Nathalia Castillo | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms Nathalia Castillo, Albany Medical College, United States

Ms. Nathalia Castillo is a dedicated medical student and researcher at Albany Medical College, with a profound commitment to transplant surgery, orthopedic surgery, and healthcare disparities. She has showcased exceptional leadership, guiding multiple research initiatives while advocating for healthcare equity. Her studies focus on addressing racial and gender disparities in surgical fields, ensuring improved patient outcomes. Through her contributions to academic research, medical education, and leadership roles, she has established herself as an emerging scholar in the medical field. Ms. Castillo’s work has been recognized at national conferences, and she actively mentors fellow students in surgical research. She remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and bridging gaps in healthcare.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Ms. Nathalia Castillo is currently an MD candidate at Albany Medical College, expected to graduate in May 2025. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Nutrition from Chapman University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude (2021) 🏅. During her undergraduate studies, she actively engaged in research projects focused on public health, medical disparities, and clinical outcomes. Her strong academic performance, combined with her commitment to research, led her to pursue surgical investigations at Albany Medical College. Ms. Castillo has also participated in numerous research training programs and medical symposiums, enhancing her skills in biostatistics, data analysis, and clinical trial methodologies 📊. She continues to build a strong foundation in medical research while excelling in academics and leadership roles.

Experience

Ms. Nathalia Castillo has extensive research experience in transplant surgery, orthopedic surgery, and healthcare disparities. She has served as a research leader in the Department of General Surgery and Transplant Surgery at Albany Medical College, where she has worked on groundbreaking studies 📑. Her contributions include research on racial and gender disparities in surgical specialties, leading to impactful findings in healthcare equity. She has collaborated with top surgeons and academic mentors, co-authoring multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Additionally, she holds leadership positions in student organizations, such as the Latinx Medical Student Association, advocating for diversity in medicine. Ms. Castillo has also mentored medical students in research methodologies, fostering a new generation of evidence-based practitioners 📚.

Awards and Honors

Ms. Nathalia Castillo’s dedication to medical research and academic excellence has earned her prestigious awards 🏆. She was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2024), a recognition reserved for top medical students based on academic merit and research contributions 🎓. She also received the Scholastic Excellence Award from Albany Medical College, highlighting her outstanding performance. In 2024, she was awarded Top 10 Poster at the American Orthopaedic Association Annual Leadership Meeting 🏅. Her research on surgical disparities has been presented at national and international conferences, earning recognition from leading medical institutions. Ms. Castillo continues to push the boundaries of medical research, ensuring innovation and progress in transplant and orthopedic surgery.

Research Focus

Ms. Nathalia Castillo’s research focuses on transplant surgery, orthopedic surgery, and healthcare disparities 🏥. Her studies aim to identify and address racial and gender disparities in surgical fields, working towards improving access, outcomes, and representation. She has extensively investigated attrition rates among US abdominal transplant surgeons, revealing critical inequalities in leadership positions 📊. Her work in orthopedic surgery explores complication management and surgical outcomes, particularly in foot and ankle procedures 🦶. Additionally, she examines equitable patient care in organ transplantation, ensuring fair access and success rates among underrepresented groups. Her findings have been published in top-tier journals, influencing policy changes and medical education reforms 📚. Ms. Castillo’s passion for bridging gaps in healthcare drives her commitment to evidence-based solutions and advocacy for diversity in surgery.

Publication Top Notes

Is Recognition in Transplant Surgery Equitable? A Two-decade Analysis of Transplant Award Recipients

Education and Training

Dr. Nakanowatari holds a PhD in Physiotherapy from the University of Newcastle, Australia (2023) and a Master’s degree in Disability Sciences from Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (2011). He also has a BS in Physical Therapy from Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Science (2004).

Research and Publications

Loading Asymmetry as a Predictor of Frailty (2024) In a study published in Sensors, Dr. Nakanowatari and colleagues used in-shoe sensors to assess gait asymmetry in community-dwelling older adults. The research identified loading asymmetry as a potential predictor of frailty, a crucial finding for fall prevention and early diagnosis in aging populations.

Detecting Limb Load Asymmetry (2023) In Gait Posture, Dr. Nakanowatari examined limb load asymmetry between fallers and non-fallers among older adults using in-shoe sensors. The study highlighted significant gait differences that can aid in predicting fall risk in elderly individuals, a critical area in physical rehabilitation.

Plantar Force Variation during Treadmill Walking (2024) His preliminary study in Biomedical Human Kinetics explored the effects of walking speed on plantar forces across different foot regions. The research employed force-sensing insoles and provided valuable insights into the biomechanical aspects of gait.

Tensor Fasciae Latae Length and Leg Length Discrepancy (2022) In a study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Dr. Nakanowatari examined the effect of shoe lifts on the tensor fasciae latae using ultrasonic elastography. The findings contributed to understanding how artificial leg length discrepancies impact musculoskeletal health.

Insular Lesion and Perception of Noxious Stimulation (2022) Published in Internal Medicine, this case study involved a patient with a unilateral insular lesion exhibiting bilaterally reduced pain perception. The research provided deeper insight into the neurological mechanisms behind pain perception and the impact of brain lesions.

Conclusion

Dr. Nakanowatari’s research primarily focuses on biomechanics, frailty, and neuromuscular health in older adults. His innovative use of sensor technology for gait analysis and muscle function assessment positions him as an influential figure in physical therapy research. His work is not only advancing scientific understanding but also making practical contributions to improving patient outcomes, making him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.