Luay Rashan | Neuroscience of Pain and Analgesia | Best Researcher Award
Prof. Dr. Luay Rashan | Neuroscience of Pain and Analgesia | Best Researcher Award
Prof. Dr. Luay Rashan | Dhofar University | Oman
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
🎓 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Gulcan Tascatan | Neuroscience of Pain | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Gulcan Tascatan | Neuroscience of Pain | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Gulcan Tascatan, Zonguldak Alapli State Hospital, Turkey.
Dr. Gülcan Taşçatan is a distinguished neurologist whose journey began with her medical education at Hacettepe University Kastamonu Faculty of Medicine. She specialized in neurology at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University and has since built an impressive career, holding key positions in various healthcare institutions. Her research focuses on migraines, chronic headaches, multiple sclerosis, and stroke-related neurological conditions, contributing valuable insights to the field. Her publications in esteemed medical journals and active participation in international conferences highlight her dedication to advancing neurology. As the Chief Physician at Zonguldak Alaplı State Hospital, she not only leads medical teams but also shapes healthcare practices and inspires future medical professionals.
Profile
📚 Early Academic Pursuits
Gülcan Taşçatan embarked on her academic journey with a passion for medicine, graduating from Hacettepe University Kastamonu Faculty of Medicine in 2015. Her dedication to neurology led her to pursue specialization at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Medicine, where she earned her expertise in neurology in 2021. Her early academic years laid a strong foundation for her future contributions to the medical field, shaping her understanding of complex neurological disorders and treatment approaches.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Gülcan Taşçatan has had an illustrious career, serving in multiple prestigious healthcare institutions. She started as a general practitioner at Kars Digor Community Health Center before advancing her expertise as a research assistant at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Neurology Department. Her journey continued as a neurology specialist at Zonguldak Kdz. Ereğli State Hospital, where she refined her skills in treating neurological conditions. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Chief Physician at Zonguldak Alaplı State Hospital, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to enhancing healthcare services.
🧠 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Taşçatan has significantly contributed to the field of neurology, focusing on chronic headaches, migraines, multiple sclerosis, and stroke-related neurological conditions. Her research delves into understanding risk factors for chronic daily headaches and medication-overuse headaches, as evidenced by her publication in Brain and Behavior. She has also explored the effectiveness of greater occipital nerve blocks in chronic migraines and examined the correlation between silent cerebral lesions and lipid profiles in stroke patients. Through her research, she has advanced medical knowledge in neurology and offered new insights into diagnosis and treatment strategies.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
Her dedication to research and clinical excellence has earned her recognition in the medical community. Dr. Taşçatan’s work has been published in well-respected international journals indexed in SCIE, EBSCO, and TR Dizin. She has also contributed as a peer reviewer, ensuring high academic standards in neurology publications. Furthermore, her research on multiple sclerosis, published in the Journal of Multiple Sclerosis Research, has been referenced in various scholarly articles, highlighting her impact on the field.
📖 Scientific Contributions and Publications
Beyond her research papers, Dr. Taşçatan has contributed to scientific literature by co-authoring a chapter on Parkinson’s disease treatment in the medical book Sağlık & Bilim 2024 Güncel Tıp-IV. Her participation in national and international neurology conferences, such as the 54th National Neurology Congress and the Global Migraine and Pain Society Meeting, further showcases her dedication to academic knowledge-sharing and medical advancements.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Taşçatan’s influence extends beyond academia into clinical practice and medical leadership. As a chief physician, she plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policies, improving patient care, and mentoring young medical professionals. Her commitment to neurology not only benefits her patients but also inspires future neurologists to pursue excellence in the field. Her research findings have contributed to a better understanding of neurological diseases, guiding new treatment methodologies and improving patient outcomes.
🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions
With a promising career ahead, Dr. Taşçatan continues to push the boundaries of neurology research and clinical innovation. Her commitment to studying complex neurological disorders and refining treatment methods ensures that she will leave a lasting impact on the medical community. By fostering new research, mentoring aspiring doctors, and leading healthcare initiatives, she paves the way for future advancements in neurology, solidifying her legacy as a dedicated physician, researcher, and medical leader.
Publication
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Title: Evaluation of Risk Factors in Patients With Chronic Daily Headache and Medication‐Overuse Headache
Author(s): Gülcan Taşçatan, Hüseyin Tuğrul Atasoy, Esra Acıman Demirel, Vildan Çakır Kardeş, Mustafa Açıkgöz, Ulufer Çelebi, Bilge Piri Çınar, Bilgehan Açıkgöz, Aynur Özge
Year: 2025
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Title: Effectiveness of Greater Occipital Nerve Blocks in Chronic Migraine
Author(s): Esra Acıman Demirel, Burcu Karpuz, Sibel Özdemir, Gülcan Kalaycı, Hüseyin Tuğrul Atasoy
Year: 2021
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Title: Relationship Between Physical Disability and Black Holes in Multiple Sclerosis: Upper Extremity Functions – an Important Parameter
Author(s): Bilge Piri Cinar, Gülcan Kalaycı, Mustafa Acikgoz, Serkan Ozakbas
Year: 2021
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Title: Evaluation of the Relationship Between Silent Cerebral Lesions and Triglyceride/HDL-Cholesterol in Patients With First Stroke Attack
Author(s): Esra Acıman Demirel, Gülcan Kalaycı, Mustafa Açikgöz, Ulufer Çelebi, Bilge Cinar, Hüseyin Tuğrul Atasoy
Year: 2020
Conclusion
Dr. Taşçatan’s journey exemplifies a profound commitment to neurology, research, and patient care. Her scientific contributions, leadership in healthcare, and influence in medical academia make her a key figure in the field. With a strong foundation in research and clinical expertise, she continues to push the boundaries of neurology, leaving a lasting impact on medical science. As she progresses in her career, her work will undoubtedly shape future advancements in neurological research and treatment, ensuring better healthcare outcomes for patients worldwide.