Prof. Hafeza Aftab, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh
Dr. Hafeza Aftab is a distinguished Gastroenterologist, currently serving as Professor and Head of the Gastroenterology Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. She is renowned as the first female interventional gastroenterologist in the country, specializing in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures. 🌏
Profile
Scopus
Based on the provided information about Dr. Hafeza Aftab, she is indeed a strong candidate for the “Women Researcher Award.” Here is an analysis of her strengths, areas for improvement, and conclusion:
Strengths for the Award
Pioneering Female Leader: Dr. Aftab is the first female interventional gastroenterologist in Bangladesh, which is a significant achievement, especially in a conservative socio-cultural setting. Her leadership and trailblazing efforts are important for women’s representation in medicine.
International Expertise: She has trained in prestigious institutions in Japan and India, broadening her knowledge and expertise in advanced gastroenterology procedures like ERCP, EUS, fluorescence endoscopy, and molecular imaging.
Teaching and Research: As a professor and head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, she contributes to education, clinical practice, and collaborative international research.
Recognition: She received the “JSGE Research Award” in 2004, highlighting her international recognition for research.
Public Outreach: Her efforts to raise public awareness through writing medical articles in local newspapers demonstrate her commitment to health education and advocacy.
Areas for Improvement
Focused Research Output: While she is involved in research, a more detailed record of her scientific publications, especially in high-impact journals, would strengthen her research portfolio.
Expansion of Collaborative Research: Expanding her international research collaborations further, especially with larger research groups or institutions, could elevate her influence in the global gastroenterology community.
Technological Integration: While she has specialized in many advanced techniques, integrating new AI-based diagnostic tools or other emerging technologies in her work could enhance her innovation profile.
Education
Dr. Aftab completed her MBBS at Chittagong Medical College in 1993, followed by an MD in Gastroenterology from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in 2002. She later pursued her PhD at Oita University, Japan, focusing on molecular gastroenterology. 🎓
Experience
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Aftab has gained expertise both locally and internationally, including training in Japan and India. She has been instrumental in introducing modern endoscopic techniques in Bangladesh and is committed to advancing gastroenterology care for female patients. 🏥
Research Interest
Dr. Aftab’s research interests include diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, GI oncology, molecular imaging, and gastrointestinal (GI) health issues prevalent in Bangladesh. She is also actively involved in international collaborative research projects. 🔬
Award
In recognition of her contributions to gastroenterology, Dr. Aftab received the prestigious Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (JSGE) Research Award in 2004, marking a significant achievement as the first Bangladeshi recipient. 🏆
Publication Top Notes
Diagnostic strategy of irritable bowel syndrome: a low- and middle-income country perspective
The Helicobacter pylori Genome Project: insights into H. pylori population structure from analysis of a worldwide collection of complete genomes
Genetic determinants of Biofilm formation of Helicobacter pylori using whole-genome sequencing
Mutations Related to Antibiotics Resistance in Helicobacter pylori Clinical Isolates from Bangladesh
Emerging inflammatory bowel disease demographics, phenotype, and treatment in South Asia, South-East Asia, and Middle East: Preliminary findings from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Emerging Nations’ Consortium
Serum Helicobacter pylori antibody reactivity in seven Asian countries using an automated latex aggregation turbidity assay
Characterization of a novel Helicobacter pylori East Asian-type CagA ELISA for detecting patients infected with various cagA genotypes
Serum pepsinogens as a gastric cancer and gastritis biomarker in South and Southeast Asian populations
Effective therapeutic regimens in two South Asian countries with high resistance to major Helicobacter pylori antibiotics
Gene content, phage cycle regulation model and prophage inactivation disclosed by prophage genomics in the Helicobacter pylori Genome Project
Conclusion
Dr. Hafeza Aftab is an exemplary candidate for the “Women Researcher Award,” given her pioneering contributions to gastroenterology, leadership as a female medical professional, and dedication to research and public health awareness. With continued emphasis on expanding her research output and collaborations, she can further solidify her influence both nationally and internationally.