Pooja Yesantharao | Plastic Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pooja Yesantharao | Plastic Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Resident Physician,  Stanford University United States

Pooja S. Yesantharao is a fourth-year plastic surgery resident with a background in statistics and bioengineering, specializing in microsurgery, burn reconstruction, and health services research. She has extensive experience in regulatory affairs, medical device innovation, and clinical research, having co-founded Cerviscope, a startup for cervical cancer screening. Her work spans plastic and reconstructive surgery, cardiovascular research, and surgical oncology. She is actively involved in national surgical committees, resident mentorship, and healthcare policy initiatives. Pooja has received multiple awards for innovation and research, including the Johns Hopkins Bisciotti Prize and VentureWell Grant.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Scholar

🎓 Education

Pooja holds a Master’s degree from Stanford University in Health Research and Policy, where she explored associations between HLA genotypes and squamous cell carcinoma. She completed her medical training at Johns Hopkins, conducting research in plastic and reconstructive surgery, health services, and biomedical engineering. She also pursued early research at Rice University in metabolic engineering and at the Methodist Research Institute in nanomedicine. Her interdisciplinary education has enabled her to integrate bioengineering, clinical practice, and healthcare innovation.

💼 Experience

Pooja has extensive experience in regulatory affairs, clinical research, and med-tech innovation. She is a regulatory affairs consultant at Rare Moon Consulting, supporting orphan drug approvals. She co-founded Cerviscope, a startup integrating AI and mobile microscopy for cervical cancer screening. She has held leadership roles in multiple health-tech startups, including Corrie for STEMI patient management and Cubix for lung cancer screening. Her research experience spans Stanford and Johns Hopkins, focusing on outcomes research in lymphedema, craniofacial trauma, breast reconstruction, and cost-effectiveness in migraine and nipple reconstruction surgeries.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Pooja has received numerous accolades for her contributions to medical research and innovation, including the 2018 Stanford TreeHacks Illumina Prize, 2020 Johns Hopkins Engineering Design Competition (2nd Place), 2020 Johns Hopkins Bisciotti Prize (Finalist), and the 2020 VentureWell Grant. She has also received funding and recognition for her work in surgical research, healthcare innovation, and device development, demonstrating excellence in bridging engineering and medicine.

🔬 Research Focus

Pooja’s research spans plastic and reconstructive surgery, translational medicine, and health services research. Her key projects include clinical and preclinical trials of ViOptix Intra.Ox for surgical monitoring, investigating BIA-ALCL and silicone-induced fibrosis, and analyzing healthcare policy impacts on surgical procedures. She also explores cost-effectiveness in reconstructive surgery, patient-surgeon communication in oncology, and AI-driven diagnostics. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates bioengineering, surgery, and policy research to improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

🔹 Conclusion

Pooja S. Yesantharao is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her strong research background, innovative contributions to medical technology, and leadership in plastic surgery and health services research. Strengthening her publication impact and grant leadership could further solidify her standing.

Publication 

  • Title: Revisiting the nipple-areola complex: A study on aesthetic preferences
    Year: 2024
    Authors: P.S. Yesantharao, Pooja S.; M.J. Heron, Matthew J.; E.B. Lee, Erica B.; J.M. Sacks, Justin Michael; K.P. Broderick, Kristen P.
    Citation: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Paradigm Shifts in Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction: A Nationwide Analysis of Direct-to-Implant Trends
    Year: 2024
    Authors: P.S. Yesantharao, Pooja S.; C.P. Arquette, Connor P.; J.E. Cheesborough, Jennifer E.; G.K. Lee, Gordon Kwanlyp; R.S. Nazerali, Rahim S.
    Citation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Updated Trends and Outcomes in Autologous Breast Reconstruction in the United States, 2016-2019
    Year: 2024
    Authors: J.K. Shah, Jennifer Krupa; U.O. Amakiri, Uchechukwu O.; P.C. Cevallos, Priscila C.; C.C. Sheckter, Clifford Charles; R.S. Nazerali, Rahim S.
    Citation: Annals of Plastic Surgery
    Citations: 5

 

  • Title: Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis of Nerve Implanted into Muscle versus Targeted Muscle Reinnervation versus Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface, for Treatment of the Painful Neuroma
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Z. Zamore, Zachary; P.S. Yesantharao, Pooja S.; P. Aravind, Pathik; A.L. Dellon, Arnold Lee
    Citation: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
    Citations: 2

 

  1. Title: Telemedicine for Breast Reconstruction: Exploring Patient Satisfaction Using the Breast-Q Tool
    Authors: P. Yesantharao, L. El Eter, P. Aravind, E.B. Abeles, O. Aliu, M.A. Manahan, …
    Citation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open 9 (10S), 118-119

 

  1. Title: QS3: The Ideal Match: Optimizing Partial Face Transplants in Terms of Skin Tone Discrepancies
    Authors: P.S. Yesantharao, J. Garcia, C.M. Cooney, D. Cooney
    Citation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open 9 (7S), 34-35

 

  1. Title: Using Pressure Mapping to Understand and Prevent Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries in the Burn ICU
    Authors: L.E. Eter, P.S. Yesantharao, V. Javia, C.A. Cox, R. Orosco, C. Cooney, …
    Citation: Journal of Burn Care & Research 42

 

  • Title: Keloid Scars: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Treatment, and Outcomes
    Authors: P.S. Yesantharao, K.M. Klifto, A. Makarem, O. Duclos, C.M. Cooney, …
    Citation: Plastic Surgery 2020 (October 16-19, 2020)

 

  • Title: Reliability of Mechanical Turks As a Crowdsourcing Platform for Cleft Aesthetics Research in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Research
    Authors: H. Xun, J. Chen, P.S. Yesantharao, L. El Eter, M. Abousy, H.E. Jenny, …
    Citation: Plastic Surgery 2020 (October 16-19, 2020)

 

  • Title: Payment Reform Impacts Pediatric Craniofacial Fracture Care
    Authors: P.S. Yesantharao, H.E. Jenny, J. Lopez, R.J. Redett, R. Yang, J.P. Steinberg
    Citation: Plastic Surgery 2020 (October 16-19, 2020)

 

  • Title: Using Radio-Diagnostic Modalities for Evaluation and Early Detection of Lymphedema: A Systematic Review
    Authors: P. Aravind, P.S. Yesantharao, M. Abad, A. Quan, P.N. Shetty, D.M. Milek, …
    Citation: Plastic Surgery 2020 (October 16-19, 2020)

 

  • Title: Sternal Reconstruction Outcomes Following Cardiothoracic Surgery
    Authors: D. Chi, P.S. Yesantharao, L. Vuong, R.J. Sachar, S.N. Chiang, R.E. Arhewoh, …
    Citation: Plastic Surgery 2020 (October 16-19, 2020)

 

  • Title: Protective Lipofilling for Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction after PMRT: Best Practices Based on Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Authors: P.S. Yesantharao, L. El Eter, S. Persing, H. Xun, W.Y. He, J.M. Sacks
    Citation: Plastic Surgery 2020 (October 16-19, 2020)

 

  • Title: Tracking the Digital Footprints of Integrated Plastic Surgery Residencies: Trends in Social Media Adoption, Utilization, and Engagement
    Authors: W.Y. He, H. Xun, H. Darrach, J. Chen, P.S. Yesantharao, J.M. Sacks
    Citation: Plastic Surgery 2020 (October 16-19, 2020)

 

  • Title: Plastic Surgeons Should Leverage Social Media Platforms for Academic Information, with Caution
    Authors: P.S. Yesantharao, W.Y. He, K.P. Broderick, J.M. Sacks
    Citation: Plastic Surgery 2020 (October 16-19, 2020)

 

 

Sudarshan Santra | Numerical Analysis | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Sudarshan Santra | Numerica l Analysis | Best Researcher Award

👨‍🏫Profile Summary

Highly skilled mathematician with expertise in numerical methods, analysis, and scientific computing, specializing in fractional-order ODEs, PDEs, and integro-PDEs. Currently, a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, engaged in cutting-edge research. Previous roles include Project Associate at IISc Bangalore, Teaching Assistant at NIT Rourkela, and Assistant Professor at FIT Kolkata. Completed a Ph.D. in Mathematics from NIT Rourkela, focusing on numerical solutions for fractional differential equations. Holds an M.Sc. from IIT Guwahati and a B.Sc. from the University of Calcutta. Committed to advancing mathematical understanding and solving real-world problems through rigorous research.

🌐 Professional Profiles

 

 

🔬Research Interest

Broad Area of Research:

  • Numerical Methods, Analysis & Scientific Computing, Wavelets.
  • Fractional-Order ODEs, PDEs, and Integro-PDEs.

📊Work Experience

Post-Doctoral Fellow Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore September 2023 – Present Working as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences at IISc Bangalore, under Prof. Ratikanta Behera in assistance with the Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Axis Bank Centre for Mathematics and Computing, IISc Bangalore. Project Associate Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore October 2022 – August 2023 Served as a Project Associate in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences at IISc Bangalore under Prof. Ratikanta Behera. Teaching Assistant National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT-R) July 2019 – December 2019 Worked as a teaching assistant in the Department of Mathematics at NIT-R. Topics covered included Differential Equations. Assistant Professor Future Institute of Technology (FIT), Kolkata
July 2015 – July 2018 Lectured mathematics in the Department of Basic Science & Humanities at FIT, Kolkata, affiliated to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), West Bengal. Topics covered: Real analysis, Linear Algebra, Differential Equation, Numerical Analysis.

🎓Education

Ph.D. (2018-2023) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, National Institute of Technology Rourkela.
Title of the thesis: “Numerical solutions and their convergence analysis for fractional differential and integrodifferential equations involving weak singularities”. Supervisor: Prof. Jugal Mohapatra. M.Sc. (2013-2015) M.Sc. in Mathematics and Computing, Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. B.Sc. (2009-2012) B.Sc. in Mathematics (Honours), Department of Mathematics, Raja Peary Mohan College, University of Calcutta. 12th (2007-2009) Higher Secondary Education, Science, Singur Mahamaya High School, WBCHSE. 10th (2005-2007)
Secondary Education, Paltagarh Radharani Sikshamandir, WBBSE.

📚Top Noted Publication

Title: A novel finite difference technique with error estimate for time fractional partial integro-differential equation of Volterra type
Authors: S Santra, J Mohapatra
Journal: Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics
Year: 2021
Citations: 32

 

Title: Adomian decomposition and homotopy perturbation method for the solution of time fractional partial integro-differential equations
Authors: A Panda, S Santra, J Mohapatra
Journal: Journal of Applied Mathematics and Computing
Year: 2021
Citations: 30

 

Title: Analysis of the L1 scheme for a time fractional parabolic–elliptic problem involving weak singularity
Authors: S Santra, J Mohapatra
Journal: Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences
Year: 2020
Citations: 21

 

Title: A novel approach for solving multi-term time fractional Volterra-Fredholm partial integro-differential equations
Authors: S Santra, A Panda, J Mohapatra
Journal: Journal of Applied Mathematics and Computing
Year: 2021
Citations: 12

 

Title: Numerical Analysis of Volterra Integro-differential Equations with Caputo Fractional Derivative
Authors: S Santra, J Mohapatra
Journal: Iranian Journal of Science and Technology. Transaction A, Science
Year: 2021
Citations: 12

 

Title: Higher order approximations for fractional order integro-parabolic partial differential equations on an adaptive mesh with error analysis
Authors: S Santra, J Mohapatra, P Das, D Choudhuri
Journal: Computers & Mathematics with Applications
Year: 2023
Volume: 150
Pages: 87-101
Citations: 11

 

Title: Analysis of a finite difference method based on L1 discretization for solving multi-term fractional differential equation involving weak singularity
Authors: S Santra, J Mohapatra
Journal: Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences
Year: 2022
Citations: 7

 

Title: Numerical treatment of multi-term time fractional nonlinear KdV equations with weakly singular solutions
Authors: S Santra, J Mohapatra
Journal: International Journal of Modelling and Simulation
Year: 2022
Citations: 7

 

Title: Analytical and Numerical Solution for the Time Fractional Black-Scholes Model Under Jump-Diffusion
Authors: J Mohapatra, S Santra, H Ramos
Journal: Computational Economics
Year: 2023
Citations: 2

 

Title: An efficient computational approach for the solution of time-space fractional diffusion equation
Authors: S Santra, J Mohapatra
Journal: International Journal of Modelling and Simulation
Year: 2022
Citations: 1

 

 

 

UMJE Samaranayake |Surgical | Women Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. UMJE Samaranayake | Surgical | Women Researcher Award

👨‍🏫Profile Summary

A highly accomplished medical professional with a diverse academic background, including an MD Part 1 from the University of Colombo and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree with distinctions. Extensive experience as a General Surgical Registrar and Medical Officer in various hospitals, coupled with roles in academia as a Lecturer and Research Assistant. Recognized for outstanding contributions with awards such as Best Poster Presentation and Best Research Award. Certified in various medical courses and active participation in workshops and academic sessions. Committed to community service and volunteer work, demonstrating leadership and excellence in extracurricular activities.

🌐 Professional Profiles

 

 

Academic Qualifications 🎓

MD Part 1 – November 1st, 2023, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, MRCS Part A – January examination 2024 – Royal College of Surgeons, England, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree obtained on 30th May 2016 with a Second-Class Upper Division from South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine, Distinctions in Medicine and Psychiatry in Clinical Sciences Stream with a Second-Class Upper Division, Distinctions in Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology in Basic Sciences and Applied Sciences Stream Distinctions in Philosophy, Physics & Mathematics, General Chemistry, Latin and Medical terminology School attended: Devi Balika Vidyalaya- Colombo 8 GCE Advanced Level Examination 2008 – ABBA (In order for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English) GCE Ordinary Level Examination 2004 – 10 Distinction passes (Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social studies and History, English Language, English Literature, Development studies, Health and physical education, Business and accounting, Sinhala language and literature, Buddhism)

Professional Experience 💼

General Surgical Registrar, Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health (November 2023- November 2024), Medical Officer Histopathology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Health (April 2022- October 2023), Medical Officer, Base Hospital Kayts, Ministry of Health (October 2021- April 2022), Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (October 2020- October 2021), House Officer at District General Hospital Monaragala (September 2019- September 2020)

Research Assistant 📝

Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (May 2018- September 2019) Laboratory experience, Teaching activities, Dissection of Anatomy specimens, Organizing workshops, Contributions made for Department development and organization Temporary Lecturer and Department Coordinator 🏫 Department of Surgery, South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (June 2016- March 2017) Lecturing and Examining Experience in Other Disciplines 📚 Various lecturing and examining experiences in disciplines such as Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, and Nuclear Medical Science.

Awards 🏆

Best poster presentation 2018 – The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka joint international conference with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the SAARC Surgical Care Society. Best research award 2019 – The Sri Lanka Association of Urological Surgeons (SLAUS) joint meeting with the British Association of Urological Surgeons and the Royal society of Medicine

Certifications 🎓

Course in Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research – National Science Foundation – 30th December 2018 (License 29673761), Course in Biomedical Research – National Science Foundation – 9th December 2018 (License 29673758), Course in Conflicts of Interest – National Science Foundation – 9th December 2018 (License 29673762), SPSS Basics Course – Udemy – May 2018 (License UC-12494H5E), Advanced Trauma Life Support course 9th March 2018 conducted by the College of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists of Sri Lanka, Course in Statistics for Medical Professionals – The Stanford University School of Medicine 22nd December 2017, Advanced First Aid certification programme conducted by Sri Lanka Red cross Society – Colombo on 26th November 2017, National Trauma management course (NTMC) (15-hour practical course) done by the College of Surgeons Sri Lanka – March 2017, Neonatology Life support course organized by the Sri Lankan Collage of Paediatricians completed on 18th June 2015 held at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Primary information technology certification in Word processing – 25th May 2001, Primary information technology certification in Spreadsheets – 25th May 2001

Workshops & Academic Session Participation 📚

Participated in the Annual academic sessions of the Anatomical society of Sri Lanka on 28th August 2019, Participated in a symposium on initial management of open fractures 31st January 2018, Participated in Annual academic Sessions College of Surgeons Sri Lanka & joint meeting with the Royal college of surgeons Edinburgh – 2016, 2017, 2018 years, Participated in a clinical pharmacology workshop on ‘improving prescribing skills’ organized by the department of pharmacology – University of Colombo May 2017, Participated in Asia Pacific conference of emerging viral infections – September 2017

Volunteer Work 🤝

Volunteer for the United States Mercy Naval Ship – Asia Pacific Partnership project 2018, College of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists of Sri Lanka – Instructor for the Advanced Life Support Course, Certified as an Advanced first aid care giver in Red Cross Society Sri Lanka 2017, Run for their Lives- Charity Run in aid for National cancer institute – Maharagama held by Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown- participated in both 2011 & 2012 years

Community Based Experience 🏥

  • Experience in conducting health camps attached to Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital

Extracurricular Activities 🏅

Inter faculty Rugby tournament 2012 –SAITM (Female) – Semi finalists Interfaculty Softball cricket tournament 2012- SAITM (Female) – Champions The Sri Lankan Festival for Performing Arts 2006 – Bronze Medal for Prose reading, Merit for Verse speaking & Television news reading School level- Participation in New Inventors Club competition held at Ananda collage in 2003, Several awards in Inter-house sports meets in areas of group events, drill, Drama competition, Netball inter-house tournaments, member of Media unit (2000), UNESCO club (2002), New inventors club (2003), Science society (2005/2006), English Literary Associations (2005)

📚Top Noted Publication

Title: Are predominantly western standards and expectations of informed consent in surgery applicable to all? A qualitative study in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: UMJE Samaranayake, Y Mathangasinghe, ASK Banagala
Journal: BMJ open
Year: 2019
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pages: e025299
Citations: 8

 

Title: A novel variant in the COL6A1 gene causing Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy in a consanguineous family: a case report
Authors: ND Sirisena, UMJE Samaranayake, OLA Neto, AR Foley, BAPS Pathirana, …
Journal: BMC neurology
Year: 2021
Volume: 21
Pages: 1-7
Citations: 7

 

Title: Pigmented border as a new surface landmark for digital nerve blocks: a cross sectional anatomical study
Authors: DJ Anthony, Y Mathangasinghe, UMJE Samaranayake, …
Journal: Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)
Year: 2019
Volume: 44
Issue: 9
Pages: 932-936
Citations: 6

 

Title: Variations in the density and distribution of cajal like cells associated with the pathogenesis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: U Samaranayake, Y Mathangasinghe, UA Liyanage, MVC de Silva, …
Journal: Frontiers in Surgery
Year: 2021
Volume: 8
Pages: 721143
Citations: 4

 

Title: A rare presentation of tuberculosis
Authors: UMJE Samaranayake, YN Rajapakse, Y Mathangasinghe, EAC Fernando, …
Journal: The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka
Year: 2018
Volume: 36
Issue: 3
Citations: 3

 

Title: Anatomical landmarks to locate the junction between transverse and sigmoid sinuses in translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid open surgical approaches
Authors: Y Mathangasinghe, U Samaranayake, SSA Silva, HC Prematilaka, …
Journal: The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka.
Year: 2018
Citations: 3

 

Title: Morphometric variations of Cajal-like cells are associated with pelviureteric junction obstruction in children
Authors: UMJE Samaranayake, Y Mathangasinghe, M Samarasinghe, …
Journal: BJU international
Year: 2023
Volume: 132
Issue: 4
Pages: 386-389
Citations: 2