Prof Baharak Akhtardanesh | Infection disease | Women Researcher Award

Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IRAN, Iran

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Baharak Akhtardanesh’s journey into veterinary medicine began at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran, where she pursued her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from 1995 to 2001. Her thesis, titled “Bacteriological and Serological Survey of Brucellosis in Female Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Slaughtered in Ahvaz Slaughterhouse and Its Public Health and Economic Importance,” demonstrated her early commitment to veterinary public health and zoonotic diseases. This research laid a strong foundation for her future contributions to veterinary medicine.

Building on her passion for small animal medicine, Dr. Akhtardanesh pursued advanced training at the Veterinary Faculty of Tehran University, obtaining her Ph.D. (DVSc) in Small Animal Internal Medicine from 2001 to 2005. Her doctoral research focused on “Detection of Gastric Helicobacter-like Organisms (GHLOs) in Domestic and Stray Cats in Tehran Province via PCR,” reflecting her deep interest in gastrointestinal diseases in companion animals. This pioneering work helped enhance the understanding of feline gastric disorders and their implications for both animal and human health.

🌍 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Akhtardanesh embarked on her professional career with a clear focus on clinical medicine, teaching, and research. She underwent a rigorous four-year residency training program in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. This program prepared her for a distinguished career in academic veterinary medicine and specialty practice, emphasizing advanced diagnostics, treatment planning, and clinical research.

From 2005 to 2020, she served as a consulting veterinarian at the Animal House Unit of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. In this role, she provided critical guidance on laboratory animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and research ethics, ensuring humane treatment and optimal care for laboratory animals used in scientific research.

Dr. Akhtardanesh also played an instrumental role in veterinary education and hospital management. She held the position of Vice Director of the Clinical Science Department at Shahid Bahonar University from 2014 to 2018. Additionally, she served as Head of the Small Animal Internal Medicine Ward from 2006 to 2014 and again from 2020 to 2024, overseeing the training of future veterinarians and ensuring the highest standards of patient care in the university’s teaching referral hospital.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

As a board-certified internist, Dr. Akhtardanesh has made substantial contributions to small animal internal medicine. She specializes in diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions in dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents. Her expertise includes gastrointestinal disorders, infectious diseases, metabolic syndromes, and internal medicine emergencies.

Her research interests are broad and impactful, covering topics such as:

• Zoonotic Diseases – Investigating bacterial and viral infections transmitted between animals and humans.
• Gastrointestinal Pathology – Exploring Helicobacter spp. infections in small animals.
• Endocrine Disorders – Studying diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and adrenal diseases in companion animals.
• Clinical Pharmacology – Evaluating the efficacy and safety of new treatment protocols for small animal diseases.

Dr. Akhtardanesh’s work has been published in numerous high-impact veterinary journals, and she actively contributes to the scientific community through conferences and symposia. She is also dedicated to mentoring veterinary students and interns, shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Akhtardanesh’s dedication to veterinary medicine has earned her several accolades and professional honors. She is widely respected in the field for her clinical acumen, research contributions, and commitment to veterinary education. Her membership in prestigious veterinary organizations and her extensive publication record further attest to her influence and expertise.

Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development has made her a sought-after speaker at national and international veterinary conferences. Additionally, her role in the training of veterinary interns and residents has cemented her reputation as a leader in veterinary academia.

💪 Impact and Influence

Beyond her clinical and academic responsibilities, Dr. Akhtardanesh has had a profound impact on veterinary medicine in Iran and beyond. Her efforts in improving laboratory animal welfare have set new benchmarks for ethical research practices. As a mentor, she has guided numerous students and young veterinarians, inspiring them to pursue excellence in small animal internal medicine.

Through her research and clinical expertise, she has significantly advanced the understanding of internal medicine disorders in companion animals. Her contributions to diagnostic methodologies, treatment protocols, and disease prevention strategies continue to benefit veterinarians and pet owners alike.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Baharak Akhtardanesh looks ahead, she remains committed to advancing veterinary medicine through innovative research, education, and clinical excellence. Her future endeavors include:

• Expanding research on zoonotic diseases and their implications for public health.
• Developing new diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies for small animal medicine.
• Enhancing veterinary education through modern pedagogical approaches and hands-on training programs.
• Advocating for improved standards in laboratory animal welfare and ethical research practices.