Mr. Kazi Md Azman Hossain | Visionary Leadership | Young Researcher Award

Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) | Bangladesh

Kazi Md Azman Hossain is an emerging physiotherapy professional dedicated to advancing evidence-based rehabilitation and public health. Currently completing his Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation with outstanding academic performance, he has gained extensive experience as an intern physiotherapist in leading institutions, contributing to patient-centred care, community rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary clinical environments. He has been actively involved in national and international research projects, publishing randomized clinical trial protocols in reputable journals such as BMC Trials, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, and medRxiv. His research interests include musculoskeletal disorders, geriatric health, exercise therapy, community-based rehabilitation, and public health interventions. He has presented his work at global conferences including the World Physiotherapy Congress, China-ASEAN Health Promotion forums, and national scientific platforms. Alongside his academic journey, he has contributed to development projects supported by the World Bank, Swisscontact, Palladium, and UNDP, strengthening his skills in project analysis and capacity-building initiatives. His leadership roles in student organizations and volunteer activities reflect his commitment to social impact, inclusion, and youth engagement. Recognized through multiple awards for research excellence, academic achievement, and professional contributions, he aspires to continue advancing rehabilitation science and contributing to global health improvement.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Hossain, K. M. A., Hossain, K. M. A., Sarker, S. N., Kabir, M. F., Hossain, M. Z., Jahan, S., Rahman, E., Sharna, S. Y., & Rikti, J. F. (2025). Comparing the effectiveness of two community-based multimodal exercise programs (CMEPs) on physical activity, performance, fall prevention, and quality of life in older adults: Protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Trials.

2. Mim, P. B., Sarkar, S. N., Hossain, K. M. A., Kabir, M. F., Hossain, M. Z., Jahan, S., Rahman, E., Khan, A. H., & Hossain, K. M. A. (2025). Comparison of Structural Diagnosis and Management (SDM) approach versus Myofascial Release (MFR) for plantar heel pain in people with diabetes mellitus: A study protocol for a multicentre randomised clinical trial. medRxiv (Preprint).

3. Hossain, K. M. A., Kabir, F., Jahan, S., Rahman, E., Hossain, K. M. A., Kormoker, A., Islam, M. Z., Hossain, M. K., Rikti, J. F., & Khan, A. H. (2025). Structured home-based exercise programme and concentric versus eccentric-based stair training programme for pain and function in knee osteoarthritis: A two-phase, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial protocol. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.

4. Sharna, S. Y., Hossain, K. M. A., Kabir, F., Hossain, M. Z., Jahan, S., Rahman, E., Agarwal, S., Hossain, M. K., Sharmin, F., Islam, A., et al. (2025). Multicentre randomised controlled trial protocol comparing structured physical exercise programme (SPEP) and medication versus conventional care for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.

Dr. Lawton Burns | Quality of Care | Best Researcher Award

The Wharton School – Univ of Pennsylvania | United States

Dr. Lawton Robert Burns, PhD, MBA, serves as the James Joo-Jin Kim Professor of Health Care Management and Professor of Management at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Educated at the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania, he has built an eminent career specializing in health care systems, organizational theory, hospital management, and the economics of medical technology. His scholarship has significantly influenced the understanding of value chains, physician-hospital integration, and strategic decision-making in health care organizations. Dr. Burns has delivered invited lectures at globally renowned institutions, including the University of Cambridge, the National University of Singapore, and leading universities in Italy, reflecting his international academic impact. His exemplary teaching record is marked by consecutive Wharton Teaching Excellence Awards (2020–2025) and numerous distinguished honors such as the Academy of Management’s Distinguished Scholar Award and the Emerald Literati Outstanding Author Contribution Awards. Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Burns continues to shape future leaders in health care management, advancing innovation, education, and policy within the global health care landscape.

Featured Publications

Burns, L. R., & Wholey, D. R. (1993). Adoption and abandonment of matrix management programs: Effects of organizational characteristics and interorganizational networks. Academy of Management Journal, 36(1), 106–138.

Schneller, E., Abdulsalam, Y., Conway, K., & Eckler, J. (2023). Strategic management of the healthcare supply chain. John Wiley & Sons.

Burns, L. R., & Pauly, M. V. (2002). Integrated delivery networks: A detour on the road to integrated health care? Health Affairs, 21(4), 128–143.

Burns, L. R. (2002). The health care value chain: Producers, purchasers, and providers. Jossey-Bass.

Burns, L. R., & Wholey, D. R. (1991). The effects of patient, hospital, and physician characteristics on length of stay and mortality. Medical Care, 29(3), 251–271.