Sergio Sandoval-Alarcon | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Review Paper Award

Mr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcon | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Review Paper Award

Mr. Sergio Sandoval Alarcon | Medicine and Health Sciences | PhD Student at Universidad de Valparaiso | Chile

Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón is a seasoned Chilean academic and Associate Professor at the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso. With over two decades of experience in teaching, clinical practice, and curriculum development, he has made significant contributions to the fields of clinical biomechanics, ergonomics, and anatomy education. His research emphasizes improving musculoskeletal health through ergonomic interventions, as demonstrated by his recent publication in the Q1-ranked Applied Ergonomics. Dr. Sandoval-Alarcón holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Biomechanical Assessment and numerous postgraduate diplomas in areas such as scientific research, university teaching, and manual therapy. He has pioneered educational innovations using digital platforms for anatomy instruction and has been a key figure in developing kinesiology programs across multiple Chilean universities. His dedication to health promotion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and pedagogical advancement underscores his commitment to both academic excellence and public health impact.

Professional Profile 

Education 

Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón has built a robust academic foundation grounded in health sciences and clinical biomechanics. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with Highest Distinction in 1999 from the Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile, followed by his Master’s degree in Clinical Biomechanical Assessment in 2016 from the prestigious Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain. To further enrich his expertise, he has completed a wide range of postgraduate diplomas and certifications in scientific research, manual therapy, university teaching, coaching, health promotion, and competency-based training. These include programs from the Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Playa Ancha, and Universidad de Talca, among others. His diverse and continuous educational journey reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón brings over two decades of rich and diverse professional experience in academia, clinical practice, and health education. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, where he has been a tenured faculty member since 2006. His teaching portfolio includes key subjects such as Human Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Clinical Kinesiology, and he has also led curriculum design and innovation initiatives. Beyond the classroom, he has served as a lecturer at several Chilean universities including Universidad de Playa Ancha, Universidad Andrés Bello, and Universidad de Aconcagua. Clinically, he worked extensively in primary health care settings, specializing in musculoskeletal and cardiovascular rehabilitation. Additionally, he has held leadership roles such as Program Director of Kinesiology at Universidad del Mar and has supervised numerous clinical internships and teaching diplomas. His career demonstrates a strong commitment to integrating academic rigor with community health needs.

Research Interests 

Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical biomechanics, ergonomics, and health education. He is particularly focused on the biomechanical assessment of human movement and the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, aiming to improve both clinical outcomes and workplace health. His studies often explore how ergonomic interventions can enhance physical function and reduce injury, especially in high-risk professions like dentistry. In parallel, he is deeply engaged in educational innovation, investigating digital methodologies for teaching anatomy and kinesiology, including the use of social media platforms for academic engagement. Through both applied clinical research and pedagogical development, Dr. Sandoval-Alarcón contributes to advancing health sciences in a multidisciplinary and impactful way.

Awards and Honors 

While Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón’s CV does not explicitly list formal awards or honors, his professional achievements reflect significant recognition through academic promotions, leadership roles, and scholarly contributions. His appointment as a tenured Associate Professor at the Universidad de Valparaíso highlights his respected status within the academic community. Additionally, his peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, such as Applied Ergonomics, and his involvement in national conferences on pedagogical innovation demonstrate professional acknowledgment of his research and teaching excellence. His selection as a tutor and lecturer in multiple postgraduate programs and diplomas further signifies his standing as a trusted expert and educator in the fields of kinesiology and clinical biomechanics.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Impact of ergonomic interventions on musculoskeletal health and work performance in dentists and dental students: a scoping review
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Sergio Sandoval Alarcón is a strong and competitive candidate for the Best Review Paper Award, primarily on the strength of his 2025 scoping review in a top-tier journal and his deep expertise in clinical biomechanics and ergonomics. His academic maturity, teaching leadership, and commitment to evidence-based practice support his candidacy.

Alfonso Luca Pendolino | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Alfonso Luca Pendolino | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr Alfonso Luca Pendolino, University College London, United Kingdom

Based on Mr. Alfonso Luca Pendolino’s experience and research, he could be considered a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Here’s why:

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

From October 2021, a part-time PhD student at UCL’s Ear Institute focused on olfactory dysfunction in chronic respiratory diseases. Clinical Fellow at the Royal National Throat, Nose & Ear Hospital, London. Delivered oral presentations at ERS Thessaloniki 2021 on nasal septal perforation repair and the triple-layer technique. Earned a diploma in Otorhinolaryngology from the University of Padova with magna cum laude honors. Actively engaged in various courses, including Balloon Sinuplasty in Guildford and Smell and Taste 11 in Dresden. Member of ENT UK and the British Rhinological Society, with scientific habilitation in Italy. ✨👃📚💼

Experience

From October 2023 to October 2024, the user works as a Senior Clinical Fellow at St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery, focusing on rhinology and anterior skull base procedures. From February 2019 to October 2023, they held a similar role at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, part of University College London Hospitals. Since October 2019, they have also been pursuing a PhD in the Ear Institute at University College London, focusing on research. Previously, from December 2014 to December 2018, they trained as a resident in Otolaryngology at the University of Padova. 🎓🩺📊

Expertise and Contributions

Mr. Pendolino has extensive clinical and academic experience in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery, particularly in rhinology and anterior skull base procedures. His work spans senior clinical fellowships at prestigious institutions like St. George’s University Hospital and the Royal National Throat, Nose, and Ear Hospital, combined with a PhD research focus on olfactory dysfunction at the University College London (UCL). This academic engagement showcases his commitment to advancing medical science, specifically in rhinology.

Notable Research and Publications

He has contributed significantly to academic research, authoring several impactful papers on topics such as nasal septal perforation repair, cocaine-induced destructive lesions, and smell loss related to COVID-19. His recent publications in high-impact journals such as Diagnostics and Laryngoscope address both clinical outcomes and advanced ENT techniques, demonstrating a broad impact on both scientific understanding and patient care.

Continuous Learning and Development

Throughout his career, Mr. Pendolino has pursued a range of certifications and courses, from endoscopic skull base surgery to rhinoplasty, which highlights his dedication to continual professional development. His involvement in international conferences, including oral communications and workshops, further positions him as a leader in his field.

Research Impact

Although many of his papers have limited citations due to their recent publication, his research has already influenced surgical practices and patient outcomes, especially concerning sinus surgery and chronic respiratory disease management.

conclusion

Mr. Pendolino’s combination of clinical expertise, high-quality research, and ongoing contributions to ENT surgery make him a commendable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication top notes

Objective and Subjective Outcomes Following Radiofrequency of Inferior Turbinates in Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing

The role of ANCA in the management of cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions or ENT pseudo-granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a London multicentre case series

Quality of Life in NSAIDs-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease on or off Intranasal Lysine Aspirin Therapy

Clinical factors influencing olfactory performance in patients with persistent COVID-19 smell loss longer than 1 year

The role of large cavity sinus surgery in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease: A single-centre experience and long-term outcomes

Reply to: Letter to the editor regarding “Long-term quality-of-life impairment in patients with more than 1-year COVID-19–related olfactory dysfunction”