Medicine - Innovators

Mr. Marvin Grech: Interventional Radiographer and Researcher in Interventional Neuroradiology at University of Malta, Malta

Article Details

Title: Diagnostic reference levels in interventional neuroradiology: a scoping review
Authors: Marvin Grech, Francis Zarb, Reuben Grech, Neville Calleja & Paul Bezzina
Published: 25 March 2026, European Radiology
Type: Open-access review article
Scope: Evaluates literature on diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in interventional neuroradiology (INR), including both diagnostic (cerebral angiography) and therapeutic procedures (stroke thrombectomy, aneurysm coiling, AVM/AVF embolisation).

Novelty

Provides a comprehensive synthesis of DRLs specifically in INR, an area with limited consolidated data.
Highlights the wide variability in reported DRLs, which had not been systematically compared before.
Emphasizes methodological differences (percentile choice, procedure grouping, inclusion criteria), which are rarely discussed in prior reviews.

Impact

Raises awareness of dose variability in INR procedures, which is directly relevant to patient safety and radiation exposure optimisation.
Serves as a reference for hospitals and regulatory bodies to develop or refine local DRLs.
Supports the broader movement towards standardising radiation dose monitoring in interventional radiology, improving compliance with European and international radiation protection guidelines.

Originality

Unlike single-center or national studies, this is a scoping review covering 39 studies across multiple countries, offering a global perspective.
Combines data on multiple INR procedures, not just diagnostic angiography or one therapeutic intervention.
Offers critical evaluation of methodologies used to derive DRLs, not just reporting numbers.

Experimental Rigor

Rigorous systematic search strategy using multiple databases: SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, and ProQuest.
Clear inclusion criteria for studies reporting DRLs in both diagnostic and therapeutic INR procedures.
Extracted detailed parameters (PKA, FT, RAK, sample size, statistical approaches).
Limitation: Being a scoping review, it does not perform meta-analysis or standardised statistical comparison; focuses on summarisation rather than quantitative synthesis.

Sustainability Impact

Indirectly promotes sustainability in healthcare by:
- Encouraging radiation dose optimisation, reducing unnecessary patient exposure.
- Highlighting best practices in procedural efficiency, which can lower resource use (fluoroscopy time, contrast agent use).
Standardised DRLs could lead to less procedural waste and more efficient interventional radiology workflows.

Applicability

High clinical relevance:
- Can guide radiologists, medical physicists, and hospitals in setting or updating local DRLs.
- Useful for regulatory bodies and professional societies when developing national or international dose guidelines.
Can inform training programs for INR practitioners to be aware of typical dose ranges.
Supports harmonisation across institutions, aiding multicenter studies and quality improvement programs.

Research Portfolio

Marvin Grech is a highly experienced radiographer and interventional cardiology imaging specialist from Malta, with over 25 years of clinical and research expertise. He combines a strong background in diagnostic radiography, cardiac imaging, and radiation protection with leadership roles in clinical practice. Marvin is recognized for integrating cutting-edge imaging technologies and evidence-based protocols to improve patient outcomes while promoting staff training, professional development, and safety in radiology and cardiology services.

Online Profile

ORCID Profile

Marvin maintains an active professional presence in the global medical imaging and cardiology community. He regularly participates in international conferences, workshops, and professional societies, including ECR, ESC, CIRSE, and RSNA. His online profile emphasizes his commitment to advancing interventional radiology, developing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), and promoting radiation safety and innovation in healthcare. He also engages in knowledge-sharing initiatives, mentoring young professionals, and contributing to continuing professional development in radiography and cardiology.

Education

Marvin’s academic foundation is comprehensive and multidisciplinary. He earned a BSc (Hons) in Radiography and a Diploma in Health Science from the University of Malta, followed by a Diploma in Management Studies to strengthen his leadership skills. He further pursued an MSc in Cardiology from the University of Brighton to deepen his expertise in cardiac imaging. Currently, he is undertaking a PhD at the University of Malta, reflecting his commitment to research excellence and advancing scientific knowledge in diagnostic and interventional imaging.

Research Focus

Marvin’s research focuses on optimizing interventional radiology and cardiology practices to enhance patient safety and clinical efficiency. Key areas include radiation dose reduction strategies, establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in interventional cardiology and neuroradiology, and evaluating innovative imaging technologies. His work emphasizes translating research into practical improvements in clinical protocols, staff training, and patient-centered care, ensuring that imaging services meet the highest standards of safety and diagnostic quality.

Experience

Marvin has extensive professional experience spanning multiple healthcare systems and international settings. He has progressed through roles from Casual Radiographer to Executive Allied Health Practitioner and Area Lead at Mater Dei Hospital, overseeing the Angiosuite and Cardiac Catheterization Suite. He has worked at St. Luke’s Hospital, King Salman Heart Centre in Saudi Arabia, and other specialized institutions, leading imaging teams, implementing best practices, training staff, and coordinating interdisciplinary projects. His experience bridges clinical operations, research, and education, making him a recognized leader in interventional radiology and cardiology imaging.

Research Timeline & Activities

Marvin’s research and professional development activities span more than a decade, beginning with presentations on coronary angiography at ESC Congress 2011 and continuing through 2026 with contributions at ECR, RSNA, CIRSE, and Maltese Cardiac Society conferences. He has delivered oral and poster presentations, published peer-reviewed papers, and participated in workshops focused on radiation safety, interventional imaging protocols, and emerging technologies. He actively engages in collaborative research projects, clinical audits, and continuous professional education to advance evidence-based practice in radiography and cardiology.

Awards & Honors

Marvin has received recognition for his research excellence, most notably the Best Research Presentation Abstract at ECR 2026 for his work on establishing diagnostic reference levels for neurointerventional procedures in Malta. He has also earned merit awards for contributions to radiography and cardiac imaging research and has been acknowledged for leadership in professional societies, including the Society of Medical Radiographers and the Maltese Cardiac Society. His awards reflect a sustained commitment to innovation, patient safety, and professional development.

Strength for the Emerging Researcher Award

1. Pioneering Research in Interventional Neuroradiology

Developed a comprehensive scoping review on diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) across diagnostic and therapeutic interventional neuroradiology procedures.
Synthesized data from 39 international studies, providing a global perspective on DRLs where consolidated evidence was previously limited.
Critically evaluated methodological differences in reporting DRLs, highlighting a novel approach that goes beyond simple data collection.

2. Patient Safety and Radiation Dose Optimization

Focuses on reducing patient radiation exposure and optimizing fluoroscopy and contrast agent use in interventional procedures.
Research contributes directly to clinical safety, procedural efficiency, and sustainability in healthcare.
Promotes standardized DRLs, helping hospitals and regulatory bodies develop guidelines aligned with European and international radiation protection standards.

3. Translational Impact and Clinical Applicability

Research is highly applicable to daily clinical practice, guiding radiologists, medical physicists, and hospitals in establishing or updating local DRLs.
Supports training programs and quality improvement initiatives in interventional neuroradiology.
Helps harmonize procedural protocols across institutions, facilitating multicenter studies and enhancing patient care consistency.

4. Extensive Professional and Research Expertise

Over 25 years of clinical and research experience across multiple international healthcare settings, including Malta and Saudi Arabia.
Combines hands-on interventional radiography experience with leadership roles, fostering innovation in imaging technologies and evidence-based clinical protocols.
Active engagement in international conferences (ECR, RSNA, CIRSE, ESC) and professional societies demonstrates a commitment to advancing the field globally.

5. Recognition and Leadership in the Field

Awarded Best Research Presentation Abstract at ECR 2026, highlighting the international relevance and impact of his work.
Contributes to mentorship and professional development, supporting the next generation of radiographers and interventional specialists.
Recognized for combining research excellence, clinical leadership, and knowledge translation, positioning him as an emerging leader in interventional radiology research.

kajal chaudhary, Medicine, Young Researcher Award

Posted on 25/03/202602/04/2026 by scizentox scizentoxLeave a Comment

Ms. kajal chaudhary: Assistant Professor, Ram-Eesh Institute of Vocational and Technical Education,Greater Noida,UP, India

1. Article Details

Title: Innovative nanocarriers in arthritis therapy: the role of herbal cubosomes
Authors: Kajal Chaudhary, Lubhan Singh, Pallavi Dinanath Rai
Journal: Inflammopharmacology
Year / Volume / Pages: 2025, Volume 33, Pages 1833–1860
Type: Review article
Focus: Use of cubosome-based nanocarriers for delivering herbal drugs in arthritis (OA and RA)
Data Sources: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science

2. Novelty

Focuses on cubosomes, a relatively advanced lipid-based nanocarrier, rather than commonly discussed systems like liposomes or nanoparticles.
Integrates herbal pharmacology with nanotechnology, which is still an emerging research area.
Addresses a key limitation of herbal drugs: poor bioavailability and stability, proposing cubosomes as a solution.
Highlights targeted and controlled delivery specifically for arthritic conditions, which is a niche application.

3. Impact

Potential to reduce reliance on conventional drugs such as NSAIDs and DMARDs, which have long-term side effects.
May improve therapeutic outcomes through enhanced drug absorption and controlled release.
Encourages development of safer, plant-based therapeutic systems.
Provides a foundation for future research in nano-enabled herbal therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases.

4. Originality

The concept of using cubosomes is not entirely new, but its application to herbal anti-arthritic therapy is relatively specialized.
The review uniquely combines multiple herbal agents (Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Boswellia) within a single nanocarrier framework.
Offers a focused synthesis of scattered research, rather than introducing a completely new experimental discovery.

5. Experimental Rigor

As a review article, it does not include primary experimental work.
Uses multiple scientific databases, suggesting a reasonably broad literature search.
Screening based on titles, abstracts, and full-text availability indicates a structured approach.
Limitations include:
- No detailed methodology of systematic review (e.g., PRISMA guidelines not specified)
- No quantitative meta-analysis
- Dependence on previously published data

6. Sustainability Impact

Promotes the use of herbal, plant-derived compounds, which are generally renewable and biodegradable.
Potential reduction in synthetic drug consumption may lower environmental burden.
Improved drug delivery efficiency could reduce dosage frequency and waste.
However, large-scale production of nanocarriers may involve energy-intensive processes and material costs, which could affect sustainability.

7. Applicability

Current applicability is mainly at the research and preclinical level.
Clinical application is limited due to:
- Lack of human trials
- Regulatory challenges
- Manufacturing scalability issues
Future applicability is promising in:
- Targeted arthritis therapy
- Personalized medicine
Requires further validation for real-world clinical use

8. Additional Critical Insights

Strengths:
- Interdisciplinary integration of nanotechnology and herbal medicine
- Focus on a clinically relevant problem (arthritis management)
Limitations:
- Lack of clinical validation
- Limited discussion on long-term safety of nanocarriers
- Economic feasibility and large-scale production not fully addressed

Research Portfolio

Kajal Chaudhary is a dedicated Ph.D. scholar in Pharmaceutics with a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics and over three years of academic experience as an Assistant Professor. She has developed strong expertise in pharmaceutical sciences with a specialization in advanced drug delivery systems, nanotechnology-based therapeutics, and herbal formulations. Her academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scientific writing. She is passionate about contributing to innovative healthcare solutions and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in pharmacy education.

Online Profile

ORCID Profile

Kajal Chaudhary maintains an active and evolving academic profile, reflecting her engagement in research, publications, and professional development activities. She regularly explores and contributes to scientific platforms such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to stay updated with the latest advancements in pharmaceutical sciences. Her profile highlights participation in national and international conferences, workshops, and faculty development programs. She is committed to continuous learning and actively collaborates in academic and research-oriented environments to enhance her scholarly visibility.

Education

Kajal Chaudhary is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from Kharvel Subharti College of Pharmacy, Meerut, under Subharti University, where she is focusing on advanced pharmaceutical research. She completed her M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics from Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Noida, securing a CGPA of 8.41, which reflects her strong academic foundation. She obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology with 80% marks. Her early education was completed under CBSE from Ram-Eesh International School, Greater Noida, where she built a solid academic base.

Research Focus

Her research interests lie in the development and optimization of novel drug delivery systems such as nanocarriers, phytosomes, cubosomes, and microneedle-based delivery approaches. She is particularly focused on targeted drug delivery for diseases like cancer, skin disorders, and infectious conditions. Additionally, she explores the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing drug formulation and development processes. Her work also emphasizes herbal drug delivery and biocompatible materials, aiming to create safer and more effective therapeutic solutions.

Experience

Kajal Chaudhary has been actively engaged in academia since 2021, serving as an Assistant Professor at reputed institutions including Rameesh Institute of Vocational & Technical Education and Metro College of Health Science and Research. Her teaching experience includes handling core subjects such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Quality Assurance. Alongside teaching, she has taken on responsibilities such as mentoring students, managing examination cell activities, organizing seminars and guest lectures, and preparing academic content. Her experience demonstrates a balanced contribution to both academic instruction and institutional administration.

Research Timeline & Activities

Her research journey began during her postgraduate studies, where she conducted experimental work on antifungal emulgel formulation for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. Following this, she expanded her research contributions through numerous review articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. Over time, she has actively participated in workshops, webinars, faculty development programs, and international conferences, enhancing her research skills and academic exposure. She has also worked on interdisciplinary topics including nanotechnology, artificial intelligence in pharmacology, and innovative drug delivery systems, along with securing research grants.

Awards & Honors

Kajal Chaudhary has received several prestigious recognitions throughout her academic career. She was awarded the All India Merit Scholarship by the Army Welfare Education Society for multiple years during her B.Pharm studies, highlighting her academic excellence. She also earned the NCC ‘B’ Certificate from the Ministry of Defence, showcasing her discipline and leadership qualities. In addition, she has won multiple awards in competitions such as poster making, painting, and technical events at institutional and national levels, reflecting her creativity and active participation beyond academics.

Strengths for the Young Researcher Award

1. Strong Academic and Research Foundation

Kajal Chaudhary demonstrates a solid academic background in Pharmaceutics, progressing from B.Pharm to M.Pharm with high academic performance and currently pursuing a Ph.D. Her specialization in advanced drug delivery systems provides a strong theoretical and practical base. This continuous academic progression reflects commitment to research excellence and subject expertise.

2. Focus on Emerging and High-Impact Research Areas

Her work centers on cutting-edge domains such as nanocarriers (cubosomes, phytosomes), herbal drug delivery, and integration of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutics. These areas are highly relevant to current pharmaceutical challenges, particularly in improving drug bioavailability, targeted delivery, and safety. Her review on herbal cubosomes in arthritis therapy highlights her engagement with innovative and impactful research topics.

3. Interdisciplinary Research Approach

She effectively combines multiple disciplines, including nanotechnology, herbal medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the scope and applicability of her research, especially in developing safer and more efficient therapeutic systems. Her interest in AI and machine learning further strengthens her ability to contribute to modern, data-driven pharmaceutical research.

4. Active Research Engagement and Scholarly Contribution

Kajal Chaudhary has actively contributed to the academic community through review articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. Her participation in national and international conferences, workshops, and faculty development programs indicates continuous learning and professional growth. Her presence on platforms like ORCID, PubMed, and Google Scholar reflects her engagement with the global research community.

5. Balanced Academic, Teaching, and Leadership Experience

With over three years of experience as an Assistant Professor, she has demonstrated the ability to balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. Her involvement in mentoring students, organizing academic events, and managing institutional activities shows leadership and academic responsibility. Additionally, awards such as the All India Merit Scholarship and NCC certification highlight discipline, consistency, and overall excellence.