Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research assistant | University of the Western Cape | South Africa

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is a dedicated researcher and nurse educator whose work lies at the critical intersection of climate change and health, with a particular focus on the role of nurses in advancing sustainability and climate justice. With academic qualifications spanning general nursing, midwifery, and advanced nursing science, she is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of the Western Cape, where she also serves as a Graduate Lecturer Assistant. Her research and professional contributions include publications in reputable journals, active participation in international conferences, and reviewer roles for scholarly publications. Beyond academia, she has developed curricula, drafted policy briefs, coordinated multi-stakeholder engagements, and delivered guest lectures internationally, underscoring her commitment to bridging research with practice. Through her expertise in eco-nursing and health systems resilience, Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is making a meaningful impact on both healthcare and global sustainability.

Professional Profile 

Education  

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has built a solid academic foundation in nursing and health sciences, progressively advancing her expertise through diverse qualifications. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of the Western Cape, focusing her research on the intersection of climate change and health, particularly the role of nurses in addressing these challenges. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Science with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Zimbabwe, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science (Nurse Education) from the Zimbabwe Open University. Her earlier professional training includes a Diploma in Midwifery from Mpilo School of Midwifery and a Diploma in General Nursing from Mpilo School of Nursing, Zimbabwe. This strong educational background has equipped her with both clinical and academic expertise, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to nursing education, healthcare policy, and climate-health research.

Professional Experience

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has extensive professional experience spanning clinical practice, education, and research, with a strong focus on the integration of health and climate change. She currently serves as a Graduate Lecturer Assistant at the University of the Western Cape, where she supports teaching, assessment, and student guidance while contributing to curriculum delivery and academic development. Previously, she worked as a Research Assistant in the same institution’s School of Nursing, where she conducted literature reviews, designed and implemented studies on eco-nursing practices, analyzed data, and contributed to policy briefs and academic publications. Earlier in her career, she served as a Nurse Educator at United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital in Zimbabwe, where she developed and delivered nursing curricula, mentored students, and emphasized environmental sustainability in healthcare education. Her professional journey reflects a unique blend of teaching, research, and policy engagement, positioning her as a valuable contributor to both academia and the healthcare sector.

Research Interest

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi’s research interests lie at the intersection of climate change, health, and nursing, with a strong emphasis on advancing sustainable healthcare practices. She is particularly focused on eco-nursing competencies, exploring how nurses can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate-related health risks and promoting climate justice within healthcare systems. Her work also extends to the integration of climate change into nursing education and policy, aiming to prepare future healthcare professionals to respond effectively to environmental challenges. By bridging nursing science, public health, and environmental sustainability, her research seeks to generate innovative approaches that strengthen health systems’ resilience and contribute to global efforts in addressing the climate crisis.

Award and Honor

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has been recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to advancing nursing and health sciences through notable awards and honors. Early in her career, she was awarded Best Student in Health Assessment at Mpilo School of Nursing, a testament to her strong clinical and academic abilities. She was later selected as a NORHED Scholar at the College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, an honor that highlighted her research potential and dedication to advancing healthcare education and practice. These achievements reflect her consistent pursuit of excellence and her capacity to contribute meaningfully to both nursing scholarship and the broader health sector.

Publications Top Noted

Use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in South Africa: A scoping review
Year: 2025

Eco-nursing competencies for nurses: A scoping review
Year: 2024

Poverty: What is it and what it is not? A concept analysis
Year: 2017

Adherence to exclusive breastfeeding: A concept analysis
Year: 2016

Conclusion

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with clear evidence of scholarly contributions, thought leadership, and societal impact. Her dedication to integrating climate change with healthcare—especially through nursing education and policy—positions her as an innovator in an emerging research field. With continued emphasis on expanding her publication record, securing research funding, and amplifying her international leadership roles, she is not only suitable for this award but also poised to make an even greater global impact in the future.

Antoinette Oot | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Antoinette Oot | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Antoinette Oot, NYU / NYC HHC Bellevue, United States

Based on the information provided, Antoinette Oot, MD, MPH, appears to be a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award.

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Antoinette Oot, MD, MPH, has a robust educational background that spans several prestigious institutions. She is currently a Fellow in Complex Family Planning at New York University/NYC Health + Hospitals Bellevue, a role she has held since July 2024. Previously, she served as the Administrative Chief Resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the same institution from 2020 to 2024. Dr. Oot earned her M.D./M.P.H. with honors from Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in 2020, and holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry with Honors from Brown University. Her early academic journey began at New York University, where she studied biochemistry. This educational trajectory demonstrates her commitment to both clinical excellence and public health, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Work Experience & Post-Graduate Learning

Dr. Oot has accumulated significant work experience and engaged in continuous post-graduate learning, particularly in leadership and educational roles. As the Administrative Chief Resident at NYU, she optimized personnel coverage, facilitated communication, and promoted a fair work environment. She also served as the Resident OB/Gyn Clerkship Advisor, providing mentorship and improving medical education. Additionally, Dr. Oot has been an advocate for resident perspectives as a Class Representative on the Education Committee at NYU Langone Hospitals. Her experience extends to mentoring students and contributing to curricular development at Northwestern University. These roles highlight her dedication to improving medical education and her leadership skills, reinforcing her suitability for the Best Researcher Award.

Honors/Awards

Dr. Oot has received numerous honors and awards throughout her career, reflecting her outstanding contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynecology as well as public health. Notable awards include the 2023 Ryan Program Resident Award for Excellence in Family Planning and the 2022 Resident Recognition Award for Medical Student Education from NYU OB/GYN. She also received the Excellence in Public Health Award from the US Public Health Services in 2020 and was elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2019. These accolades underscore her exceptional research, clinical skills, and commitment to advancing women’s health, making her an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Presentations

Dr. Oot has actively participated in academic presentations, sharing her research findings at national conferences. In 2023, she delivered an oral presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting on increasing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among cisgender women. Her poster presentations at the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons and Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine annual meetings further highlight her research involvement in women’s health and obstetric care. Her ability to present complex medical research to her peers indicates her leadership in the field and further supports her candidacy for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications

Dr. Oot has an impressive list of publications, contributing to various high-impact journals in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and public health. Her research spans a range of topics, including maternal morbidity, HIV prevention, and vaginal health, showcasing her broad expertise and commitment to improving patient outcomes. Notably, her recent work includes a mixed-methods evaluation of an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis educational intervention published in AIDS Care and studies on maternal health in the Journal of Women’s Health. Her extensive publication record is a testament to her research capabilities, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Personal Interests

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Oot enjoys baking, needlepoint, embroidery, and attending comics and art festivals. These hobbies provide a well-rounded perspective to her character, balancing her rigorous academic and professional pursuits with creative and relaxing activities. This personal insight into Dr. Oot’s life adds to her overall profile, showing her as a dedicated and multifaceted individual, further strengthening her candidacy for the Best Researcher Award.

Conclusion

Dr. Antoinette Oot’s extensive education, leadership in medical education, significant research contributions, and numerous awards position her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to advancing women’s health and public health, coupled with her personal commitment to mentorship and education, make her a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Research focus

The research focus of this individual centers on women’s health, obstetrics, and gynecology, with a particular emphasis on conditions affecting women such as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, maternal morbidity, and bacterial vaginosis. They also explore healthcare practices and policies, including interventions for HIV prevention and the evaluation of healthcare delivery in obstetric settings. Additionally, they investigate the use of electronic health records for analyzing maternal and neonatal complications, reflecting a commitment to improving health outcomes for women through research and healthcare policy reform. 🌸👩‍⚕️📊💊

Publication top notes

A randomized, pilot trial comparing vaginal hyaluronic acid to vaginal estrogen for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause

A mixed-methods evaluation of an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis educational intervention for healthcare providers in a NYC safety-net hospital-based obstetrics and gynecology clinic

Association of Antenatal Housing Instability with Perinatal Care Utilization and Outcomes

Vaginal and Extra-Vaginal Bacterial Colonization and Risk for Incident Bacterial Vaginosis in a Population of Women Who Have Sex with Men

Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in the Adult Congenital Genitourinary Patient

Trends and Risk Markers for Severe Maternal Morbidity and Other Obstetric Complications

Genetic variation in toll-like receptor 5 and colonization with flagellated bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria

Using Electronic Health Record and Administrative Data to Analyze Maternal and Neonatal Delivery Complications

Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Physicians: Opinions on Enacted and Prospective Health Care Policies