Marijo Bekic | Orthopedics | Academic Excellence Recognition Award

Prof. Dr. Marijo Bekic | Orthopedics | Academic Excellence Recognition Award

Prof. Dr. Marijo Bekic | General Hospital Dubrovnik | Croatia

Prof. Dr. Marijo Bekic is a distinguished Croatian trauma and orthopaedic surgeon with an extensive academic and clinical career spanning more than two decades. He completed his medical education at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine (1992–1999) and earned his Master of Sciences in Biomedical Studies in 2002. He received his MD PhD in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery in 2005 and progressed through academic ranks, becoming Assistant Professor in 2014, Associate Professor at Dubrovnik University in 2020, Associate Professor at the University of Rijeka in 2023, and later at the University of Split School of Medicine in 2024. His professional journey began at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zagreb (2002–2007), followed by several years in traumatology at County Hospital Dubrovnik, where he served as General Surgeon-Traumatologist and later Head of the Department of Orthopaedy and Traumatology (2014–2016). Since 2016, he has held senior clinical and leadership roles, including Hospital Director at County Hospital Dubrovnik, contributing significantly to healthcare management and surgical excellence. Prof. Bekic is deeply engaged in national and international professional bodies, serving as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Health Center Dubrovnik and the Emergency Institute of Dubrovacko-Neretvanska County, as well as being a member of civil defence headquarters, scientific committees, Croatian trauma associations, medical chambers, and international military surgery networks. He serves on the editorial board of Acta Chirurgica Croatica and is an active lecturer at the Military School “Ban Josip Jelačić” and the Ambroise Paré International Military Surgery Forum. His organisational leadership includes managing large-scale EU-funded hospital projects focusing on emergency care, trauma management, and modernisation of healthcare infrastructure, with budgets exceeding €10 million. Prof. Bekic has been recognised with awards such as the Croatian Surgery Society’s 2nd Award (2007) and has contributed extensively to scientific literature, with 20 published documents, 115 citations, and an h-index of 5, reflecting his influence in trauma surgery, orthopaedics, and hospital emergency preparedness. His work integrates clinical expertise, academic advancement, strategic healthcare leadership, and cross-border medical collaboration, positioning him as a leading figure in trauma and orthopaedic surgery in Croatia and the wider region.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Bekic, M., Bagavac, P., Sesic, N., Kulić, M., & Bekic, A. (2025). The effect of strain rate on bone fragility and clinical applications. Bioengineering, 12(12), 1295.

Kulic, M., Bagavac, P., Bekic, M., & Krstulovic-Opara, L. (2024). Ex vivo biomechanical bone testing of pig femur as an experimental model. Bioengineering, 11(6), 572.

Milos, M., Vujnović, N., Bekic, M., Lojpur, J., Moretti, M., Kirin, I., & Roth, A. (2022). Retrograde calcaneo-talo-tibial nail, subtalar arthrodesis and fibula transposition in the treatment of traumatic bone and articulatory defect of the distal tibia and talocrural joint: A case report. Trauma Case Reports, 39, 100734.

Vidović, D., Bencic, I., Cuti, T., Bakota, B., Bekic, M., Dobric, I., Sabalic, S., & Blazevic, D. (2021). Surgical treatment of scapular fractures: Results and complications. Injury, 52(1), 33–38.

Ostojić, M., Bulj, Z., Kordić, D., Sunjic, D., Buntic, A., Juka, K., Bliznac, I., Topic, A., Ostojic, Z., Rotim, K., et al. (2019). Establishment of the bone tissue bank at Mostar University Clinical Hospital. Acta Clinica Croatica, 58(4), 565–575.

Vidovic, D., Bencic, I., Cuti, T., Gajski, D., Cengic, T., Bekic, M., Zovak, M., Sabalic, S., & Blazevic, D. (2019). Treatment of humeral shaft fractures: Antegrade interlocking intramedullary nailing with additional interlocking neutralization screws through fracture site. Acta Clinica Croatica, 58(4), 639–648.

Vidovic, D., Elabjer, E., Muškardin, I. V. A., Milosevic, M., Bekic, M., & Bakota, B. (2017). Posterior fragment in ankle fractures: Anteroposterior vs posteroanterior fixation. Injury, 48(S6), S43.

Scott Bruce | Athletic Training | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Scott Bruce | Athletic Training | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Scott Bruce, Arkansas State University, United States

Dr. Scott L. Bruce, Ed.D., ATC, is an esteemed Associate Professor and Clinical Education Coordinator at Arkansas State University, with over three decades of dedicated service in athletic training and higher education. Holding a Doctor of Education in Learning and Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Dr. Bruce has led numerous academic and clinical initiatives, including serving as Assistant Dean of Research and Chair of the Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Project. His career spans multiple institutions, where he has held leadership roles in athletic training education, concussion prevention, and student mentorship. Widely published and certified, Dr. Bruce is a recognized leader in advancing sports medicine and clinical education in the United States.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Scott L. Bruce’s academic journey is rooted in a strong foundation of health and physical education. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training from East Stroudsburg University in 1983. Driven by a passion for sports medicine, he pursued a Master of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Medicine from Eastern Illinois University, graduating in 1988. His academic endeavors culminated in an Ed.D. in Learning and Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2014, where his doctoral research explored prediction modeling for graduate athletic training education—an innovative study that has served as a foundation for improving clinical education methods in sports medicine.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Bruce’s career spans over 35 years, covering an expansive range of roles in academic, clinical, and administrative settings. Starting as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Eastern Illinois University, he moved into leadership roles at institutions like Adrian College, Slippery Rock University, and California University of Pennsylvania.

At Arkansas State University, he has held multiple key roles such as Associate Professor, Clinical Education Coordinator, Director of Research, and Assistant Dean of Research for the College of Nursing & Health Professions. In his current position, he also chairs the Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Project, demonstrating his commitment to mental health in veteran communities.

Dr. Bruce’s earlier work includes clinical roles at University of Miami and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he also served as Lecturer and Director of Recruitment. His experience across undergraduate and graduate programs has made him a linchpin in shaping the next generation of athletic trainers.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bruce’s research spans critical areas in athletic training, clinical education, concussion prevention, and public health. His dissertation contributed significantly to the body of knowledge in predictive analytics for educational outcomes in graduate athletic training programs. A recognized thought leader, Dr. Bruce founded the Chattanooga Concussion Prevention Initiative in 2012, underscoring his commitment to athlete safety and neurological health.

He has continuously integrated evidence-based practices, neurocognitive testing, and leadership development in athletic training curricula. His clinical insights and research have helped shape institutional policies and student success frameworks that are now models in similar academic settings.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While much of Dr. Bruce’s work speaks for itself, his recognition comes through leadership appointments, tenure-track professorships, and academic fellowships. He is a certified Athletic Trainer (BOC Certified) and has maintained numerous state and national certifications, including the ImPACT Neurocognitive Test Battery and CPR/AED professional rescuer certification.

His long-standing membership in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association (AATA) reflects his continued engagement with the broader athletic training community. His voice and leadership have resonated not just in the classroom or clinic, but across professional panels and training consortiums.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Bruce’s work has left a geographic imprint across the United States, from Pennsylvania and Florida to Ohio, Tennessee, and Arkansas. As a mentor, researcher, and administrator, he has influenced hundreds of students and professionals who now carry forward his commitment to evidence-based care and ethical clinical practice.

Notably, his leadership in suicide prevention for veterans signals an expanded focus beyond traditional athletic training, addressing critical societal issues through a healthcare lens. Through curriculum reform, student advising, and clinical outreach, Dr. Bruce has made a profound impact on communities both inside and outside academia.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Scott L. Bruce’s legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and compassion. As healthcare education evolves, he continues to champion the integration of mental health, neurocognitive science, and public service into athletic training pedagogy. His interdisciplinary approach sets a new standard for professional programs across allied health fields.

Looking ahead, Dr. Bruce is poised to expand his impact through strategic research leadership, particularly in areas of veteran health, student resilience, and preventative healthcare education. With a solid academic portfolio and a clear vision, he is well-positioned to leave an indelible mark on the profession and inspire future generations of clinicians, educators, and policy makers.

Publication Top Notes

ContributorsBruce, Scott L.; Pierce, Presley R.; Love, Jenna K.
Journal: International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training
Year: 2025
Contributors: Zadeh, Amir; Taylor, David; Bertsos, Margaret; Tillman, Timothy; Nosoudi, Nasim; Bruce, Scott
Journal: Information Systems Frontiers
Year: 2021
Journal: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
Year: 2021