Huiling Chen | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiling Chen | Oncology | Best Researcher Award 

Physician | Lanzhou University | China

Dr. Huiling Chen is a distinguished physician and researcher at The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, recognized for her significant contributions to the field of hematologic malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Her research primarily focuses on advancing evidence-based therapeutic strategies through systematic reviews and meta-analyses that inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. As the lead investigator and corresponding author of a comprehensive meta-analysis published in the Annals of Hematology, Dr. Chen evaluated the efficacy and safety of venetoclax plus azacitidine regimens in relapsed or refractory AML, providing vital insights into their clinical utility and identifying combination chemotherapy as a promising approach for improving remission outcomes. Her expertise lies in clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, and the design and interpretation of complex data in oncology research. Through collaborations with multidisciplinary teams across national and international institutions, she has contributed to multicenter studies that bridge gaps between clinical research and real-world applications. Her scholarly work exemplifies a commitment to scientific rigor, innovation, and translational relevance, with her findings influencing the direction of future clinical trials and treatment paradigms for high-risk AML populations. Dr. Chen’s research efforts aim to optimize therapeutic interventions, enhance personalized treatment planning, and advance precision medicine in hematology. Beyond her academic accomplishments, she upholds a strong dedication to mentoring and fostering collaborative research environments that encourage cross-institutional partnerships and scientific dialogue. Her contributions embody the integration of analytical excellence, clinical insight, and humanitarian vision, underscoring her role as a leader shaping the future of hematologic cancer research and its impact on global health.

Profile: ORCID 

Publications

1. Chen, H., Li, X., Gao, L., Zhang, D., & Han, T. (2022, August). Construction and identification of an immortalized rat intestinal smooth muscle cell line. Neurogastroenterology & Motility.

2. Chen, H., Ren, X., Xu, S., Zhang, D., & Han, T. (2022, July). Optimization of lipid nanoformulations for effective mRNA delivery. International Journal of Nanomedicine.

3. Chen, H., Han, T., Gao, L., & Zhang, D. (2022, January). The involvement of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor in inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research.

4. Chen, H., Zeng, P., & Zhang, D. (2020, February). Haemophagocytic syndrome triggered by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with t(9;22)(p24; q11.2). Journal of International Medical Research.

Meng Li | Clinical Medicine | Best Medical Scientist Award

Mr. Meng Li | Clinical Medicine | Best Medical Scientist Award 

professor | Dandong Central Hospital | China

Dr. Meng Li currently serves as a Teaching Secretary and Professor of General Surgery at China Medical University and is also affiliated with Dandong Central Hospital, the largest Grade-A general hospital in the Liaodong region. She earned her Ph.D. in Oncology from China Medical University, one of the leading medical universities in China. Her primary research focuses on digestive tract tumor surgery, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, gastrointestinal oncology, and the comprehensive treatment of malignant tumors. Over the years, Dr. Li has contributed significantly to the medical research community, publishing seven SCI/Scopus-indexed papers, including works on predictive models for intraabdominal infections after radical gastrectomy, gene signatures in hepatocarcinoma prognosis, and gut microbiota’s role in urological cancers. Her research has accumulated over 47 citations and has advanced understanding in cancer surgery and molecular oncology. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the First Prize of the Liaoning Province Science and Technology Progress Award in 2023. Dr. Li actively participates in collaborative projects, including two National Natural Science Foundation programs, and holds memberships in several professional bodies such as the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and the Chinese Pancreatic Disease Society. She also serves as an Editorial Board Member of the Cancer Research Journal (CRJ), a guest editor for two scientific journals, and a review editor for others, reflecting her strong commitment to scientific advancement and peer review excellence. Her long-term goal is to deepen molecular insights into cancer and improve clinical outcomes through innovative surgical research. He has 213 citations from 17 documents with an h-index of 7.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Feng, Y., Yang, J., Li, M., Tang, L., Sun, S., & Wang, Y. (2024). A Bayesian network for simultaneous keyframe and landmark detection in ultrasonic cine.

2. Li, Z.-W., Wu, J.-T., Bi, Y., Li, M.-M., Naseem, A., Pan, J., Guan, W., Hao, Z.-C., Kuang, H.-X., & Chen, Q.-S. (2024). A new triterpenoid saponin and a new natural saponin from the roots of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd.

3. Yu, X., Feng, B., Wu, J., & Li, M. (2024). A novel anoikis-related gene signature can predict the prognosis of hepatocarcinoma patients.

4. Yu, X., Tang, W., Bai, C., Li, R., Feng, B., Wu, J., Guo, X., Chen, H., & Li, M. (2024). A predictive model for intraabdominal infection after radical gastrectomy in elderly patients.

5. Li, M., Zhang, X., Chen, K., Miao, Y., Xu, Y., Sun, Y., Jiang, M., Liu, M., Gao, Y., & Xue, X. (2024). Alcohol exposure and disease associations: A Mendelian randomization and meta-analysis on weekly consumption and problematic drinking.

Dana Chase | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dana Chase | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of California| United States

Dr. Dana M. Chase is a distinguished gynecologic oncologist whose career integrates clinical excellence, academic leadership, and impactful research. As an associate professor and fellowship program director, she has significantly advanced women’s cancer care through innovative research, particularly in ovarian, cervical, and uterine malignancies, with her findings widely published in leading journals and presented at major international conferences. Her academic training and subspecialty expertise provide a strong foundation for her role in bridging clinical practice with evidence-based research, while her leadership in mentoring fellows and trainees highlights her dedication to education. Dr. Chase has also been recognized with numerous awards for patient care, teaching, and research, underscoring her influence across multiple domains. Beyond academia, she contributes actively to community engagement and patient advocacy, further broadening the reach of her work. With a clear commitment to advancing gynecologic oncology and inspiring future researchers, she stands out as an exemplary candidate for recognition.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile

 

Education

Dr. Dana M. Chase has pursued a comprehensive and rigorous educational path that laid the foundation for her distinguished career in gynecologic oncology. She began her academic journey with an undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies, followed by postbaccalaureate premedical studies that strengthened her scientific background. She then earned her medical degree, which was followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, where she gained extensive clinical training and developed a strong interest in women’s health and oncology. Building upon this, she completed a highly specialized fellowship in gynecologic oncology, where she refined her expertise in managing complex gynecologic cancers and gained advanced skills in both research and clinical practice. This blend of humanities, medical training, and subspecialty fellowship has enabled her to combine a compassionate, patient-centered approach with scientific rigor. Her educational background not only shaped her clinical and research capabilities but also prepared her for leadership in academic medicine.

Experience

Dr. Dana M. Chase has built an impressive professional career that spans academic medicine, clinical practice, and research leadership in gynecologic oncology. She has served in key academic roles, including assistant, associate, and full professorships at leading medical institutions, where she has combined teaching, mentorship, and program development with advancing cancer care. As a fellowship program director, she has guided the training of future specialists, emphasizing innovation, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care. Clinically, she has held positions as a gynecologic oncologist across major hospitals and cancer centers, where she provided advanced surgical and medical management for women with complex cancers. Her leadership extends beyond the clinic into research, with active participation in national and international collaborations, presentations at major conferences, and contributions to peer-reviewed publications. Recognized for her excellence in teaching, patient care, and research, Dr. Chase’s professional journey highlights her as a dedicated physician, educator, and influential researcher.

Research Interest

Dr. Dana M. Chase’s research interests center on advancing the understanding and treatment of gynecologic cancers, with a strong focus on ovarian, cervical, and uterine malignancies. She is particularly committed to exploring novel therapeutic approaches, including the integration of targeted therapies and innovative clinical trial designs that aim to improve patient survival and quality of life. Her work also extends to studying the role of the vaginal microbiome, inflammation, and genetic factors in cancer development and progression, highlighting her interest in precision medicine and translational research. Dr. Chase has been actively involved in collaborative projects that bridge laboratory science with clinical applications, ensuring that discoveries translate into tangible benefits for patients. Additionally, she is passionate about survivorship research, patient advocacy, and educational outreach, which complement her scientific contributions by addressing the holistic needs of women with cancer. Her research embodies a vision of innovation, collaboration, and improved patient outcomes.

Award and Honor

Dr. Dana M. Chase has received numerous awards and honors that reflect her excellence in research, teaching, clinical care, and leadership in gynecologic oncology. Early in her career, she was recognized with prestigious research and presentation awards from leading professional organizations, acknowledging her contributions to advancing the understanding and management of gynecologic cancers. She has earned accolades such as merit and travel awards from oncology foundations, humanitarian and teacher of the year honors, and recognition for outstanding research papers and clinical presentations. Her commitment to patient care has also been highlighted through physician recognition awards and consistent listings among top doctors in major medical publications. These distinctions not only demonstrate her academic and clinical achievements but also underscore her influence as a mentor, educator, and advocate. Collectively, her awards and honors signify a career dedicated to innovation, excellence, and service, establishing her as a respected leader in women’s health and oncology.

Research Skill

Dr. Dana M. Chase possesses a wide range of research skills that reflect her expertise in gynecologic oncology and her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in women’s cancer care. She is highly skilled in designing and conducting clinical trials, particularly those exploring new therapeutic strategies, targeted treatments, and survivorship outcomes. Her ability to integrate translational research with clinical applications demonstrates proficiency in bridging laboratory findings with patient-centered interventions. She has extensive experience in data analysis, interpretation of complex clinical outcomes, and dissemination of results through peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations. Additionally, she is adept at developing collaborative research initiatives, both nationally and internationally, fostering multidisciplinary partnerships that enhance the scope and impact of her work. Her research skills extend beyond technical expertise to include mentorship, as she effectively guides trainees and junior researchers in developing their scholarly work. Collectively, these strengths underscore her role as a capable and innovative researcher.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Navigating complexities of polymorphic microbiomes in endometrial cancer
Authors: Dana M. Chase, et al.

Title: Real-world post-2020 first-line maintenance treatment patterns in patients with advanced ovarian cancer in the US
Authors: Dana M. Chase, et al.

Title: Quality-adjusted time without symptoms of disease progression or toxicity of treatment in patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer treated with dostarlimab plus carboplatin-paclitaxel versus carboplatin-paclitaxel
Authors: Dana M. Chase, et al.

Title: Treatment patterns and outcomes by mismatch repair/microsatellite instability status among patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer in the United States
Authors: Dana M. Chase, et al.

Title: Clinical Trial Screening in Gynecologic Oncology: Defining the Need and Identifying Best Practices
Authors: Dana M. Chase, et al.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Chase is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, as her contributions demonstrate excellence in clinical care, education, and translational research. Her leadership in advancing gynecologic oncology, dedication to training the next generation of specialists, and consistent engagement in impactful research reflect a career committed to improving both science and society. With her proven track record of innovation and service, combined with the potential to expand into new frontiers of cancer research, she stands as a strong role model and an exemplary figure in the academic and medical community.

Francis Worden | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Francis Worden | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Clinical Professor at University of Michigan, United States

Francis Worden is a highly respected clinical professor of internal medicine with a specialization in hematology and oncology at the University of Michigan. His career reflects a steady progression through academic and leadership roles, demonstrating both dedication to patient care and commitment to advancing cancer research. He has focused his research on organ preservation strategies in head and neck cancers, as well as developing medical treatment approaches for advanced thyroid and adrenal cancers. His extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals highlights his contributions to improving outcomes in oncology, and his collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams has advanced both clinical practice and scientific understanding. In addition to research, he has played an important role in medical education and mentorship, particularly through directing fellowship programs and guiding future oncologists. With a balance of clinical excellence, research productivity, and educational leadership, he is recognized as an influential figure in academic oncology.

Professional Profile

 Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Francis Worden’s educational background reflects a strong and diverse foundation in both the pharmaceutical sciences and medicine. He first completed a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at Purdue University, which provided him with a deep understanding of pharmacology and drug therapy principles. Building on this knowledge, he pursued a medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was part of the Pediatric Honors Program, demonstrating early distinction in his training. Following medical school, he undertook an internship and residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Detroit Medical Center-Wayne State University, which gave him dual expertise and broadened his clinical skills. He then completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Michigan Health System, which set the stage for his lifelong career in oncology. This educational journey, spanning pharmacy, medicine, and advanced subspecialty training, has shaped his ability to integrate research, clinical care, and education in cancer medicine.

Experience

Francis Worden has built an extensive professional career that integrates clinical practice, academic leadership, and research in oncology. He began his work as a pharmacist before fully transitioning into medicine, where he gained experience as a physician in urgent care, emergency settings, and hospice care, reflecting a broad understanding of patient needs across different stages of illness. At the University of Michigan, he advanced through multiple academic roles, ultimately becoming a clinical professor in hematology and oncology. His leadership positions have included serving as a medical oncology clinic team leader, medical director for hospice programs, and director of the hematology/oncology fellowship program, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring and training future oncologists. Alongside his clinical responsibilities, he has maintained an active research portfolio, contributing to advancements in head and neck cancer management, thyroid and adrenal cancers, and strategies for organ preservation. His career embodies dedication to patient care, education, and impactful research.

Research Interest

Francis Worden’s research interests are centered on advancing treatment strategies for complex cancers with a strong emphasis on improving patient outcomes and quality of life. A major focus of his work has been organ preservation in head and neck oncology, where he has contributed to developing approaches that aim to maintain function without compromising survival. He is deeply involved in exploring systemic therapies for advanced and metastatic head and neck cancers, seeking to refine chemoradiation protocols and identify biomarkers that predict response to therapy. His research also extends to the management of rare but challenging malignancies such as adrenal and metastatic thyroid cancers, where he has investigated therapeutic options that may improve survival in patients with limited treatment choices. Additionally, he maintains an interest in medical education research, particularly in shaping oncology training programs. His efforts reflect a balance of translational and clinical research that bridges innovation with patient-centered care.

Award and Honor

Throughout his career, Francis Worden has earned recognition for his significant contributions to oncology, education, and patient care. His dedication to advancing cancer treatment through clinical research has positioned him as a respected figure in the medical community, earning honors that reflect both his scientific impact and his commitment to improving outcomes for patients with complex cancers. As a leader in head and neck oncology, he has been acknowledged for his role in pioneering organ preservation strategies and contributing to the development of evidence-based therapies. His long-standing service as a mentor and fellowship program director has also brought him distinction within academic medicine, highlighting his influence on training the next generation of oncologists. While much of his recognition is embedded in professional appointments, leadership roles, and invitations to collaborate on national clinical guidelines, these achievements collectively illustrate the esteem with which his peers and institutions regard his professional accomplishments.

Research Skill

Francis Worden possesses a wide range of research skills that have enabled him to make meaningful contributions to oncology and medical education. He demonstrates strong expertise in designing and conducting clinical trials, particularly in developing and evaluating treatment strategies for head and neck, thyroid, and adrenal cancers. His ability to integrate clinical practice with research allows him to identify relevant patient-centered questions and translate them into impactful studies. He is skilled in collaborative, multidisciplinary research, working with experts in radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, and radiology to generate comprehensive approaches to cancer management. His proficiency in analyzing clinical outcomes, interpreting imaging, and exploring biomarker-driven therapies reflects a capacity to connect clinical data with translational science. Additionally, his scholarship and publication record highlight his ability to effectively disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals, influencing both practice and future research. These skills underscore his strength as a clinician-researcher dedicated to advancing cancer care.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles,

Title: Data from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis

Title: Data from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Bhavana Konda, Ramona Dadu

Title: Supplementary Data S1 from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen

Title: Supplementary Data S1 from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Bhavana Konda, Ramona Dadu, Eric J. Sherman, Shaylene McCue, Nathan R. Foster, et al.

Conclusion

Dr. Francis Worden is a highly accomplished academic oncologist whose career reflects deep commitment to clinical care, education, and impactful cancer research. His contributions to head and neck cancer management and organ preservation strategies are particularly noteworthy and have advanced patient care significantly. While areas such as expanding independent authorship visibility, diversifying into emerging oncology frontiers, and showcasing international leadership could further enhance his candidacy, his overall profile demonstrates excellence, longevity, and leadership in oncology research. He is a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in fields related to clinical oncology, translational research, and academic mentorship.