Rina Kansal | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Rina Kansal | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University at Buffalo | United States

Dr. Rina Kansal, M.D., is an accomplished physician-scientist with extensive expertise in molecular oncology, genetics, and hematopathology. She has served in diverse academic and clinical leadership roles at prestigious institutions including the University of Michigan, SUNY Buffalo, Medical College of Wisconsin, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, and the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin. Over her career, Dr. Kansal has combined clinical practice, laboratory diagnostics, and academic teaching with a strong emphasis on advancing precision medicine. Her contributions span across hematopathology, molecular pathology, and genetic testing, where she has played a pivotal role in integrating cutting-edge diagnostics into patient care. In addition to her clinical leadership, she has maintained continuous scholarly activity aimed at enhancing medical education and translational research. With certifications from the American Board of Pathology and the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, she exemplifies a career committed to advancing pathology and medical education.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Kansal’s medical education began at Maulana Azad Medical College, University of Delhi, India, where she earned her M.B.B.S. degree. She further strengthened her global qualifications by completing the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board Examination in the U.K. and achieving M.R.C.P. Part 1 certification in Internal Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh. After immigrating to the United States, she successfully cleared USMLE Steps 1 and 2, becoming certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. She completed her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at SUNY Buffalo and pursued advanced fellowships in oncologic pathology (Roswell Park Cancer Institute, hematopathology (University of Michigan, and molecular genetic pathology (UCLA. She is diplomate of the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic, Clinical, and Hematologic Pathology and holds certification in Molecular Genetic Pathology. she completed Medical Education Research Certification through the AAMC.

Experience

Dr. Kansal’s professional journey spans several decades, integrating academic, clinical, and administrative excellence. She began as an Instructor of Anatomy at Maulana Azad Medical College before transitioning to the United Kingdom as a Senior House Officer and Registrar. In the U.S., she advanced through residency and faculty positions, becoming Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo and later Director of Hematopathology and Flow Cytometry at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She gained further experience at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as Staff Hematopathologist and Visiting Scientist. At Penn State Hershey Medical Center, she served as Associate Professor of Pathology before joining Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin as Associate Medical Director of Molecular Oncology and Genetics. She has dedicated herself to scholarly pursuits, preparing for academic faculty advancement. Across these roles, she has contributed to medical education, research, and diagnostic innovation, mentoring students and improving laboratory practices.

Honors and Awards

Dr. Kansal’s distinguished career is marked by numerous certifications and recognitions reflecting her clinical expertise and commitment to lifelong learning. She is board-certified in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Hematopathology, and Molecular Genetic Pathology, with certifications spanning  through. Her global qualifications include medical certifications in India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, demonstrating her international professional standing. She holds the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (M.R.C.P.), certification from the General Medical Council (U.K.), and American Board diplomate status. Additionally, she earned the Medical Education Research Certification (MERC) from the American Association of Medical Colleges, underscoring her dedication to advancing medical pedagogy. While her formal accolades are primarily board certifications and professional recognitions, her honors are also reflected in the senior academic and leadership positions she has held across prominent medical schools and healthcare institutions, where she has been consistently recognized for her expertise and contributions.

Research Focus

Dr. Kansal’s research focus lies at the intersection of molecular oncology, hematopathology, and precision diagnostics. Her work emphasizes the use of molecular genetic pathology to better understand and classify hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and genetic disorders. Through her clinical and research roles, she has explored applications of molecular techniques such as cytogenetics, flow cytometry, and next-generation sequencing in diagnosing complex cancers. At UCLA, during her fellowship and subsequent research year, she contributed to advancing molecular diagnostics and translational research in cancer genomics. Her scholarly pursuits also extend into medical education research, reflected in her MERC certification, aiming to improve teaching methodologies for pathology and laboratory medicine. With expertise spanning multiple sub-specialties of pathology, Dr. Kansal has consistently worked to bridge laboratory innovations with clinical outcomes. Her ongoing academic interests include expanding the role of genomic testing in personalized medicine and integrating evidence-based approaches into pathology education and practice.

Publications

  • Research Progress in Hematological Malignancies: A Molecular Genetics Perspective

  • Rapid Whole-Genome Sequencing in Critically Ill Infants and Children with Suspected, Undiagnosed Genetic Diseases: Evolution to a First-Tier Clinical Laboratory Test in the Era of Precision Medicine

  • Is It Time to Assess T Cell Clonality by Next-Generation Sequencing in Mature T Cell Lymphoid Neoplasms? A Scoping Review (Journal of Molecular Pathology)

  • The Placement of Auer Rods as a Single Diagnostic Criterion for the Highest-Risk Category of Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Single-Institution Study and Critical Analysis

  • The CRISPR-Cas System and Clinical Applications of CRISPR-Based Gene Editing in Hematology with a Focus on Inherited Germline Predisposition to Hematologic Malignancies

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Rina Kansal stands as a highly accomplished physician, educator, and researcher with an exceptional record of achievement in pathology, molecular genetics, and oncology. Her career trajectory, spanning continents and premier academic institutions, reflects her adaptability and dedication to advancing patient care through innovation in diagnostics and medical education. With board certifications in multiple sub-disciplines of pathology and extensive experience in both clinical practice and research, she has continually contributed to the evolution of precision medicine. Her educational achievements, professional leadership roles, and continuous pursuit of scholarly activities underscore her commitment to excellence. Beyond her clinical and academic expertise, Dr. Kansal’s focus on teaching, mentoring, and advancing medical education distinguishes her as a leader preparing the next generation of pathologists. Her career exemplifies the integration of scientific rigor, clinical expertise, and dedication to advancing healthcare through research, diagnostics, and education.

Dr. Xinyu Zhang | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xinyu Zhang | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Sichuan University West China Hospital|China

Zhang Xinyu is a young clinician-scientist dedicated to advancing cardiovascular medicine through a blend of rigorous clinical training and translational research. Currently a doctoral candidate in cardiology at the West China School of Medicine and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Zhang is pursuing cutting-edge investigations into immune mechanisms and metabolic regulation underlying heart disease. His career journey reflects both intellectual versatility and academic excellence. Having obtained dual undergraduate degrees in Medicine and English Language and Literature at Sichuan University, Zhang combines clinical acumen with strong communication skills, which have enabled him to contribute effectively to international scientific dialogue. His fast-tracked admission to graduate studies—bypassing competitive entrance examinations—highlights his outstanding academic record. As a master’s student, Zhang deepened his expertise in clinical cardiology before transitioning seamlessly to doctoral research, where he has published in top-tier journals, including the European Heart Journal and Journal of Nuclear Cardiology. Zhang’s oral presentations at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress and China Heart Congress demonstrate his recognition at both national and global levels. His ongoing research focuses on T-cell regulation, genetic cardiomyopathies, and multimodality cardiac imaging, positioning him as a promising researcher bridging basic science and clinical application in cardiology.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Zhang Xinyu’s academic journey reflects consistent excellence across clinical medicine and interdisciplinary learning. His formal education at Sichuan University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree alongside a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. This rare dual-degree pathway enriched his clinical training with strong analytical and communication skills, preparing him for participation in international academic exchanges. His exemplary academic performance earned him direct admission to graduate school without the national entrance examination, a privilege reserved for top-ranking students. Zhang completed his Master of Clinical Medicine in Cardiology at West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University. During this period, he was immersed in both clinical practice and research, gaining exposure to cardiomyopathies, imaging, and heart failure studies. His work as a master’s student laid the foundation for high-impact publications and international conference participation. Zhang was again granted direct doctoral admission, entering the PhD program in Cardiology at the same institution. His current research employs advanced methods such as single-cell RNA sequencing to study immune dysregulation in dilated cardiomyopathy, with a broader aim of developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular disease.

Experience

Zhang Xinyu’s professional and research experience reflects a balance between clinical cardiology and translational science. During his undergraduate MBBS studies at Sichuan University, he underwent rigorous clinical rotations across multiple departments, gaining broad exposure to patient care. His dual degree in English also enhanced his ability to engage with international medical literature and research collaborations. As a master’s student in cardiology Zhang engaged deeply with clinical case studies, advanced diagnostic imaging, and rare cardiomyopathies, leading to several publications in peer-reviewed journals. He contributed to the identification of unique presentations, such as mitochondrial cardiomyopathy and transthyretin-related amyloidosis, with findings published in journals like the European Heart Journal and Journal of Nuclear Cardiology. Currently, as a doctoral candidate in cardiology, Zhang’s work focuses on immunometabolic regulation and novel biomarkers in dilated cardiomyopathy. He has presented original research at international forums, including the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress and China Heart Congress, where his work on immune dysregulation and perioperative predictors of heart dysfunction attracted significant attention. Through these combined clinical, research, and academic experiences, Zhang has developed a strong expertise at the interface of patient care and cardiovascular research, shaping his career as an emerging physician-scientist.

Honors and Awards

Zhang Xinyu’s academic excellence and contributions to cardiology research have been consistently recognized through prestigious awards and honors. He is a recipient of the Sichuan University Second-Class Scholarship for both his master’s and doctoral studies, acknowledging his outstanding academic performance, research productivity, and leadership among peers. These scholarships reflect consistent placement within the top ranks of students in one of China’s leading medical schools. Zhang was awarded the “Outstanding Graduate Student” honor at Sichuan University, an accolade reserved for individuals who have demonstrated excellence in both academic achievements and contributions to scientific advancement. During his PhD, he successfully passed the Doctoral Mid-Term Academic Assessment with excellence, underscoring his strong research progress and academic rigor. Earlier, during his master’s program Zhang was similarly recognized with Second-Class Scholarships, awarded annually based on superior academic records, research output, and engagement in scholarly activities. These awards reflect not only Zhang’s sustained academic and clinical excellence but also his ability to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of cardiology. They also highlight the recognition he has earned from both faculty and peers as a promising physician-scientist and future leader in cardiovascular medicine.

Research Focus

Zhang Xinyu’s research lies at the intersection of cardiac immunology, cardiomyopathy, and advanced imaging. His doctoral work investigates the role of immune dysregulation in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a specific focus on CD4+ T-cell imbalance and CAMK4-driven glycolytic regulation. By applying cutting-edge single-cell RNA sequencing, Zhang aims to uncover molecular pathways that could serve as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for disease progression. Another dimension of his research involves novel biomarkers of immune regulation, particularly the role of PTPN22 in effector memory T-cell function. These findings have clinical relevance for improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting patient outcomes in DCM. Beyond immune mechanisms, Zhang has contributed to research on rare genetic and metabolic cardiomyopathies, including mitochondrial disorders and transthyretin amyloidosis. His studies demonstrate how multimodal imaging techniques such as Tc-99m PYP and MDP scintigraphy can detect early disease and guide management. Zhang is also engaged in perioperative and long-term outcomes of mitral valve surgery patients, with implications for surgical risk stratification and post-operative care. Through this multifaceted approach, Zhang’s research aims to bridge bench-to-bedside translation, combining molecular discovery with clinical application to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in complex cardiovascular diseases.

Publications

  • Multiple liver abscesses caused by Streptococcus intermediusHepatobiliary Surgery and Nutrition

  • Left ventricular hypertrophy with cardiomyocyte atrophy and extensive interstitial fibrosis: a mitochondrial cardiomyopathy – European Heart Journal

  • Tc-99m PYP scintigraphy identified multi-organ disease associated with transthyretin Phe64Ser mutation – Journal of Nuclear Cardiology

  • Serial Tc-99m MDP scintigraphy demonstrating increasing cardiac uptake over time in light-chain cardiac amyloidosis – Journal of Nuclear Cardiology

  • CD4+ T Cell Subsets and PTPN22 as Novel Biomarkers of Immune Dysregulation in Dilated Cardiomyopathy – International Journal of Molecular Sciences