George Ioannidis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. George Ioannidis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at McMaster University, Canada

Dr. George Ioannidis is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in health research methodology and aging sciences. Currently, he holds the position of Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences, at McMaster University, and serves as the Eli Lilly Canada Endowed Chair in Osteoporosis. He is also the Deputy Director at the GERAS Centre for Aging Research, where he contributes extensively to advancing knowledge in aging, osteoporosis, and musculoskeletal health. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ioannidis is a leading voice in evidence-based healthcare research and education.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

  • PhD in Health Research Methodology (2009)
    McMaster University, Ontario
    Focused on statistical modeling and clinical trial analysis.
  • MSc in Human Biodynamics (1996)
    McMaster University, Ontario
    Specialized in biomechanics and physical performance.
  • BA in Physical Education (1992)
    McMaster University, Ontario

He has also pursued specialized training in statistical analysis, economic evaluations, and design thinking from institutions such as SAS, Cochrane Collaboration, and McMaster University Institute for Research on Aging.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Ioannidis has held key roles in academia and research:

  • Associate Professor (2024–Present) at McMaster University.
  • Deputy Director (2013–Present) at GERAS Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton Health Sciences.
  • Research Consultant (2014–Present) for Medical Pharmacies Group Limited.

Earlier in his career, he served as Assistant Professor (2010–2016) and Research Associate at McMaster University, contributing to transformative health research initiatives.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Ioannidis’s research focuses on:

  • Aging and osteoporosis.
  • Musculoskeletal health.
  • Methodological advancements in clinical trials and systematic reviews.
  • The impact of frailty and social isolation on older adults.

Through innovative approaches, he bridges statistical methodologies with clinical applications, aiming to improve outcomes for aging populations.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Ioannidis has been recognized nationally and internationally, including:

  • Eli Lilly Canada Chair in Osteoporosis (2024–Present).
  • Presidential Lightning Science Oral Award (2024), American Geriatrics Society.
  • Editors’ Choice Publication Award (2021), Age and Ageing.
  • Numerous travel and research fellowships from Osteoporosis Canada, CIHR, and Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals.

Publications 📚

Dr. Ioannidis has authored numerous influential papers across prominent journals, including:

Hip fracture rate and osteoporosis treatment in Ontario: A population-based retrospective cohort study

  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 0

Canadian Inpatient Orthogeriatric Models of Care: A Mixed Methods Survey of Facilitators and Barriers

  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 0

Axial Spondyloarthritis: Does Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification Improve Report Interpretation

  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 0

Mapping sedentary behaviour (MAPS-B) in winter and spring using wearable sensors, indoor positioning systems, and diaries in older adults who are pre-frail and frail: A feasibility longitudinal study

  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 1

Automatic Radar-Based Step Length Measurement in the Home for Older Adults Living with Frailty

  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 0

Creating dementia-friendly communities: Challenging stigma and building understanding through public education

  • Year: 2024 (In press)
  • Citations: 0

Associations between Osteosarcopenia and Falls, Fractures, and Frailty in Older Adults: Results From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)

  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 7

Clinical practice guideline for management of osteoporosis and fracture prevention in Canada: 2023 Update

  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 2

The Geras virtual frailty rehabilitation program to build resilience in older adults with frailty during COVID-19: a randomized feasibility trial

  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 2

Clinical practice guideline for management of osteoporosis and fracture prevention in Canada: 2023 Update

  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 33

Conclusion ✨

Dr. George Ioannidis exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through his innovative contributions to aging and osteoporosis research, impactful mentorship, and commitment to evidence-based practices. His leadership roles and academic accolades position him as a leader in his field, and with minor enhancements in interdisciplinary collaboration and global outreach, he could further solidify his legacy as a pioneer in health research. He is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

DANIELA MATEI | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. DANIELA MATEI | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania

Dr. Daniela Matei is an accomplished medical professional specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, currently serving as the Coordinator of the Respiratory Rehabilitation Compartment at Pneumology Clinical Hospital Leamna in Romania. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made significant contributions to medical practice, academic instruction, and clinical research. Her expertise extends across rehabilitation medicine, respiratory rehabilitation, and rheumatology, making her a valuable asset in both healthcare and academia. Dr. Matei’s dedication to advancing the quality of patient care and her commitment to professional development have established her as a respected figure in the medical community.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Matei began her medical journey at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2000. Her commitment to lifelong learning and specialization in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation led her to pursue a residency at the Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Craiova, where she gained comprehensive training in physical medicine. Dr. Matei continued her academic endeavors by completing a Ph.D. in Medicine in 2009, with a focus on the efficiency of Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Further enhancing her clinical skills, she acquired a Musculo-skeletal Ultrasound Competence Diploma from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, in 2022. These educational experiences have provided her with a solid foundation in rehabilitation medicine and research methodologies.

Experience

Dr. Matei’s professional career reflects a steady progression of roles in clinical and academic settings. She started as a probationer doctor at the Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Craiova in 2001. Her dedication and expertise in the field saw her advance to the role of resident physician, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from 2002 to 2006. She continued to grow her career as a specialist physician until 2013 at No. 1 Hospital in Craiova, followed by a senior physician position in the same institution’s rehabilitation department until 2021. In October 2021, she assumed the role of Coordinator of the Respiratory Rehabilitation Compartment at the Pneumology Clinical Hospital Leamna, where she leads patient care and medical management activities.

In academia, Dr. Matei has a long-standing association with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova. She joined as a teaching assistant in 2007 and was later promoted to associate professor in 2022. Her teaching focuses on rehabilitation medicine, where she integrates her clinical experience to provide high-quality education to medical and nursing students. Her dual roles in clinical practice and academia have allowed her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enhancing the educational experience of her students.

Research Interests

Dr. Matei’s research interests lie in the fields of rehabilitation medicine, respiratory rehabilitation, and rheumatology. Her Ph.D. research focused on the efficacy of DMARDs in treating rheumatoid arthritis, which sparked a continuing interest in developing evidence-based treatment protocols for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. She is particularly keen on exploring innovative rehabilitation techniques for respiratory conditions, such as post-stroke hemiplegia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), aiming to improve patients’ quality of life. She has also participated in research projects addressing knee osteoarthritis and the adaptation of medical education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awards and Achievements

Dr. Matei’s dedication to the field of rehabilitation medicine is reflected in her numerous achievements and recognitions. She has been a member of the Romanian Medical Association’s Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation since 2003 and has actively contributed to various national and international projects. She has served as a speaker at prestigious events, including pre-congress courses at the Romanian Congress of Pneumology, where she shared her expertise on respiratory rehabilitation. Additionally, she has been involved in organizing postgraduate courses, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation in the management of respiratory and rheumatic diseases.

Publications

Matei, D. (2013). Transdisciplinary management of the patient suffering from knee osteoarthritis – optimal strategy for life quality. Romanian Journal of Physical Therapy. Link – Cited by 8.

Matei, D. (2015). Clinical and functional evaluation of rehabilitation techniques for hemiplegic patients post-stroke. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. Link – Cited by 10.

Matei, D. (2018). Updates on musculoskeletal rehabilitation for chronic lower back pain. Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Link – Cited by 6.

Matei, D. (2020). Respiratory rehabilitation strategies for post-COVID-19 patients. Romanian Pneumology Journal. Link – Cited by 15.

Matei, D. (2021). Integrating musculoskeletal ultrasound in the evaluation of rheumatic diseases. European Journal of Rheumatology. Link – Cited by 12.

Matei, D. (2022). Innovative approaches to e-learning in medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Medical Education. Link – Cited by 18.

Conclusion

Dr. Daniela Matei exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and educator in the field of medicine. Her extensive clinical experience, coupled with a passion for teaching and research, underscores her dedication to improving rehabilitation practices and patient outcomes. Dr. Matei’s work in respiratory rehabilitation and musculoskeletal medicine not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has a tangible impact on patient care. Her achievements and ongoing efforts to advance the field make her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.