Makiko Mitsunami | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Makiko Mitsunami | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Makiko Mitsunami, Integrated Center for Women’s Health, Japan

Dr. Makiko Mitsunami is a dedicated physician-scientist specializing in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive epidemiology. Born in Shiga, Japan, she obtained her MD from Jichi Medical University in 2008 and earned an MMSc from Harvard Medical School in Clinical Investigations. She later completed her PhD at Jichi Medical University, further enriching her academic prowess. Her professional journey includes rigorous clinical residency and postdoctoral research fellowships at prestigious institutions such as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Mitsunami’s research explores the intersection of nutrition, environmental health, and reproductive outcomes, with a strong focus on plant-based diets, infertility, and hormonal biomarkers. Her numerous grants and awards—including multiple research fundings from the Fuji Protein Foundation—underscore her impactful work. As a research associate at Harvard, she continues to mentor students and contribute to groundbreaking studies, advocating for women’s reproductive health globally through science and public health interventions.

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Suitability Summary for Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Makiko Mitsunami is an exemplary candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award based on her robust academic background, extensive clinical and research experience, and impactful contributions to medical science, particularly in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive health. She holds an MD, MMSc in Clinical Investigations, and a PhD, combining rigorous clinical training with advanced research expertise from prestigious institutions such as Jichi Medical University and Harvard Medical School. This strong educational foundation supports her credibility and authority in her field.

Throughout her career, Dr. Mitsunami has balanced clinical responsibilities and academic pursuits, holding roles from junior resident to senior medical staff and research fellow. Her postdoctoral research experience at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights her commitment to advancing public health knowledge, particularly in areas such as nutrition, environmental health, and epidemiology, under the guidance of notable principal investigators. Her leadership experience as Associate Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Higashi-Ohmi General Medical Center further demonstrates her ability to integrate research with clinical practice and manage healthcare delivery effectively.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Makiko Mitsunami embarked on her academic journey at Jichi Medical University, where she earned her MD in 2008, followed by postgraduate residency training in obstetrics and gynecology across multiple medical centers in Japan. Pursuing a passion for clinical research, she enrolled in Harvard Medical School’s Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) in Clinical Investigations, graduating in May 2021. She culminated her academic accomplishments with a PhD in Medicine from Jichi Medical University in 2023, reflecting a robust blend of clinical acumen and research excellence. Her academic path was enriched with prestigious international training experiences at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she contributed to studies on nutrition, epidemiology, and environmental health. Her cross-disciplinary education and commitment to women’s health have made her a prominent figure in reproductive medicine and global health. Her educational background empowers her ongoing contributions to cutting-edge research and healthcare improvement.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Mitsunami’s professional experience spans clinical practice, academic appointments, and cutting-edge public health research. She began her career as a junior and senior resident in obstetrics and gynecology across several hospitals in Japan, including Otsu Red Cross and Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital. From 2012 to 2015, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of General Surgery, later becoming Associate Director of the Ob-Gyn department at Higashi-Ohmi General Medical Center. Her passion for research led her to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Research Associate under esteemed mentors such as Dr. Jorge Chavarro and Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah. Her research addresses nutrition, endocrine health, infertility, and environmental exposures. She has also contributed significantly to student training and curriculum development. Her diverse professional background uniquely positions her at the intersection of clinical medicine and impactful research.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Makiko Mitsunami has been widely recognized for her contributions to reproductive medicine and clinical research. Early in her career, she received the Young Investigator’s Award in 2012 from the Society for Study of the Kidney in Pregnancy for her work on cardiomyopathy in dialysis patients. She has been awarded multiple competitive research grants from the Fuji Protein for Research Foundation between 2021 and 2025, totaling over $30,000 in support of her investigations into soy-based diets and reproductive health. In 2023, she was honored with the JMSA Scholarship from the Japanese Medical Society of America. Notably, she secured a prestigious Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship for her research on plant-based diets and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, valued at $69,776. Additionally, she was selected as a Rose Service Learning Program Fellow at Harvard in 2024. These accolades reflect her growing global impact and academic excellence.

🌍 Research Skill On Medicine

Dr. Mitsunami brings a multifaceted research skill set to the field of reproductive medicine, grounded in clinical expertise and public health methodology. Her core research skills include epidemiologic study design, statistical data analysis, and translational research in human reproduction. She excels in linking environmental exposures and dietary patterns—especially plant-based diets—to hormonal health and fertility. Her work leverages biomarker analyses such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels to evaluate ovarian reserve, endometriosis risk, and menopausal timing. Through her affiliations at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, she collaborates across departments of nutrition, epidemiology, and environmental health, contributing to multidisciplinary studies. Fluent in Japanese and English, she conducts culturally sensitive research on fertility awareness among Japanese populations in the U.S.. Her ability to secure funding, lead research protocols, and co-author impactful publications highlights her as a capable and forward-thinking researcher improving global reproductive outcomes.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Access to HPV vaccination in Japan: Increasing social trust to regain vaccine confidence
    Authors: K Kunitoki, M Funato, M Mitsunami, T Kinoshita, MR Reich
    Journal: Vaccine
    Volume(Issue): 39 (41), Pages: 6104-6110
    Citations: 42
    Year: 2021

  • Association of gestational diabetes with subsequent long-term risk of mortality
    Authors: YX Wang, M Mitsunami, JAE Manson, AJ Gaskins, JW Rich-Edwards, …
    Journal: JAMA Internal Medicine
    Volume(Issue): 183 (11), Pages: 1204-1213
    Citations: 37
    Year: 2023

  • Women’s and men’s intake of omega-3 fatty acids and their food sources and assisted reproductive technology outcomes
    Authors: A Salas-Huetos, M Arvizu, L Mínguez-Alarcón, M Mitsunami, …
    Journal: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
    Volume(Issue): 227 (2), Pages: 246.e1-246.e11
    Citations: 32
    Year: 2022

  • Paternal adherence to healthy dietary patterns in relation to sperm parameters and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies
    Authors: A Salas-Huetos, L Mínguez-Alarcón, M Mitsunami, M Arvizu, JB Ford, …
    Journal: Fertility and Sterility
    Volume(Issue): 117 (2), Pages: 298-312
    Citations: 23
    Year: 2022

  • Physical activity before pregnancy and the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
    Authors: M Arvizu, L Minguez-Alarcon, JJ Stuart, M Mitsunami, B Rosner, …
    Journal: American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM
    Volume(Issue): 4 (2), Article: 100556
    Citations: 19
    Year: 2022

  • Pre-pregnancy menstrual cycle regularity and length and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: prospective cohort study
    Authors: YX Wang, S Wang, M Mitsunami, JAE Manson, JW Rich-Edwards, …
    Journal: Diabetologia
    Volume(Issue): 64 (11), Pages: 2415-2424
    Citations: 14
    Year: 2021

  • A dietary score representing the overall relation of men’s diet with semen quality in relation to outcomes of infertility treatment with assisted reproduction
    Authors: M Mitsunami, A Salas-Huetos, L Mínguez-Alarcón, JA Attaman, JB Ford, …
    Journal: F&S Reports
    Volume(Issue): 2 (4), Pages: 396-404
    Citations: 12
    Year: 2021

  • Prepregnancy healthy lifestyle and adverse pregnancy outcomes
    Authors: S Wang, M Mitsunami, E Ortiz-Panozo, CW Leung, JAE Manson, …
    Journal: Obstetrics & Gynecology
    DOI: 10.1097
    Citations: 11
    Year: 2022

  • Men’s dietary patterns in relation to infertility treatment outcomes among couples undergoing in vitro fertilization
    Authors: M Mitsunami, A Salas-Huetos, L Mínguez-Alarcón, JA Attaman, JB Ford, …
    Journal: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
    Volume(Issue): 38 (9), Pages: 2307-2318
    Citations: 11
    Year: 2021

  • Women’s adherence to healthy dietary patterns and outcomes of infertility treatment
    Authors: A Salas-Huetos, M Mitsunami, S Wang, L Mínguez-Alarcón, …
    Journal: JAMA Network Open
    Volume(Issue): 6 (8), Article: e2329982
    Citations: 10
    Year: 2023

 

Arsheed Hakeem | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Arsheed Hakeem, Apollo Cancer Institute, India

Dr. Arsheed Husain Hakeem is a highly experienced Head and Neck Oncologist with over 19 years of expertise in the field. He holds an MBBS, MS (ENT), DNB (ENT), and FHNS. His extensive training includes transoral robotic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, and head and neck oncology fellowships at the National Cancer Center, Tokyo, and Prince Aly Khan Hospital, Mumbai. Dr. Hakeem has significantly contributed to the development of head and neck oncology as a sub-specialty in India. He specializes in transoral CO2 laser microsurgery, endoscopic skull base surgery, and conservative laryngeal surgeries. With more than 65 research publications, he has actively participated in national and international conferences, presenting pioneering work in oncology. Currently serving as Head of the Neck Oncology Unit at Apollo Cancer Institute, Hyderabad, Dr. Hakeem is committed to advancing oncological treatments and training future specialists in the field.

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Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Arsheed Husain Hakeem

Dr. Arsheed Husain Hakeem is a distinguished head and neck oncologist and surgeon with an extensive career spanning over nineteen years. His expertise in transoral robotic surgery, CO2 laser microsurgery, and conservative head and neck cancer treatments demonstrates a profound impact on the field. Trained under globally renowned experts like Prof. Gregory Weinstein (University of Pennsylvania) and Prof. Riuchi Hayashi (National Cancer Center, Tokyo), Dr. Hakeem has acquired specialized skills that have contributed to advancements in oncological surgery.

His significant research contributions include 65+ publications in reputed international and national journals, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based practice and medical innovation. He has also presented research work at various national and international forums, further solidifying his influence in the academic and clinical research communities. Additionally, his efforts in establishing head and neck oncology as a subspecialty in prestigious medical institutions like LMT and BYL Nair Municipal Medical Colleges in Mumbai underscore his dedication to the growth of medical education and training.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Arsheed Husain Hakeem’s educational journey is marked by rigorous academic training and specialized fellowships in head and neck oncology. He earned his MBBS degree before pursuing an MS in ENT and a Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in ENT. Further refining his expertise, he completed a Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery (FHNS). To enhance his surgical skills, he trained in transoral robotic surgery under Prof. Gregory Weinstein at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. His global exposure continued with a head and neck oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan, and another at Prince Aly Khan Hospital, Mumbai. Additionally, he has undergone specialized training in CO2 laser and laryngotracheal framework surgeries under Prof. Phillip Monnier in Lausanne, Switzerland. This extensive educational background has solidified his expertise in innovative surgical techniques and oncological treatments, making him a leading figure in the field.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Arsheed Husain Hakeem has accumulated nearly two decades of experience in head and neck oncology. Currently, he leads an independent unit at Apollo Cancer Institute, Hyderabad, where he specializes in oncological surgeries. Previously, he served as a Senior Consultant and Unit Head at Lakeshore Hospital and Research Center, Kochi. His career also includes tenure as a consultant at Prince Aly Khan Hospital, Mumbai, where he actively trained DNB surgical oncology candidates. As a visiting faculty at BYL Nair Hospital and LTMG Medical College, he played a crucial role in establishing head and neck oncology departments. He has been involved in various national and international clinical observerships, including one at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hakeem has also coordinated workshops on laryngotracheal framework surgery, training ENT specialists and surgical oncologists. His expertise extends to reconstructive microvascular techniques, further enriching his contributions to the field.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Arsheed Husain Hakeem’s contributions to oncology have earned him multiple accolades. He has been recognized for pioneering transoral robotic and CO2 laser microsurgeries in India. His extensive research has led to over 65 publications in top-tier international and national journals, solidifying his status as a thought leader in the field. He has presented groundbreaking research at prestigious forums worldwide, gaining recognition for his work in mandible-preserving surgeries and endoscopic skull base procedures. Dr. Hakeem has played an instrumental role in establishing head and neck oncology as a sub-specialty in India, earning appreciation from medical institutions and government bodies. He has also received honors for his contributions to medical education, mentoring postgraduates and surgical oncology candidates. His expertise in minimally invasive oncological procedures has positioned him as a leading figure in the fight against head and neck cancers, both nationally and internationally.

🌍 Research Skills On Medicine

Dr. Arsheed Husain Hakeem is a prolific researcher with a specialized focus on head and neck oncology. His research encompasses transoral robotic surgery, CO2 laser microsurgery, and conservative laryngeal surgeries. With over 65 publications in reputed journals, he has significantly contributed to advancements in minimally invasive cancer treatments. His studies on mandible-preserving surgeries and microvascular reconstruction have influenced modern surgical approaches. He has collaborated with global experts in oncology, refining techniques in endoscopic skull base surgery. Dr. Hakeem actively mentors research candidates, guiding them in thesis development and clinical trials. His involvement in translational research aims to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications. His commitment to evidence-based medicine is reflected in his participation in peer reviews and editorial boards of medical journals. His research continues to drive innovation in head and neck oncology, improving patient outcomes worldwide.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Significance of anterior commissure involvement in early glottic squamous cell carcinoma treated with trans‐oral CO₂ laser microsurgery
    • Authors: AH Hakeem, J Tubachi, SA Pradhan
    • Citation: 102
    • Year: 2013
  • Primary pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary gland in the parapharyngeal space
    • Authors: AH Hakeem, B Hazarika, SA Pradhan, R Kannan
    • Citation: 69
    • Year: 2009
  • Outcome of per oral wide excision of T1‐2 N0 localized squamous cell cancer of the buccal mucosa—analysis of 156 cases
    • Authors: AH Hakeem, SA Pradhan, J Tubachi, R Kannan
    • Citation: 28
    • Year: 2013
  • Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma of Paranasal Sinuses—Do We Need to Be Radical in Surgery?
    • Authors: AH Hakeem, IH Hakeem
    • Citation: 13
    • Year: 2013
  • Premalignant lesions of the larynx and their management
    • Authors: AH Hakeem, IH Hakeem, SA Pradhan
    • Citation: 13
    • Year: 2010
  • Single-stage reconstruction of large defect of oral commissure and lips by submental artery island flap
    • Authors: WFJ Hakeem AH, Hakeem IH
    • Citation: 13*
    • Year: Not provided
  • Clinical outcome of surgical treatment of T1-2 N0 squamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue with observation for the neck: Analysis of 176 cases
    • Authors: AH Hakeem, SA Pradhan, R Kannan, J Tubachi
    • Citation: 11
    • Year: 2016
  • Surgical management of parapharyngeal abscess
    • Authors: J Tubachi, A Hakeem, DC Pradeep, P Nayak
    • Citation: 11
    • Year: 2012
  • Rehabilitation after total laryngectomy
    • Authors: AH Hakeem, IH Hakeem, A Garg
    • Citation: 11
    • Year: 2011
  • Riedel’s thyroiditis mimicking as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: unusual presentation
    • Authors: AH Hakeem, SK Chandramathyamma, IH Hakeem, FJ Wani, R Gomez
    • Citation: 10
    • Year: 2016