National Award Research Articles

Veeraswamy Seshiah: Father of Gestational Diabetes in India

Professor Dr. V. Seshiah, MD, FRCP, DSc, (Hony), is a distinguished professor at Tamil Nadu's Dr. MGR Medical University and established the First Department of Diabetology in India at Madras Medical College in 1978. He was the patron of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India and the founder patron of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group, India (DIPSI). Additionally, he served as the Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group. Dr. V Balaji and Dr. V Seshiah Diabetes Care Center & Research Institute, which he founded, received the Army Decorations "SAMAR SEVA STAR" and "SAINYA SEVA MEDAL" in 1965 with clasp HIMALAYAS. Dr. Seshiah was also the recipient of the DR. B.C.ROY National Award was given in 1988 for developing diabetology as the Indian College of Physicians provided a specialty in the country and the Master Teacher Award. Moreover, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Diabetes Federation in 2017, being the first Indian to receive this award. In 2022, the President of India, Mr. Kovind, presented the Padma Shri to Dr. Veeraswamy Seshiah for Medicine.

Former U.S. Marine captures national Indigenous economic development award

- story on Cando EDO of the year winner James Stevens.

The Leaders in Informatics, Quality, and Systems (LInQS) Fellowship.

Leaders in Informatics, Quality, and Systems (LInQS) is a non-ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education)-accredited 2-year training program developed to enhance training in the fields of health care delivery, quality improvement (QI), clinical informatics, and leadership. This single-institution 2-year longitudinal training program grounded in QI and informed by leadership and clinical informatics includes didactics, coaching, and mentorship, all centered around individualized QI projects. The program has been available to sub-specialty fellows, advanced practice providers, and physicians. From 2019 to 2023, 32 fellows have been accepted into the program with 13 graduates and 16 currently enrolled. Fellows have been predominately female, physicians, and from multiple specialties but predominantly hospital medicine. Fellows' evaluations of the fellowship are highly positive, rating the didactics and mentorship aspects of the curriculum most favorably. Most fellows' projects utilized informatics solutions including clinical decision support tools to increase quality of care, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs of care resulting in manuscript publications, national presentations, and a national specialty society award. Since matriculation, 50% of fellows received certification as Epic Physician Builders and 34% received leadership positions in clinical informatics, quality, and education. Our experience supports the need to provide health care providers more expansive training in the areas of QI, clinical informatics, and leadership for improving health care delivery. Additional in-depth knowledge and experience in these fields may produce and benefit leaders in these fields.

A study on the development of a fitness age prediction model: the national fitness award cohort study 2017–2021

BackgroundPhysical fitness is considered an important indicator of the health of the general public. In particular, the physical fitness of the older adults is an important requirement for determining the possibility of independent living. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between chronological age and physical fitness variables in the National Fitness Award Cohort study data and to develop multiple linear regression analyses to predict fitness age using dependent variables.MethodsData from 501,774 (359,303 adults, 142,471 older adults) individuals who participated in the Korea National Fitness Award Cohort Study from 2017 to 2021 were used. The physical fitness tests consisted of 5 candidate markers for adults and 6 candidate markers for the older adults to measure muscle strength, muscle endurance, cardiopulmonary endurance, flexibility, balance, and agility. Pearson’s correlation and stepwise regression analyses were used to analyze the data.ResultsWe obtained a predicted individual fitness age values from physical fitness indicators for adults and older adults individuals, and the mean explanatory power of the fitness age for adults was [100.882 – (0.029 × VO2max) – (1.171 × Relative Grip Strength) – (0.032 × Sit-up) + (0.032 × Sit and reach) + (0.769 × Sex male = 1; female = 2)] was 93.6% (adjusted R2); additionally, the fitness age for older adults individuals was [79.807 – (0.017 × 2-min step test) – (0.203 × Grip Strength) – (0.031 × 30-s chair stand) – (0.052 × Sit and reach) + (0.985 × TUG) – (3.468 × Sex male = 1; female = 2) was 24.3% (adjusted R2).ConclusionsWe suggest the use of fitness age as a valid indicator of fitness in adults and older adults as well as a useful motivational tool for undertaking exercise prescription programs along with exercise recommendations at the national level.

ACS announces its 2025 National Award winners

ACS announces its 2025 National Award winners

Transforming Hospital Housekeeping: The Kayakalp Journey

Introduction The Kayakalp guidelines for public healthcare facilities under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) focus on improving sanitation, cleanliness, and infection control at public hospitals in India. This study was conducted in a 960-bed tertiary-level teaching hospital in eastern India. Housekeeping has been a challenge in public institutions, with factors like overcrowding and resource constraints. Tobacco and betel nut chewing, spitting, poor sanitation practices, and open urination are major challenges in ensuring sanitation at the hospital. The research objective was to study the implementation of the Kayakalp guidelines for quality improvement in housekeeping services at the institution. Methods A pre- and post-interventional study was conducted using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) quality tool. Plan phases included the gap assessment using the Kayakalp checklist with numerical scoring. Necessary interventions were done under three headings: structure, processes, and outcomes in the “Do” phase. The “Check” phase included monitoring of the activities followed by the “Act” phase, which included a review of the action plan. External experts nominated by the government conducted the final assessments and recommended it as one of the cleanest hospitals. Results A 360-degree improvement was observed in hospital services, with assessment score improvement from 73.68% to 95.0%. The institution received the first prize in 2020 and 2021 and runners-up Kayakalp National Award under category “B” (Institute of National Importance) Hospitals in 2019. Conclusion The implementation of Kayakalp guidelines of the Government of India proved to be efficient in the improvement of housekeeping and infection control practices in the institution.

Nominations sought for 2026 American Chemical Society National Awards

Nominations sought for 2026 American Chemical Society National Awards

Teaching from the heart: an evaluation of award-winning teachers in Singapore

ABSTRACT The Inspiring Teacher of English Award and the President’s Award for Teachers are national awards that recognize outstanding Singapore educators. This paper delves into the practices and philosophies of six award-winning teachers, unravelling the intricacies that distinguish their pedagogical approaches. The study is centred around three pivotal themes: Student-centred instructional approach, Optimization of Curriculum Materials, and Heart for students. The teaching philosophy undergirds and informs the other two themes, providing the guiding principles that ensure a consistent, student-centred, and resource-effective approach in the classroom. Highlighting the adaptability of these educators in tailoring their methods to individual student needs, the paper emphasizes the significance of a sound educational philosophy as their guiding principle. Furthermore, it explores the adept integration of curriculum materials in their teaching. This analysis offers valuable insights into the unique qualities and teaching methodologies that contribute to the success of award-winning teachers, providing a nuanced understanding of their contribution to educational excellence. Additionally, this analysis suggests significant implications for teacher education and in-service professional development, highlighting the need for programmes that foster these key attributes and approaches, thereby enhancing teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes across educational settings.

إسهامات الدكتور إبراهيم محمد إبراهيم في تطور الأدب العربي والأردي: دراسة حياته وأعماله

Dr. Ibrahim is a renowned scholar whose extensive contributions to Arabic and Urdu literature have had a profound impact on the academics and literary researchers of both languages and cultures. After obtaining his foundational education, he pursued higher studies in Urdu at Al Azhar University, followed by advanced degrees from Punjab University, Lahore, where he completed his Master's and Ph.D. in Urdu language and literature. His books, translations, research papers, articles, lectures and seminars offer new insights and interpretations between Arabic and Urdu. His translations have made significant literary works accessible to a broader audience fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Arabic being his mother tongue and Urdu learnt and lived at its home - Pakistan, made him arise as an established translator and critic. He won many prestigious awards including ‘Father of Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq award’ and Pakistan’s national award ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz’. Throughout his career, Dr. Ibrahim has been a prolific writer, contributing extensively to both Arabic and Urdu literature. His works reflect a deep understanding and appreciation of both languages, bridging cultural gaps and enriching literary discourse. Dr. Ibrahim's life and works stand as a testament to his dedication and passion for literature. His contributions continue to inspire and influence scholars and students alike, making him a pivotal figure in the development of Arabic and Urdu literary studies.

Neural network model for prediction of possible sarcopenic obesity using Korean national fitness award data (2010–2023)

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterized by concomitant sarcopenia and obesity and presents a high risk of disability, morbidity, and mortality among older adults. However, predictions based on sequential neural network SO studies and the relationship between physical fitness factors and SO are lacking. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for SO in older adults by focusing on physical fitness factors. A comprehensive dataset of older Korean adults participating in national fitness programs was analyzed using sequential neural networks. Appendicular skeletal muscle/body weight was defined as SO using an anthropometric equation. Independent variables included body fat (BF, %), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and various physical fitness factors. The dependent variable was a binary outcome (possible SO vs normal). We analyzed hyperparameter tuning and stratified K-fold validation to optimize a predictive model. The prevalence of SO was significantly higher in women (13.81%) than in men, highlighting sex-specific differences. The optimized neural network model and Shapley Additive Explanations analysis demonstrated a high validation accuracy of 93.1%, with BF% and absolute grip strength emerging as the most influential predictors of SO. This study presents a highly accurate predictive model for SO in older adults, emphasizing the critical roles of BF% and absolute grip strength. We identified BF, absolute grip strength, and sit-and-reach as key SO predictors. Our findings underscore the sex-specific nature of SO and the importance of physical fitness factors in its prediction.

Heroic history of the Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology (1941–1945) and the main achievements of the present time

The aim of this article was to show the labor valour during the Great Patriotic War of the employees of the first research institute in Irkutsk, which began its history in 1912, as well as their success of the present time. The oldest scientific institution in the Irkutsk region was originally created on the initiative of the Siberian Medical Society as a laboratory and was transformed into the Chemical and Bacteriological Institute in 1918, and in 1930 it became the Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the People’s Commissariat of Public Health of Russia.By the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the institute had an epidemiological department and a microbiological laboratory that carried out epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis of a wide range of infections in Siberia. During the war years, the manufacturing sector with the production of vaccines and serums acquired particular importance. By the end of the war, 285 employees worked at the institute, 32 of them had higher education. During the war years, the production of vaccines against typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and smallpox was significantly increased. Serums against tetanus and measles, and a dysentery bacteriophage were produced. At the same time, research projects and thesis works were carried out. The employees of the institute received national and departmental awards, commendations, honorary distinctions, and rewards for their scientific work and production excellence.Currently, the institute continues the glorious traditions of the past and demonstrates truly heroic efforts in the development of virology and microbiology, working in priority areas of medical and biological science. Of course, the works of scientists of the present time will be appreciated only by descendants, as is now happening with the assessment of the work of the Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology during the Great Patriotic War.

INBio: its innovative work in the knowledge and sustainable use of biodiversity in Costa Rica

The National Institute of Biodiversity of Costa Rica (INBio), the first institution of its kind worldwide, was created in 1989 as a civil society organization, with the mission of promoting greater awareness of the value of biodiversity, to achieve its conservation and promote human development. It operated within the framework of a national biodiversity conservation strategy consisting of three types of actions: “save, know and use”, forming a public-private alliance with the National System of Conservation Areas, whose work represented the first step of “saving”. INBio focused on the generation of scientific knowledge of Costa Rican biodiversity (knowing) and the search and promotion of its intelligent use (using). This article describes the genesis of the institution and its main contributions to the knowledge and use of Costa Rican biodiversity between 1989-2015. These include the results of the protected areas biodiversity inventory process and the development of the largest systematic collection of biological specimens in the country's history, fully systematized; the development of an information management system that integrated all the information from the inventory and the specimens in its collection in digital format, allowing global access to this information or its correlation with that of other sources. The results of promoting and facilitating the use of information through five programs: Natural Sciences and Conservation Biology, for scientific purposes; Bioliteracy and Education, conceptually designed for the teaching and development of awareness about the value of biodiversity; Bioprospecting, the systematic search for economic uses of biodiversity for medicinal, agricultural and industrial purposes; Conservation for Development, the use of the information for wild areas conservation purposes, surrounding communities or nature tourism, among others; Technical Assistance and Training, program in charge of assisting public and private entities, inside and outside the country, in the development of initiatives in which Biodiversity was the central element. The main results of its work and the national and international awards that INBio received for its innovative approaches and contributions are described, as well as the financial and political reasons why INBio discontinued its activities in the period 2015-2016 are summarized. Viewing the work of INBio as a first stage, the importance and need to continue with a state program on the knowledge and use of Costa Rican biodiversity is raised, in addition to its protection, with the goal of creating awareness of its value before the serious threats to life on Earth.

Del ámbito nacional al internacional: la evolución de la jurisprudencia constitucional colombiana en materia de tutelas contra laudos arbitrales

This article proposes a review of the Colombian Constitutional Court jurisprudence regarding theadmissibility of the “tutela action” against arbitral awards. Firstly, it reviews the jurisprudence thatdeveloped the doctrine of the “vía de hecho” and the tutela against judicial sentences. Secondly,it analyzes the extension of the doctrine of tutela against sentences to domestic awards. Finally, itexamines the SU-500/15 and T-354/19 judgments that set a precedent in the Colombian constitutionaljurisprudence by allowing the admissibility of the tutela action against international awards seated in Colombia, which generates the need to establish different rules when it comes to national and international awards and the implications in terms of subsidiarity in relation to the action to set aside arbitral awards.

What is the role of out of programme clinical fellowships in the era of Shape of Training? A single-centre cohort study

BackgroundThe updated Shape of Training curriculum has shortened the duration of specialty training. We present the potential role of out of programme clinical fellowships.MethodAn electronic online survey was sent to...

Etnowisata Desa Denai Lama: Kajian Antropologi Ekologi di Kecamatan Pantai Labu

This research examines the ecology of rice fields in the Pantai Labu District. The community in the Pantai Labu District utilizes the ecology of rice fields not only as a food supplier but also as a tourist destination that can add value to the rice fields in the Pantai Labu District. The aim of this research is to describe how the community is able to increase the high value of the rice fields in Denai Lama Village, Pantai Labu District, Deli Serdang Regency. This research also discusses the culture and local wisdom in the Denai Lama Tourism Area and the activities that are characteristic of the culture and local wisdom in the Denai Lama Tourism Area, Deli Serdang Regency. The method used in this research is qualitative research with ethnographic methods. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and documentation. The research results state that Denai Lama Tourism Village is the first Tourism Village in Deli Serdang Regency, initiated by the Head of the Department of Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism of Deli Serdang Regency. This village is also considered one of the cleanest villages in Indonesia and has often received national awards. By utilizing the rice fields not only for food supply but also as a tourist destination, it adds value to the rice fields which has a significant impact on Denai Lama Tourism Village. The principle of this tourism village is more towards education, culture, culinary, making it an attraction for Denai Lama Village. This place is located on vast hectares of rice fields, with interesting photo spots for visitors. There are also many unique activities in Denai Lama Village, such as traditional culinary snacks, an annual folk festival, and a horse dance performance. Ethno-tourism in Denai Lama Village is a suitable title for research because it is one of the local wisdoms in North Sumatra, specifically in the Pantai Labu District, Deli Serdang Regency.

Medical school origins of award-winning physicians; analysis of a complete national dataset

BackgroundEducators and medical students share the same objective of achieving success in medical practice. Both groups consider doctors’ successes to include optimum patient care outcomes and positive career progressions. Accordingly, identifying common educational features of such high-achieving doctors facilitates the generation of excellence amongst future medical trainees. In this study we use data from the British clinical merit award schemes as outcome measures in order to identify medical school origins of doctors who have achieved national or international prominence.MethodsBritain has Clinical Excellence Awards/Distinction Awards schemes that financially reward all National Health Service doctors in England, Scotland and Wales who are classified as high achievers. We used these outcome measures in a quantitative observational analysis of the 2019-20 dataset of all 901 national award-winning doctors. Where appropriate, Pearson’s Chi-Square test was applied.ResultsThe top five medical schools (London university medical schools, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge) were responsible for 51.2% of the physician merit award-winners in the 2019-20 round, despite the dataset representing 85 medical schools. 91.4% of the physician merit award-winners were from European medical schools. The lowest national award-winners (tier 3) originated from 61 medical schools representing six continents. International medical graduates comprised 11.4% of all award-winners.ConclusionsThe majority of physicians who were national merit award-winners originated from only five, apparently overrepresented, UK university medical schools. In contrast, there was a greater diversity in medical school origin among the lower grade national merit awards; the largest number of international medical graduates were in these tier 3 awards (13.3%). As well as ranking educationally successful university medical schools, this study assists UK and international students, by providing a roadmap for rational decision making when selecting physician and non-physician medical education pathways that are more likely to fulfil their career ambitions.

Medical school origins of award-winning psychiatrists; analysis of a complete national dataset

BackgroundBritain attracts doctors from all over the world to work in the National Health Service. Elucidating the educational backgrounds of award-winning doctors working in the country is potentially an important medical education issue and a merit award audit. Using the British clinical merit award schemes as outcome measures, we identify medical school origins of award-winning doctors who have been identified as having achieved national or international prominence.MethodsThe Clinical Excellence Awards/Distinction Awards schemes select doctors in Britain who are classified as high achievers, with categories for national prominence and above. We used this outcome measure in a quantitative observational analysis of the 2019–20 dataset of all 901 award-winning doctors. Pearson's Chi-Square test was used where appropriate.ResultsFive university medical schools (London university medical schools, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Cambridge) accounted for 59.1% of the psychiatrist award-winning doctors in the 2019 round, despite the dataset representing 85 medical schools. 84.1% of the psychiatrist award-winners were from European medical schools, compared to 92.1% of the non-psychiatrist award-winners. International medical graduates accounted for 22.7% of the award-winning psychiatrists. Psychiatrists with the lower grade national awards came from a more diverse educational background of 17 medical schools. IMGs represented diverse medical schools from five continents and were most represented in the lowest grade of national merit awards at 24.2%.ConclusionsThe majority of the award-winning psychiatrists originated from only five medical schools. A greater diversity of medical school origin existed for the lowest grade national psychiatrist award-winners. International medical graduates contributed substantially to these award-winners; psychiatrist award-winners were more likely to be international medical graduates (22.7%) than non-psychiatrist award-winners (10.8%). This study not only indicates educational centres associated with the production of award-winners but also provides students with a roadmap for rational decision making when selecting medical schools.

The Invention of Tribology: Peter Jost’s Contribution

Peter Jost is known to the international tribology community as the father of the subject—‘the man who made the world spin a little easier’. He was the author of the eponymous ‘Jost Report’, the report of the Working Group set up in 1964 to investigate the state of lubrication education and research in the UK. Over the following five decades, up to his death in 2016, he was tireless in extolling the importance of tribology to manufacturing efficiency, energy conversion and environmental sustainability. He was instrumental in establishing the International Tribology Council and its prestigious gold, silver and bronze medals. Jost was himself the recipient of numerous national and international awards. In 1976, he was the President of the Institution of Production Engineers, and in 2013, he received the Sustained Achievement Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering. What is less well known is the story behind the Jost report—what was it that led the recently elected Labour government and its newly established Ministry of Technology to investigate lubrication and to choose Jost to lead the investigating panel? The story illustrates the combination of serendipity and determination on which success can so often depend.

Recognizing Excellence in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Epidemiology: The National MCH Epidemiology Awards.

Professionals in the field of maternal and child health (MCH) epidemiology are publicly recognized by the Coalition for Excellence in MCH Epidemiology representing 16 national MCH agencies and organizations. During the CityMatCH Leadership and MCH Epidemiology Conference, the national awards are presented to public health professionals for improving the health of women, children, and families. The awards have evolved over the last two decades with focus on awardees that represent more types of MCH public health professionals. Since 2000, the Coalition has presented 111 national awards in the areas of advancing knowledge, effective practice, outstanding leadership, excellence in teaching and mentoring, early career professional achievement, and lifetime achievement. Effective practice awards were most often presented at 45 awards, followed by early career professional achievement with 20. The awardees varied by place of employment with 37 employed at academic institutions, 33 in federal government positions, 32 in state or county government, seven in non-profit and two in clinical organizations. Awards were almost equally distributed by gender with 49 presented to women and 48 to men. Assessment of career advancement among previous awardees and acknowledging workforce challenges are gaps identified within the national awards process. Recognition of deserving MCH professionals sets the standard for those entering the field of MCH epidemiology and offers opportunity to recognize those who have built capacity and improved the health of women, children, and families.

Help Me Help You: How to Request a Letter of Recommendation.

Letters of recommendation (LORs) are an essential component of a career in medicine. The process for obtaining certain letters, particularly those associated with scheduled periods of professional transition, often is governed by established institutional or specialty norms. The process of requesting LORs in more common scenarios-local or national awards, committee assignments, and leadership positions-many times is less clearly defined, however. Despite the important role that LORs play in professional development, the published literature on how to solicit a recommendation is limited, creating challenges for both those requesting LORs ("applicants") and the letter writers. This perspective piece offers insight on how to best identify and communicate with a potential writer. These suggestions are derived from the limited relevant literature and from the authors' experience both with requesting letters themselves and writing letters as leaders in undergraduate and graduate medical education. The goal is to reduce ambiguity for applicants and ensure that writers receive the information necessary to provide an informed and effective recommendation.