Public Health and Healthcare Systems

Dr. Leslie C. Griffin is the William S. Boyd Professor of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law. Professor Griffin, who teaches constitutional law, is known for her interdisciplinary work in law and religion. Her textbook, Practicing Bioethics Law (2d ed. 2021) is co-authored with Joan H. Krause, Dan K. Moore Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina School of Law. She wrote the recent book chapter, Bambi Trauma—Surviving TBI Twice, in Traumatic Brain Injury—Challenges (Dr. Ioannis Mavroudis & Alin Ciobica, eds., IntechOpen, 2024), She holds a Yale Ph.D. in Religious Studies and a Stanford J.D.

Dr. Khatia Otarashvili is an accomplished medical doctor and healthcare professional with a robust background in medicine and public health. A graduate of Tbilisi State Medical University, she has practiced as a medical doctor, bringing valuable clinical experience to her public health endeavors. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Public Health and pursuing doctoral research, she combines her expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods to address critical issues in public health. Dr. Khatia is a lecturer in medicine & healthcare and public health at European University and Alte University, where she also delivers lectures on biomedical and medical research. She holds a Master's in Healthcare Management and is dedicated to advancing public health through research and education.

Dr. Bray is a dedicated Scientific Researcher, Educator, Holistic Health Clinician (Integrative Nutrition Health Coach), and advocate. Dr. Bray’s training includes a PhD in Biomedical Sciences & Neuroscience and postdoctoral training in Complementary and Integrative Health and Eating Disorders funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Her graduate work focused on the neurobiological underpinnings that enable stress hormones (cortisol) to alter reward neurotransmission and salience in healthy conditions (enabling stress to enhance motivation, focus, and drive) and in amphetamine withdrawal (enabling stress to prompt relapse)(Bray et al., 2016, 2018, 2020; Barr, Bray, Forster, 2017). Her postdoctoral work focused on environmental, clinical, and neurobiological factors associated with eating disorders (Bray et al., 2022a, 2022b, 2023, 2021, 2024, 2025), which prompted her to found the NourishED Research Foundation (NRFi, www.nourishedrfi.org), a 501(c)(3) organization that uses research to highlight and change the social justice factors that often underpin mental health disparities. In addition to founding and directing NRFi, Dr. Bray is a core faculty member in the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM)’s Clinical Research MS program and Building Research across InterDisciplinary Gaps (BRIDG) program and a research faculty at NUNM’s Helfgott Research Institute. She is also an Associate Adjunct Professor at Naropa University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS Program and in the Psychology Department and Psychedelic Studies programs. Dr. Bray run a successful integrative nutrition and holistic health practice (www.brennabray.com) and writes a holistic health column for AboutBoulder.com. She is also an avid ultra-marathon mountain trail runner with longstanding practices of yoga, meditation, and indigenous exploration. Her many activities and engagements are fueled by her passion for making health information and health self-efficacy accessible to everyone.

Dr. Kalliopi Megari is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Academic Director of the MSc in Clinical Psychology at City College, University of York, Europe Campus. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Western Macedonia and a clinical supervisor. With degrees in Nursing, Psychology, and Neuropsychology, Dr. Megari specializes in Clinical Neuropsychology, Psychological Assessment, and Learning Disabilities. Her work spans clinical and research practices, focusing on neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive disorders, as well as chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions. She heads the Centre for Creative Activities for individuals with disabilities and works as a counseling psychologist in Diavata Prison. Dr. Megari has held significant roles, including Global Engagement Representative for the SLC International Neuropsychological Society, and is currently a member of several prestigious committees, including the International Neuropsychological Society and the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Mary Anbarasi Johnson, PhD(N), MBA, M.A. (Pub. Adm), FSASS, FRAEL, FMERC, FMERU, FIOASD, M.PW (U.S), is a distinguished professor and Head of the Pediatric Nursing Department at CMC Vellore. With a robust background as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in PICU and Assistant Professor in the U.S., she has gained invaluable experience in diverse healthcare settings, including serving as Assistant Director of Nursing in Saudi Arabia's Armed Forces Hospitals. A dedicated educator, she has contributed to quality assurance and staff training at CMC Vellore, served on the Institutional Research Board, and been actively involved in national health projects. Dr. Johnson has published over 70 articles, presented at 30 conferences, and edited several books. Recently honored with multiple awards, including the Life Achievement Award by SAHEI, she credits her success to her faith in God and the support of her family, mentors, and colleagues.

Dr. Leila Sacdalan Africa is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian, a Professor, and former Director of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños. She completed the Doctorate of Nutrition in 2015 at the Southeast Asian Ministry of Education Organization Regional Center on Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO-RECFON) and the Study Program on Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia. She has taught undergraduate and graduate public health nutrition and related courses since 2002. Her research and extension works were in line with establishing a food composition database; revision of Operation Timbang Plus guidelines; development and validation of research instruments; surveys on food and nutrition security; multi-level analysis; project cost analysis; BIDANI impact evaluation; anemia control and prevention; nutrition program management; monitoring and evaluation of nutrition interventions; manual development; and infant and young child feeding counseling. She served as program leader, project leader, study leader, subject matter specialist, or assistant study leader on these projects. She also served as an organizer, team leader, or resource person in numerous training and workshops, particularly those related to public health and community nutrition. She is presently the Quality Assurance Officer of the College of Human Ecology, UP Los Baños. She is married to Romeo Africa III and has two daughters, Franxezka and Zofiya.

Prof. Dr. Doreen Rosenstrauch, MD, PhD, MPA-HCA, RN, FAHA, FACHE, is the founder of the DrDoRo® Institute, an acclaimed global healthcare consulting firm established in 2008. With a holistic approach to health, she provides transformative consultancy and advisory services, championing the safe and ethical use of AI in healthcare and education. Dr. Rosenstrauch is dedicated to the belief that health is true wealth and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders. She leverages technology to enhance patient-centric and student-centric services. Board-certified in Healthcare Management by the American College of Healthcare Executives, she is also a Certified Health Coach Professional and holds a certification in Artificial Intelligence and Human Cognition in Medicine and Healthcare from the American Board of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. Her accolades include U.S. Citizenship in the Category EB 1 for Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and awards for Health Consulting and Global Digital Healthcare Innovation.

Jenna Jamieson, PhD, CHES, Undergraduate Program Director at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, USA. Jamieson is a recent graduate of the Harvard Medical School Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery program. She has a passion for supporting secondary and post-secondary students transitioning into college. She advocates for the use of self-care and faculty mentorship to combat the growing mental health crisis facing the world. Her research lies in faculty mentorship, self-care, and mental wellness to support suicide prevention.

Jamieson also published a book titled, Giving Back: Lessons from an adopted immigrant on why a happy life is about helping others. Her mentorship of students includes public health service activities in the community, volunteering to help underserved youth and diverse populations. She serves on many Boards of Directors including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, and the Carbondale Children’s Cabinet to promote youth programming.

Omar Al Hammadi: is a consultant internal medicine, graduated in medical school from Royal college of surgeons Ireland (2009), then completed internal medicine residency in the Sheik Kalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi in UAE, accredited by The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education ACGME-I (2014). He was TEDx Inspiring figure for young Emirati students at UAE University in Medicine faculty (2014). Holds Master degree in Leadership in Health Professions Education from both Royal College of Surgeons Dubai and University of Sharjah (2017). He holds Diploma in Obesity and Weight Management from University of South Wales (2020). Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician by the Internal Board of Lifestyle Medicine IBLM (2024). He is the Vice president of Emirates internal medicine society sicnce 2019. He was Member of the scientific committee of the American college of physicians ACP conference (2019). He Established a weight management clinic and chaired the Continous Medical Education committee in Al Rahba Hospital (2018). He functioned as the head of the medical affairs in Al Rahba Hospital till 2023. He is an Arab board examiner for internal medicine doctors. He is a Visitor Lecturer in the medical faculty at Kalifa University. He was chosen to be the UAE government official spokesperson for COVID-19 media briefings. Currently he is Vice President, Group Medical services at Joined Abu Dhabi National Oil Company ADNOC.

Mathius Mwesige is a highly experienced public health professional with over 15 years of experience in governance, health policy advocacy, and program implementation. He is the Public Policy Coordinator for the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) under Uganda's Ministry of Health–National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program. Mathius coordinates the Multi-Sectoral Accountability Framework for TB (MAFTB), a ground-breaking initiative integrating TB prevention and control across national policies.
He spearheaded the integration of TB into the National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy, piloted innovative TB service delivery models for elderly populations, and advocated for increased budget allocation to TB and HIV interventions. His efforts have mobilised political will, with top government officials championing TB prevention and control. Mathius also advocates for good governance, human rights, and accountability frameworks in public service delivery. He has represented Uganda at international conferences and has shared innovative strategies for multi-sectoral TB prevention.
He holds a master’s degree in Institutional Management and Leadership, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, and a Bachelor’s in Public Administration and Management. He is currently pursuing a PhD program in public health.

Maria Fernanda Tobar Blandón is a Health Professional in Occupational Therapy and a Specialist in Health Auditing. She holds a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Valle and is a PhD candidate in Public Health with a focus on Health Systems and Services at the University of Business and Social Sciences (UCES) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She currently teaches postgraduate programs in Epidemiology, Public Health, and Health Management at the University of Valle’s School of Public Health. Her expertise includes Health Systems and Services.

Maria has served as an international professor at the Scientific University of the South in Peru and as a visiting professor at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, USA. She leads R&D in Cancer at the University of Valle and has directed numerous health system audits and public policy formulations in Colombia, including policies on Disability, Aging, Mental Health, and Cancer Care.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamil, a distinguished expert in Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM), holds numerous academic and professional titles, including Chartered Chemist (U.K.) and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, London. He has held various prominent roles, including Professor and Head at Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine (UAE), and currently serves as Director General of Lotus Holistic Healthcare Institute in Abu Dhabi. With over 700 research papers, Dr. Kamil has contributed extensively to Unani Medicine and herbal research. He has collaborated with the WHO on several projects, authored books on medicinal plants, and supervised 34 Ph.D. and M.Phil. students. Dr. Kamil has been recognized globally with numerous prestigious awards, including the First Sheikh Zayed International TCAM Award (2020). A global ambassador for TCAM, he has chaired international scientific sessions, authored several books, and received a 10-year UAE Golden Visa for his contributions.

Dr. Mohammad Abdoli-Eramaki is a pioneering researcher and innovator in the development of on-body exoskeleton systems designed to assist individuals in manual material handling tasks. With numerous publications examining the biomechanical impact of exoskeletons on the spine, his work has significantly contributed to understanding the benefits and risks associated with these devices. His expertise extends beyond research, holding patents in both the United States and Canada for advancements in exoskeleton technology.
As industries explore integrating exoskeleton systems into various workplaces, developing comprehensive policies governing their proper use is critical. Dr. Abdoli-Eramaki’s research highlights that while exoskeletons can reduce physical strain in some tasks, their repetitive use can pose significant concerns, including potential musculoskeletal risks. Much like personal protective devices, exoskeletal systems should not be universally applied but rather prescribed by qualified professionals based on a thorough risk assessment. In certain jobs, their use may be more harmful than beneficial, necessitating strict guidelines to prevent improper application.

Aharon Andrés Felipe Cardona González, founder and director of the Ancla Foundation, a social health organization dedicated to transforming realities and promoting social justice from a community-based approach. With a degree in Social Sciences, a specialization in Psychosocial Intervention, and a Master's in Bioethics, he has focused his professional career on designing and implementing innovative strategies to address the most pressing challenges in public health and human rights. Founder of the Regional Table for the Quality of Life of People Living with HIV in Latin America, a space that articulates efforts to guarantee access to treatments, combat stigma and improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable communities, and member of the Americas Tuberculosis Coalition, a space for regional initiatives to prevent, treat and cure TB.

Kiersten Hawes, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, ACS Clinical Director of BRAIN Center Trauma Counseling Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Dr. Kiersten Hawes is currently the Clinical Director of BRAIN Center Trauma Counseling Services at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. BRAIN Center is a collaborative of clinicians and researchers that aims to advance evidence-based interventions and counseling services to treat children and families after enduring a traumatic injury. Dr. Hawes oversees and trains graduate students and licensed clinicians in evidenced based and trauma-informed interventions focused on improving pediatric mental health and well-being. She made primary contributions to publications in the Journal of Trauma Surgery and Acute Care, Journal of Medical Research Archives, and Journal of Child Adolescent Trauma on the integration of behavioral health services in pediatric hospital settings. Dr. Hawes holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis. She received a B.S. in Psychology at Spelman College. Dr. Hawes is a licensed therapist mental health service provider with over a decade of experience conducting individual, couples, group, and family therapy in hospital, community, university, and psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings. She is passionate about advocating for equitable mental health services for diverse populations in settings where patients and families are most vulnerable on a global scale.

Michal Plavsa joined the Ohio University Health Sciences and Professions team in 2016. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from The Ohio State University, her Bachelor of Human and Consumer Sciences, and her Master of Educational Administration from Ohio University, as well as a Professional Instructional Design Certificate. In addition, Michal is defending her dissertation in February 2025, in the Individual Interdisciplinary PhD Program at Ohio University, focusing on community health workers and health literacy. She has co-authored publications in international journals, and presented at state-wide, national, and international forums.

Michal has dedicated her entire career to public service including city/county government and higher education. She is the director of professional programs and partnerships for the OHIO Alliance for Population Health at Ohio University, developing and directing educational activities related to population health initiatives and the online learning management system for continuing education. Michal is involved in outreach, curriculum development, project and grant proposals, budget analysis, and instructional design. Michal’s publications focus on health literacy and the impact community health workers have in their communities, and the intersection of health literacy and public policy.

Michal has completed intensive training as a Health Literacy Specialist and is a certified community health worker. Michal is also an adjunct faculty member teaching Women in Leadership and has served on Administrative Senate and the Outstanding Administrator Award Committee. Michal’s work focuses on partner relationships and educational initiatives from continuing education and professional development offerings to conferences and seminars.

Associate professor, PhD. Liana Stanca is a distinguished researcher and professor specializing in digital transformation, sustainable education, and data analytics in business and healthcare systems. Her research portfolio demonstrates extensive expertise in qualitative and quantitative analysis, with significant contributions to understanding consumer behavior, digital transformation, and sustainable practices in various sectors. She has published influential works in prestigious journals including the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Sustainability, and Frontiers in Environmental Science. Her recent research focuses on healthcare systems optimization through data analytics and digital innovation, with particular emphasis on knowledge co-creation and sustainable practices. Dr. Stanca has made notable contributions to understanding organizational behavior during crisis periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and has developed innovative approaches to data visualization and decision-making tools in healthcare management.

 

Dr Dana Vackova, MD, MBA, FHKAM, FHKCCM, SFHEA is a Principal Lecturer at the School of Public Health (SPH) in the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), a recipient of the HKU Outstanding teaching Award. She is a coordinator of the undergraduate Public Health (PH) curricula, a coordinator of the HKUMed’s MBBS Enrichment Year (EY) Humanitarian Services, member of the EY committee, BIMHSE Taskforce for Inter-professional education and a member of the HKUMed Clinical Curriculum Reform committee. She is responsible for coordinating SPH undergraduate courses, planning and developing the MBBS curriculum, and managing SPH MBBS courses and Interprofessional Education (IPE). She developed MBBS courses such as interdisciplinary health research Programme for community based research, Occupational Medicine, Challenges in Health Care Management and online Public Health Induction course for EY students.

Dr Vackova received grants for PH and medical education and research and presented her research results at the international medical education conferences. She is an author of many cases for the PH teaching and MBBS Problem-Based Learning (PBL). She serves as the panelist for the International Global Undergraduate Award, senior advisor for AMSA medical association and a trainer for the Hong Kong College of Community Medicine (HKCCM) Fellowship programme. She is Dr Vackova is a Fellow of the, HKAM (Community Medicine) and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Professor Gilles-Eric Séralini, born in 1960, is a distinguished French researcher known for his influential work on the health impacts of pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Since 1991, he has been a full professor of molecular biology and toxicology at the University of Caen, specializing in the risks of GMOs and pesticides, and consulting for over 20 countries. His pioneering research has uncovered significant hidden toxicities, leading to over 150 scientific papers and ten books.

Séralini has faced defamation and legal battles with powerful lobbies, winning seven court cases between 2011 and 2017. Despite ongoing challenges, he remains a leading advocate for further research before GMO commercialization. He has served on French governmental commissions, advised the EU, and co-founded CRIIGEN and Toxic Secrets. His awards include the Whistleblower Award (2015), Theo Colborn Award (2016), and Healthy Community Hero Award (2018).

Isabella Giulia Franzoi, Ph.D., Psy.D., is a distinguished researcher in Clinical Psychology at the University of Turin. With a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, she combines her expertise as a psychologist and psychotherapist with a deep commitment to advancing the field. Dr. Franzoi is also a co-founder and board member of La.To.Psi – Laboratorio Torinese di Psicologia Clinica e Psicoterapia, a notable academic spin-off dedicated to clinical psychology and psychotherapy in Turin.

Her research spans several critical areas, including the psychological impacts of environmental and occupational exposure, particularly in contaminated sites. She is also focused on designing and evaluating clinical psychology and psychotherapy interventions within academic and healthcare environments. Additionally, Dr. Franzoi explores mental health among college students, investigating both risk and protective factors. Her work extends to affect regulation and psychological functioning in organic diseases, with a special emphasis on oncological and psychosomatic conditions.

Vitor Alves Marques is physical education by profession, he holds licenciaded in Physical Education,doctor and master in Health Science at the Federal University of Goias, post-doctoral student and its dissertation is about the effects of chemotherapy treatment on muscle performance in women with breast cancer in the year 2018. The thesis is about mental health in breast cancer survivors in 2022 He is member the Laboratory of Physiology of the Exercise and Nutrition and Healthy at the Federal University of Goias (LAFINS/UFG) and also is member the Laboratory of Analyzes of Human Moviment (LAMOVH/UFG)

Mr. Rajiv Nath serves as the Managing Director of Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices Ltd. (HMD) and is a prominent figure in the Indian medical device industry. He is the President of the All India Syringes & Needles Manufacturing Association (AISNMA) and the Founder and Forum Coordinator of the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD), which unites over 350 medical device manufacturers on a single platform. Under his leadership, HMD has established its disposable syringe brand “DISPOVAN” as a market leader in India. AiMeD represents more than 400 manufacturers and addresses industry challenges, advocating for the interests of over 1,200 stakeholders. Mr. Nath also holds multiple key positions, including Joint Coordinator of the Indian Medical Device Regulatory Review Group and Board Member of the Kalam Institute of Healthcare Technology. An accomplished global traveler, he has attended numerous international meetings related to health standards and technology development.

Priya Hays, M.S., Ph.D. is an accomplished science writer, having written and published five books as well as having authored over twenty publications in journals as varied as the Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, L’Esprit Createur, Interdisciplinary Literary Studies, Genetics in Medicine, and European Journal of Medical Research. She served as Guest Editor for a volume on cancer immunotherapies in the Cancer Treatment and Research series and wrote the second edition of her book on personalized medicine Advancing Healthcare Through Personalized Medicine. Her latest book is a compilation of papers entitled “A Dialectical Mind: Essays in Literary Studies, Science and Medicine” published by Eliva Press. She completed her postdoctoral research fellowship in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, at Dartmouth Medical School. She has an A.B. with Honors from Dartmouth College in Biochemistry and Comparative Literature, an M.S. in Genetics from the University of California, Davis, and a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of California, San Diego.

Meinrad Haule Lembuka is a social worker and researcher with over 15 years of experience and over time he has transformed himself to be a multidisciplinary expert in research and consultancy in the areas of Ubuntu, social work, HIV and AIDS continuum of care. He has worked with several local and international organizations and accumulated a wealth of experience in the above areas relevant to be shared on global platforms. Presently, he is an academician at The Open University of Tanzania where he has published various articles and books. The majority of these works have been informed by an indigenous approach of African Ubuntu which focuses on holistic and collective principles toward health and social welfare development such as the Ujamaa Intersection models. Based on his works, he advocates and upholds Ubuntu values and principles toward social, economic, and health agendas that are relevant to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beyond. According to Meinrad, Ubuntu is a gift from Africa to the World in addressing various existing problems that current frameworks have failed to address, and most of his works demonstrate the capacity of Ubuntu that emphasize the importance of care, equality, human dignity, social inclusion, passion, universality, solidarity, communality, Ujamaa, and interconnectedness between people and ecology are crucial in (re)forming a strong and sustainable primary health care system in the global community.

Dr. Hamza Saad is an accomplished Assistant Professor at the University of Central Missouri (UCMO), with a strong background in industrial systems engineering and professional project management. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Systems Engineering from SUNY at Binghamton and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Before joining UCMO, Dr. Hamza served as a Professional Assistant Professor at Bemidji State University, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring students and advancing academic programs.
He also brings extensive industry experience as a former Professional Project Manager with the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NHMEP), where he collaborated with over 50 companies to drive operational excellence and innovation. Dr. Hamza is dedicated to bridging academia and industry, guiding students to award-winning Lean Six Sigma projects and successful internships. His expertise includes strategic partnerships, curriculum development, and impactful training delivery, making him a respected educator and consultant.