Dr. Vidhant Nambiar , Fiji National University , Fiji
Dr. [Name] is currently the Acting Head of the Department of Dental Public Health, Paediatrics, and Preventive Dentistry at Fiji National University (FNU). With expertise in public health and dental care, Dr. [Name] is dedicated to improving oral health and public health across Fiji and the Pacific region. Actively involved in academic and clinical research, Dr. [Name] is the Chair of the FNU School of Dentistry and Oral Health’s Research Committee and a member of the Oral Health Pacific Island Alliance (OPIA) and the International Association of Dental Research (IADR). In addition to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate dental students, Dr. [Name] supervises research in areas like oral cancer and the effects of heat-treated cooking oils. A committed researcher and educator, Dr. [Name] also contributes to global oral health advocacy through international collaborations and presentations.
Publication Profile:
Orcid
Strengths for the Award:
- Innovative Research Focus: The study “Analysis of Genotoxic Oral Cancer Carcinogens in Repeatedly Heated Cooking Oils in Suva, Fiji” addresses a critical gap in oral health research, specifically the link between environmental carcinogens and oral cancer, an issue of high relevance in Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
- Strong Academic Foundation: The researcher holds a Master of Science in Public Health and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with notable academic achievements. Their award-winning background and practical clinical experience underscore their ability to handle complex research.
- Ongoing, High-Impact Research: The study is in a randomized controlled trial phase, demonstrating rigor and potential for publication in high-impact journals. The trial also received seed funding, which reflects its importance to the broader public health community.
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: The researcher brings a blend of public health, clinical dentistry, and research skills to the project, offering a holistic approach to understanding health risks in the Pacific Island context.
Areas for Improvements:
- Expanded Collaboration: To maximize the impact of the research, future work could involve more international collaborations or partnerships with other universities or research institutes, enhancing the study’s global reach and significance.
- Greater Focus on Data Analysis: While the research is promising, further attention to advanced statistical analyses and more diverse data sources could provide even more robust conclusions.
- Wider Community Engagement: Increasing community-based research engagement and ensuring that findings are shared with local populations in accessible formats could further strengthen public health responses.
Education:
Dr. [Name] holds a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of South Wales (2021), equipping them with advanced knowledge of public health principles and practices. Prior to that, Dr. [Name] earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Fiji National University (FNU), where they received the prestigious Pierre Fauchard Award in 2017. During their academic journey, Dr. [Name] gained extensive hands-on clinical experience and was exposed to cutting-edge dental technology and modern practices, including through an elective project at Melbourne and La Trobe University in 2017. This solid academic background, paired with practical dental experience, laid the foundation for their commitment to advancing oral health education, research, and policy development.
Experience:
Dr. [Name] has an extensive career in dental public health and clinical practice. As the Acting Head of the Department of Dental Public Health, Paediatrics, and Preventive Dentistry at FNU, Dr. [Name] oversees curriculum development, academic program delivery, and research activities. They have led multiple community outreach initiatives and have a demonstrated ability to manage strategic planning and research projects. Dr. [Name] has also served as a Lecturer in Dental Public Health, teaching courses across various undergraduate levels and guiding students in their research endeavors. Previous roles include managing the oral surgery clinic at CWM Hospital, where they treated complex surgical cases and participated in surgical audits. Dr. [Name] has also been integral in the COVID-19 response efforts, providing support at the Valelevu Fever Clinic and contributing to public health initiatives aimed at controlling the pandemic.
Research Focus:
Dr. [Name]’s research primarily focuses on oral health and public health, with a particular emphasis on the impact of environmental factors on oral health. Currently, they are conducting a randomized controlled trial titled “Analysis of Genotoxic Oral Cancer Carcinogens in Repeatedly Heated Cooking Oils in Suva, Fiji,” which has qualified for seed funding and is pending publication. This research aims to examine the links between oral cancer and the consumption of oils that have been repeatedly heated, a pressing issue in Pacific Island communities. Dr. [Name] is also a supervisor for research projects related to dental technology, community dentistry, and oral health prevention. Additionally, they have contributed to research on tobacco and betel nut chewing habits, publishing findings in the International Journal of Advanced Research. Their research not only aims to improve clinical practice but also has a broader public health impact, focusing on improving prevention strategies and health outcomes.
Publication Top Notes:
- “Tobacco and Betel Nut Chewing Habits Amongst Fijians of Indian Descent Living in Suva, Fiji” 📚
- “Analysis of Genotoxic Oral Cancer Carcinogens in Repeatedly Heated Cooking Oils in Suva, Fiji” 🔬
Conclusion:
This researcher demonstrates strong potential for the Best Researcher Award due to their innovative approach to a significant public health issue. Their current research on genotoxic carcinogens in heated cooking oils addresses an underexplored area of oral cancer prevention and risk factors, particularly in Fiji. With a solid academic background and practical experience, the researcher is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the field. Expanding collaborations, enhancing data analysis, and engaging more directly with communities could further amplify the impact of their work.