Zbigniew Nowak | Cardiology and Physical Activity | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Zbigniew Nowak | Cardiology and Physical Activity | Innovative Research Award 

Prof. Zbigniew Nowak | Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education Katowice | Poland

Prof. Zbigniew Nowak is a distinguished Professor at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice and currently serves as the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Medicine. With over 19 years of clinical experience in cardiac diagnosis and rehabilitation, he has worked extensively in departments of cardiology, cardiac surgery for both adults and children, electrophysiology, and intensive care. Prof. Nowak is the author of 132 scientific publications in Polish and international journals and 11 monographs, contributing significantly to the fields of cardiology, physiotherapy, and cardiac rehabilitation. His scholarly work has earned him an h-index of 14 and over 1,200 citations, reflecting his substantial influence in medical and rehabilitation sciences. He has actively participated in 44 national and international conferences and successfully implemented eight major scientific programs in cardiology. His ongoing research focuses on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the development of innovative cardiac rehabilitation programs that improve patient recovery and quality of life. As an academic mentor, Prof. Nowak has supervised 21 PhD dissertations and over 700 master’s and bachelor’s theses, fostering the next generation of medical professionals. His teaching expertise encompasses a broad range of subjects including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, congenital and acquired valvular diseases, hypertension, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, stress testing, and preventive cardiology. He is also an active member of the European Society of Cardiology, contributing to collaborative advancements in heart disease prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Prof. Nowak’s career exemplifies a balance of clinical excellence, educational leadership, and impactful scientific contribution in cardiovascular health.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Gloc, D., Plewa, M., & Nowak, Z. (2012). The effects of kyokushin karate training on the anthropometry and body composition of advanced female and male practitioners. Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts, 3(2), 63–71.

Nowak, Z., Plewa, M., Skowron, M., Markiewicz, A., Kucio, C., & Osiadło, G. (2010). Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire as an additional tool in clinical assessment of patients with coronary artery disease treated with angioplasty. Polish Heart Journal (Kardiologia Polska), 68(1), 32–39.

Nowak, A., Morawiec, M., Gabrys, T., Nowak, Z., Szmatlan-Gabryś, U., … (2020). Effectiveness of resistance training with the use of a suspension system in patients after myocardial infarction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5383.

Grabara, M., Nowak, Z., & Nowak, A. (2020). Effect of Hatha Yoga on cardiac hemodynamic parameters and physical capacity in cardiac rehabilitation patients. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 40(4), 263–267.

Nowak, Z., Plewa, M., Skowron, M., Osiadlo, G., Markiewicz, A., & Kucio, C. (2010). Minnesota leisure time physical activity questionnaire as an additional tool in clinical assessment of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Journal of Human Kinetics, 23, 79–87.

Milewski, K., Małecki, A., Orszulik-Baron, D., Kachel, M., Hirnle, P., Orczyk, M., … (2019). The use of modern telemedicine technologies in an innovative optimal cardiac rehabilitation program for patients after myocardial revascularization: Concept and design. Cardiology Journal, 26(5), 594–603.

Dr. Anna Schwartz | Exercise Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anna Schwartz | Exercise Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Coleman Health LLC/Peak Performance Integrative Medicine, United States.

Dr. Anna L. Schwartz, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN, is an internationally recognized leader in oncology nursing, exercise science, and survivorship care. With over three decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, she has pioneered advancements in integrating exercise oncology into survivorship care. She is the CEO of Coleman Health LLC, serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and is a renowned author and educator. Dr. Schwartz has contributed extensively to improving health outcomes for cancer survivors through innovative interventions and cutting-edge research.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Anna Schwartz holds an extensive academic background that reflects her dedication to healthcare, education, and wellness. She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing in 1997 from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, following an MS in Community Health Nursing and certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, in 1994. Prior to this, she completed an MS in Health Education at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, in 1991. Her foundational studies include a BS in Nursing (1988) and a BS in Exercise Science (1985), both from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Dr. Schwartz's multidisciplinary expertise highlights her lifelong commitment to advancing health through research, education, and practice.

🩺 Experience

Dr. Anna Schwartz has held prominent leadership roles in both academia and healthcare throughout her distinguished career. Since 2003, she has been the CEO of Coleman Health LLC, based in Parks, AZ, while also serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center since 2024. From 2022 to 2024, she held the prestigious role of Distinguished Chair in Nursing at the same institution. Prior to these positions, Dr. Schwartz was Associate Director of Research at Northern Arizona University from 2018 to 2022 and a Professor at the same university from 2013 to 2022. Her previous appointments include serving as Endowed Chair at Scottsdale Healthcare Cancer Research at Arizona State University (2005-2008), Associate Professor & Research Scientist at Oregon Health & Sciences University (2001-2003), and Assistant Professor & Nurse Practitioner at the University of Washington Cancer Center (1998-2001). Dr. Schwartz's career reflects her commitment to advancing research and education in nursing and healthcare.

📚 Research Interests

Dr. Schwartz’s research focuses on:

Exercise oncology and survivorship care

Fatigue and biobehavioral outcomes in cancer survivors

Physical activity interventions in rural and underserved populations

Patient-centered technology solutions for cancer rehabilitation

🏆 Awards & Honors

Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)

Certified Elite Coach, United States Cycling Federation

Recognized as a leader in exercise oncology, receiving numerous accolades for her contributions to cancer survivorship care and education.

📝 Selected Publications

Formative Evaluation and Adaptation of a Navajo Cancer Survivor Physical Activity Intervention to Serve a Broader Native American Cancer Survivor Community

Published in Health Promotion Practice, November 2022

Contributors: Jennifer W. Bea, Brenda Charley, Taylor Lane, Brian Kinslow, Hendrik ‘Dirk’ de Heer, Etta Yazzie, Janet Yellowhair, Jennifer Hudson, Betsy C. Wertheim, Anna L. Schwartz.

Reduced Cancer-Related Fatigue after Tablet-Based Exercise Education for Patients

Published in Cancer Control, April 2022

Contributors: Diana J. Wilkie, Anna L. Schwartz, Wen-Chun Liao, Dottington Fullwood, Yu Wu, Tanya Wallace Farquharson, Yingwei Yao, Julie R. Gralow.

The Impact of Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Functional Fitness in Older Women (45–80 Years): A Systematic Review (2010–2020)

Published in Women, September 2021

Contributors: Lynda B. Ransdell, Heidi A. Wayment, Nanette Lopez, Cori Lorts, Anna L. Schwartz, Karen Pugliesi, Patricia S. Pohl, Dierdra Bycura, Ricky Camplain.

Mentoring New and Early-Stage Investigators and Underrepresented Minority Faculty for Research Success in Health-Related Fields: An Integrative Literature Review (2010–2020)

Published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, January 2021

Contributors: Lynda Ransdell, Taylor Lane, Anna Schwartz, Heidi Wayment, Julie Baldwin.

Precision Mentoring (PM): A Proposed Framework for Increasing Research Capacity in Health-Related Disciplines

Published in Medical Education Online, January 2021

Contributors: Lynda B. Ransdell, Heidi A. Wayment, Anna L. Schwartz, Taylor S. Lane, Julie A. Baldwin.