. This could include the study of infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, or emerging health threats in specific populations.

Health Policy and Management: Exploring how health policies impact public health outcomes, and how health systems can be optimized to improve access to care, cost-effectiveness, and population health.

Biostatistics: Applying statistical methods to analyze public health data, and using these insights to inform decisions in healthcare, policy-making, and disease prevention.

Health Promotion: Designing and assessing interventions aimed at promoting health behaviors, preventing disease, and improving community health outcomes.

Environmental and Occupational Health: Examining the impact of environmental and workplace exposures on health, and exploring solutions to mitigate health risks associated with these factors.

Global Health Issues: Conducting research on the health challenges facing different regions, particularly low-resource settings, and exploring effective interventions and policies.

Public Health Education: Investigating ways to improve public health education to empower communities to take control of their health and well-being.

Top Notable Publications

Title                           : Healthcare and economic burden of adverse childhood experiences in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors                    : Rehan Shakeel, Muhammed Navid Tahir, Nauman Ali Ch, Assia Riaz
Journal                      : Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health
Year of Publication: 2024
DOI                             : 10.1016/j.cegh.2024.101772
Contributors            : Rehan Shakeel, Muhammed Navid Tahir, Nauman Ali Ch, Assia Riaz

Conclusion

Mr. Rehan Shakeel shows significant promise as a researcher and is well-suited for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful contributions to healthcare research, particularly in the area of adverse childhood experiences. His work holds the potential to influence public health policies and provide solutions to pressing healthcare challenges. By expanding his research scope, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and focusing on practical interventions, Mr. Shakeel could further strengthen his contributions to the healthcare field and continue to have a meaningful impact.