Calixto Machado | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Calixto Machado | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Calixto Machado | Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery | Cuba

Calixto Machado is a Full Professor and Senior Researcher in Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology at the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana, Cuba, and a Corresponding Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. He completed his medical degree, followed by specialist training in neurology and clinical neurophysiology, and then earned his PhD. Over four decades he has led pioneering research on disorders of consciousness, brain death, stroke, autism, autonomic nervous system disorders and the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. He has published nearly 700 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and authored seven books; his work is recognised internationally through numerous symposia and awards. His Google Scholar profile lists an h-index of 37, and over 24 000 citations across his published documents.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Machado, C. (2025, September 9). Jahi McMath case: A comprehensive and updated narrative. World Journal of Critical Care Medicine, 14(3), 107513.

Machado, C. (2022). The Jahi McMath case: First detailed study of her brain. Neurology India, 70(5), 22–35.

Giacino, J. T., Ashwal, S., Childs, N., Cranford, R., Jennett, B., Katz, D. I., Kelly, J. P., & others. (2002). The minimally conscious state: Definition and diagnostic criteria. Neurology, 58(3), 349–353.

Sloan, M. A., Alexandrov, A. V., Tegeler, C. H., Spencer, M. P., Caplan, L. R., & others. (2004). Assessment: Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 62(9), 1468–1481.

Machado, C. (2002). Brain death worldwide: Accepted fact but no global consensus in diagnostic criteria. Neurology.

Machado, C. (2007). Cerebral response to patient’s own name in the vegetative and minimally conscious states. Neurology, 69(7), 708.

Machado, C., Korein, J., Ferrer, Y., Portela, L., & others. (2007). The concept of brain death did not evolve to benefit organ transplants. Journal of Medical Ethics, 33, 197–200.

Machado, C. (2007). The concept of brain death did not evolve to benefit organ transplants. In C. Machado (Ed.), Brain death: A reappraisal (pp. 1–20). Springer.

Machado, C. (2007). Brain death: A reappraisal. Springer Science & Business Media.

Machado, C. (2007). The first organ transplant from a brain-dead donor. In C. Machado (Ed.), Brain death: A reappraisal (pp. 1–20). Springer.

Machado, C. (2010). Diagnosis of brain death. Neurology International, 2(1), e2.

Graf, W. D., Miller, G., Epstein, L. G., & Rapin, I. (2017). The autism “epidemic”: Ethical, legal, and social issues in a developmental spectrum disorder. Neurology, 88(14), 1371–1380.

Machado, C., Korein, J., Aubert, E., Bosch, J., Alvarez, M. A., Rodríguez, R., & others. (2007). Recognizing a mother’s voice in the persistent vegetative state. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 38(3), 124–126.

Lewis, A., Bernat, J. L., Blosser, S., Bonnie, R. J., Epstein, L. G., Hutchins, J., & others. (2018). An interdisciplinary response to contemporary concerns about brain death determination. Neurology, 90(9), 423–426.*

Chun-An Cheng | Translational Neuroscience | Lifetime achievement Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chun-An Cheng | Translational Neuroscience | Lifetime achievement Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chun-An Cheng | Tri-Service General Hospital | Taiwan

Assistant Professor Dr. Chun-An Cheng is a distinguished researcher affiliated with the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taiwan, known for his significant contributions to medical and clinical research. He has authored 73 scholarly documents, which have collectively garnered 658 citations across 620 publications, reflecting the wide impact and recognition of his scientific work. With an h-index of 14, Dr. Cheng has demonstrated consistent research productivity and influence within his field. His research encompasses multidisciplinary areas in clinical medicine, focusing on advancing diagnostic methodologies, therapeutic innovations, and patient-centered healthcare strategies. Through his collaborations and publications, Dr. Cheng has contributed to improving the understanding of complex medical conditions and enhancing evidence-based clinical practices. His dedication to translational research bridges the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications, reinforcing his role as a key figure in the Taiwanese medical research community. Dr. Cheng continues to drive impactful studies that promote innovation, patient safety, and improved health outcomes, positioning him as a leading voice in contemporary clinical science.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications

  • (2025). Effects of exposure to air pollution and cold weather on acute myocardial infarction mortality. Atmosphere.

  • (2025). The risk of ischemic stroke in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation. Life.

  •  (2024). Increased risk of psychiatric disorder in patients with hearing loss: A nationwide population-based cohort study. Journal of Translational Medicine.

  • (2024). Diabetes mellitus and gynecological and inflammation disorders increased the risk of pregnancy loss in a population study. Life.

  • (2024). The influence of fine particulate matter and cold weather on emergency room interventions for childhood asthma. Life.

  • (2024). Impact of foodborne disease in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medicina (Lithuania).

  • (2024). Analyzing COVID-19 and air pollution effects on pediatric asthma emergency room visits in Taiwan. Toxics.

Soumya Pahari | Clinical Neuroscience | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Soumya Pahari | Clinical Neuroscience | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Soumya Pahari,  Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal.

Dr. Soumya Pahari, MBBS, is a globally engaged physician with a deep-rooted passion for neurosurgery, clinical research, and public health advocacy. From excelling in medical school on a full academic scholarship to completing hands-on neurosurgical training in both Nepal and the U.S., Dr. Pahari has built a career that blends clinical excellence with scholarly rigor. Their dedication to global neurosurgical research, reflected through projects with Vanderbilt University and Mission Brain Foundation, demonstrates a commitment to solving complex medical challenges through evidence-based innovation. Beyond the operating theater, their work as a mental health advocate and educator underscores a holistic approach to medicine that prioritizes human connection, education, and equity.

 

Profile

Google Scholar

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Soumya Pahari’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in science, nurtured during their high school years at St. Xavier’s College, Nepal,  Their passion for medicine soon led them to pursue an MBBS degree at the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS), where they not only excelled academically but also earned the prestigious NAIHS Academic Scholarship in 2016. Throughout medical school, they developed a keen interest in neuroscience and surgical disciplines, which laid the groundwork for their future specialization in neurosurgery and global neurosurgical initiatives.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neurosurgery

Driven by an unrelenting commitment to clinical excellence, Dr. Pahari’s professional training includes a year-long position as House Officer in the Department of Neurosurgery at Shree Birendra Hospital, Nepal’s only neurosurgical unit under the Nepalese Army. Here, they performed critical procedures such as EVD insertion, burr hole evacuation, and tracheostomy, while actively assisting in advanced surgeries like aneurysm clipping and tumor resections. Later, as a Visiting Scholar in Neurosurgery at West Virginia University (WV, USA) under Dr. P. David Adelson, they broadened their exposure by shadowing surgeons, presenting clinical cases, and initiating a quality improvement project focused on vagal nerve stimulators for refractory epilepsy patients. These experiences have collectively enriched Dr. Pahari’s surgical acumen and global neurosurgical insight.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Research forms a core pillar of Dr. Pahari’s career, with a focus on pediatric cerebrovascular disorders, endovascular interventions in extradural hematomas, and quality improvement in epilepsy care. As a Research Collaborator with Vanderbilt Global Neurosurgery Program, they are leading a systematic review to assess the global burden of pediatric cerebrovascular diseases, contributing meaningfully to evidence-based global neurosurgical strategies. Simultaneously, their work with the Mission Brain Foundation aims to analyze the emerging utility of endovascular techniques in traumatic brain injury management. Earlier, they also contributed as an administrator and content developer at the Abdulrauf University of Neurosurgery’s Research Institute in California, helping curate educational content for aspiring neurosurgeon-scientists.

🌍 Advocacy, Mental Health & Global Impact

Dr. Pahari’s commitment to health extends beyond the operating room into the domain of mental health and psychosocial well-being. As a Founding Board Member of Antardhoni Nepal, they’ve played a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and support services in underserved communities. Their leadership also reflects through media engagement as a Podcast Host for ‘Behind White Coats’, a platform where pressing global health issues and common illnesses are discussed with clarity and compassion. These endeavors underline their belief in a holistic approach to health, where mental, social, and physical well-being are equally prioritized.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout their academic and professional career, Dr. Pahari has garnered several accolades, notably being ECFMG Certified in August 2024 and scoring an impressive 253 on USMLE Step 2. Their achievements are further supported by certifications such as the Diploma in Neurotrauma Care from the Global Neuro Foundation, which granted them 43.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits, enhancing their preparedness for managing acute neurotrauma in global contexts. These recognitions reflect their unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and continuous learning.

📢 Influence Through Education and Media

An inspiring communicator and educator, Dr. Pahari has invested time in peer tutoring through Medlife Stories, where they guided junior students through complex medical concepts. Their innovative spirit also led them to head marketing strategies for The SET Exhibition during their early college years—an event that showcased student innovation in science and technology. Through educational content creation, public speaking, and mentoring, Dr. Pahari continues to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders while making medicine more accessible and engaging for all.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Soumya Pahari looks ahead, their vision is clearly anchored in the intersection of clinical neurosurgery, global health equity, and academic research. With ongoing collaborations in global neurosurgical research and growing experience in both developed and developing healthcare systems, they are uniquely positioned to bridge disparities in neurosurgical care. Their future contributions are expected to amplify the voices of underrepresented populations in global health discourse, enhance neurosurgical systems through data-driven quality improvement, and inspire young physicians to approach medicine with both empathy and rigor. Their legacy, still unfolding, promises to be one of profound impact, innovation, and inclusion.

Publication

 

  • Title: Gallstone among patients presenting to the department of surgery in a tertiary care center: a descriptive cross-sectional study
    Authors: S Pahari, S Basukala, U Piya, Y Khand, B Thapa, O Thapa, S Thapa
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: A rare case of retroperitoneal extension in Fournier’s gangrene: A case report and review of literature
    Authors: S Basukala, Y Khand, S Pahari, KB Shah, A Shah
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Large posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroma with intradural cervical spine extension: a rare case report and review of literature
    Authors: A Dahal, JJ Malla, D Neupane, N Lageju, LS Jaiswal, S Chaudhary, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Complicated pylephlebitis secondary to perforated appendicitis in a child-A rare case report
    Authors: S Pahari, M Shrestha, S Basukala, P Kafle, K Rai, Y Khand, O Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: A life-threatening complication of biliary peritonitis following T-tube removal: A case report and review of literature
    Authors: Y Khand, S Basukala, U Piya, P Mainali, S Pahari, KB Shah
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Spontaneous splenic hematoma secondary to dengue infection: a rare case report
    Authors: S Pahari, S Basukala, P Kunwar, K Thapa, Y Khand, O Thapa
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: An unusual case of perforated stump appendicitis: a case report
    Authors: S Basukala, BD Pathak, S Pahari, S Gurung, B Basukala, BB Rayamajhi, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Acute Pancreatitis among Patients Visiting the Department of Surgery in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
    Authors: S Basukala, BD Pathak, P Dawadi, S Bohara, A Tamang, S Pahari, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Patient Safety and organizational Safety Culture in Surgery: A Need of an Hour in the developing countries
    Authors: S Basukala, S Bohara, A Thapa, A Shah, S Pahari, Y Khand, O Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Acute recurrent pancreatitis in a child with pancreatic divisum–A case report
    Authors: O Thapa, S Basukala, M Shrestha, Y Khand, S Pahari, S Bohara, A Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

✅ Conclusion

With a powerful blend of academic distinction, surgical skill, and compassionate advocacy, Dr. Soumya Pahari stands at the forefront of a new generation of physician-leaders. Their journey is a testament to the impact that global collaboration, research, and empathy can have on healthcare. As they continue to pursue excellence in neurosurgery and global health, their work promises not only to improve lives in the operating room but to inspire systemic change across borders. The future undoubtedly holds even greater contributions from this rising medical changemaker.