Carolyn Thomas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Carolyn Thomas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Carolyn Thomas | University of Dundee | United Kingdom

Ms. Carolyn Thomas is a final-year medical student at the University of Dundee, School of Medicine, pursuing her MBChB with distinction and maintaining a strong academic record across five years of study. Since beginning her training in 2020, she has built a comprehensive foundation in clinical medicine, enriched by research, teaching, and leadership contributions to the academic community. Her education includes consistently high performance in Student Selected Components (SSCs), where she explored healthcare inequalities, general practice, surgery, and eating disorders, gaining insight into critical issues such as inequalities faced by transgender individuals, the importance of data literacy in primary care, and the psychosocial complexities of eating disorders. Clinical placements across the NHS Highlands, Tayside, and Aberdeen expanded her understanding of multidisciplinary care, specialty pathways, and biopsychosocial approaches to treatment, while nurturing her interest in psychiatry, adolescent health, and medical education. Alongside her clinical training, Carolyn has developed a strong research portfolio spanning surveys, audits, ethnographic studies, and systematic reviews. Her contributions include a survey on adherence to FSRH contraception guidelines in epilepsy patients, a focused ethnographic study on international medical students’ psychological safety in feedback episodes published in BMC Medical Education (2024), and two systematic reviews on secure care for young people   one published in Children and Youth Services Review (2025) and another forthcoming in late 2025. These projects positioned her work to inform adolescent mental health policy and the development of Scotland’s Foxgrove Unit. Recognized for both academic and extracurricular excellence, Carolyn was shortlisted for the Ronald Harden Prize, received the Principal’s Commendation for teaching Gateway to Medicine students, and earned top distinctions in oral presentations, including winning at the Beacon Academy Bridging Gaps 2024 and placing third at the SODECS Annual Scientific Meeting. She also graduated with First-Class Honours and holds Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), affirming her commitment to medical education and leadership. Her research skills encompass critical thinking, digital literacy, qualitative synthesis, literature review, and audit methodologies, with particular expertise in ethnographic fieldwork and systematic analysis. Combining clinical training, teaching, and scholarly achievement, Carolyn embodies the qualities of a clinician-scholar dedicated to advancing healthcare delivery, education, and outcomes for vulnerable populations.

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Featured Publications

Hu, H., Zou, J., Shan, L., Jiang, X., Ni, Y., Li, X., Qian, X., Chen, W., Zhou, Y., & Zhang, W. (2025). Exploring staff perspectives of working in secure care accommodation for young people: A systematic review of qualitative research.

Dr Enrico Giustiniano | Medicine and Health Sciences | Excellence in Innovation

Dr Enrico Giustiniano | Medicine and Health Sciences | Excellence in Innovation 

Anestesista Rianimatore at IRCCS HUMANITAS RESEARCH HOSPITAL, Milano,Italy

Enrico Giustiniano is an esteemed medical doctor specializing in Anesthesia and Intensive Care, with over 30 years of experience. He has been a key anesthetist at Humanitas Research Hospital since 2000, focusing on major surgeries across various specialties, including vascular and thoracic surgery. His expertise is recognized both nationally and internationally, making him a sought-after speaker and educator in the field.

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Education 

Enrico earned his degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Genoa and Messina, graduating with honors in 1992. He completed his specialization in Anesthesia and Intensive Care in 1997. He has furthered his education with certifications in Lean management, cardiac ultrasound, and ECMO training from prestigious institutions, including Cambridge University.

Professional Experience

  • Current Position: Anesthesiologist, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (2000 – Present)
    • Lead anesthetist for vascular surgery
    • Involved in various surgical specialties including thoracic, hepatobiliary, neuro, urological, and orthopedic surgery
    • Active in emergency critical care and intensive therapy
  • Previous Position: Anesthesiologist, Casa di Cura Cascini (1997-2000)

Academic Background

  • Medical Degree: University of Genoa and University of Messina, Italy (1985-1992)
    • Graduated with honors (110/110 e lode)
  • Specialization: Anesthesia and Intensive Care, completed on 29/10/1997 (50/50 e lode)
  • Certifications:
    • PBLSD Instructor (DAN Europe)
    • LEAN Certification
    • Certifications in transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography

Research Interests 

His research interests include hemodynamic monitoring, major vascular anesthesia, and the optimization of postoperative outcomes. He has published over 60 scientific articles and has participated in numerous international conferences, presenting his findings on innovative practices in anesthesiology.

Awards

Enrico has been recognized for his contributions to anesthesiology and critical care, receiving invitations to teach at international masterclasses and workshops. His clinical insights have influenced practices in the field and contributed to advancements in patient care.

Research Interests

  • Major vascular anesthesia, hemodynamic monitoring, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography
  • Author of over 60 scientific publications
  • Active participation in national and international conferences as speaker and faculty member
  • Reviewer for prestigious journals including BMJ Anesthesiology and Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Notable Roles:

  • Faculty member for the Center of Education in Hemodynamic Monitoring at Humanitas University
  • Proctor for hemodynamic monitoring in Italy and Europe

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong public speaking and conflict resolution skills
  • Experienced in leading surgical teams in emergency situations
  • Proficient in digital communication and content creation

Publication Top Notes: Medicine and Health Sciences

  1. Peri-operative Fast Track Management in Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Giustiniano et al., 2024)
    • This article discusses innovative fast-track management protocols aimed at improving recovery and outcomes in patients undergoing this complex surgery.
  2. The Safety of Thoracic Paravertebral Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Treated with Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Therapy (Nisi et al., 2023)
    • A narrative review that assesses the risks and benefits of these anesthetic techniques for patients on anticoagulation, crucial for optimizing perioperative pain management.
  3. The Anesthesiologist’s Perspective on Emergency Aortic Surgery (Nisi et al., 2023)
    • This review highlights strategies for preoperative optimization, intraoperative management, and postoperative care, focusing on the anesthesiologist’s role in emergency settings.
  4. Right Ventricle Response to Major Lung Resection (RIVER Study) (Giustiniano et al., 2023)
    • Explores cardiac responses during major surgeries, which may have implications for patients with cardiovascular risks.
  5. Pharmacological Prevention of Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery (Meco et al., 2023)
    • A meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of various medications in preventing delirium, a significant concern in postoperative care.