Nabil Adam

Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University

About Nabil

Nabil Adam is a highly distinguished Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University. He specializes in cybersecurity, machine learning, healthcare technology, and clinical/healthcare informatics. Dr. Adam is one of the most accomplished professionals in these industries, which has earned him over six prestigious awards, some multiple times. As per the 2020 Stanford University report, Dr. Adam ranked among the top 2% of scholars worldwide regarding their impact in their field (AI and Image processing).

Throughout his career, Nabil wrote prolifically and has written over 200 publications and 11 books. Not only is he a successful professor but Nabil mentors Ph.D. students, speaks at conferences on a variety of subjects both nationally and internationally, holds chairman and vice-chairman positions on over 20 boards, and has founded/co-founded nine initiatives for Rutgers University and various award-winning organizations. Nabil holds a B.S. in Engineering from Cairo University, two Master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. in Engineering from Columbia University.

For the past 43 years, Nabil Adam has held a faculty position at Rutgers University and recently established himself as an integral faculty member at the New Jersey Medical School, where he teaches Medicine. Nabil strives to assist his students in their academic success as much as possible and has mentored over 20 Ph.D. students with their theses and research. Dr. Adam has not confined his teaching prowess to the United States. Instead, he undertook visiting professorships in the Netherlands as well.

A passionate researcher in his field, Nabil Adam was awarded in a grant in early 2023 for him and his team to continue their research on “Racial Disparities in Cancer Therapy-Induced Adverse Events.” This project is in collaboration with Dr. Robert Wieder, a Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Nabil and his entire team are excited to have received this grant from Amazon Web Services in order to continue their diligent research.

Outside of his teaching duties, Nabil spent over five years with the Department of Homeland Security, where he was assigned to the Science & Technology Directorate. He was responsible for mentoring scientists, engineers, and program managers, while simultaneously managing “Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis” and leading the “Cyber-physical Systems Security” and “Unified Incident Command Decision Support” initiatives. Additionally, Nabil was assigned to the position of Program Chair for a variety of related committees and workshops including Modeling, Simulation, & Analysis for Homeland Security, Emergency Management: Incident, Resource, & Supply Chain Management workshop, and Future Directions in Cyber-physical Systems Security to name only a few.

Several years prior, Nabil Adam worked as a Research Fellow for the NASA Center of Excellence in Space Data and Information Sciences. This program was created to bring leading computer scientists together to collaborate and conduct research applicable to space and earth sciences; Nabil was one of the chosen few and took part in several initiatives including the Management of the Largest Unclassified Archive in the World, Data Warehousing/Mining of Earth Observing System Data & Information Systems and Geodata Modeling and Query in GIS. Dr. Adam also participated in the commercialization of Linux/Red Hate software and served as a member of the scientific and management team whose purpose was to establish a commercial sector for the Universities’ Space Research Association.

Each year, Nabil Adam is invited as a keynote speaker to a wide variety of talks and conferences around the globe. To date, Nabil has given over 50 talks on topics in which he specializes, such as Next Generation Information Technologies and Systems, Informational Technology Applications in Biomedicine, Cyber Security Challenges around the World, and spoke at the International Conference on Higher Education.

Dr. Nabil Adam was invited to attend the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Genetics and Epigenetics Cross-Cutting Research workshop held in May 2023 on the National Institute of Health (NIH) Campus in Bethesda, MD. The goals of the meeting include showcasing the exciting research on the genetics and epigenetics of substance use disorders, identifying new research opportunities in the genetics and epigenetics of substance use disorders, and providing attendees wif an opportunity to meet wif NIDA program directors to discuss their ideas for grant applications and funding opportunities.

It comes as no surprise that Dr. Adam is an award-winning professional. He has earned over 22 awards and recognitions throughout his career including the IEEE 2012 Research Achievement & Leadership Award in Intelligence and Security Informatics, the FASIP Award an astounding 15 times, and the Dean Horace DePodwin Research Award. Nabil is the co-founder of a handful of initiatives that have positively impacted the world at large, including the Rutgers Institute for Data Science, Learning & Applications, Regional Drinking Water Safety and Security Consortium, Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute, and the IEEE Computer Society Task Force on Digital Libraries. Nabil also established the Science Summer Camp as an offshoot of a Rutgers University program to provide training to teachers and education to inner-city students ranging from elementary to high school level youths.

  • IEEE 2012 Research Achievement and Leadership Award in Intelligence and Security Informatics
  • Honorable Mention for the 2010 Under-Secretary’s Award for Science and Technology, US Department of Homeland Security, Science & Technology Directorate
  • Elected as a distinguished speaker (on Digital Libraries/Electronic Commerce) in the IEEE Computer Society’s Distinguished Visitors Program (DVP)
The Importance of Nurses’ Mental Health

The Importance of Nurses’ Mental Health

Nursing is a demanding and stressful profession that requires caring for others while coping with the emotional impact of illness, injury, and death. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified nurses’ daily stress, leading to significant mental health challenges. As such, it is essential to recognize the importance of nurses’ mental health and to provide support to ensure their well-being.

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care to patients in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. While their work is gratifying, it is also emotionally taxing. Nurses are frequently exposed to traumatic events, including death, violence, and abuse. They are also expected to handle high-stress situations, work long hours, and deal with complex patients and families.

The demands of nursing can take a toll on mental health, leading to burnout, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Nurses struggling with mental health issues may have difficulty focusing on their work, providing high-quality care, and maintaining positive relationships with coworkers and patients. Additionally, nurses experiencing mental health challenges may be at a higher risk of making errors or experiencing workplace accidents.

To mitigate the negative impact of stress on nurses’ mental health, healthcare organizations must prioritize mental health support for their employees. This support can take many forms, including access to mental health resources, employee assistance programs, and counseling services. Healthcare organizations can also implement policies and procedures that promote a positive work-life balance, such as flexible scheduling, paid time off, and continuing education and career development opportunities.

It is also essential for nurses to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed. Nurses should manage their stress levels by practicing mindfulness, exercising, and eating healthy. They should also make time for activities they enjoy, such as hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in social activities.

Nurses should not hesitate to seek professional help experiencing mental health challenges. Mental health professionals can provide counseling, therapy, and medication management to help nurses manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Many healthcare organizations offer confidential mental health support services to their employees, which can be a valuable resource for nurses who may be hesitant to seek help elsewhere.

In addition to individual support, healthcare organizations can take steps to promote a positive work environment that prioritizes mental health. This can include providing opportunities for peer support, creating a culture of open communication and transparency, and offering leadership training to promote positive management practices.

Overall, nurses’ mental health is critical to delivering high-quality patient care and the success of healthcare organizations. By prioritizing mental health support and promoting a positive work environment, healthcare organizations can help nurses manage their job’s stress and emotional demands while providing the best possible care to their patients.

Nursing is a demanding profession that requires physical and emotional strength. Nurses are frequently exposed to stressful and traumatic situations that can significantly impact their mental health. As such, it is crucial to prioritize the mental health of nurses and provide them with the support they need to maintain their well-being.

Healthcare organizations can play a significant role in supporting the mental health of nurses by providing access to mental health resources, implementing policies and procedures that promote a positive work-life balance, and creating a culture of open communication and transparency. Nurses can also take steps to prioritize self-care and seek help from mental health professionals when needed.

By working together to prioritize the mental health of nurses, we can ensure that they are equipped with the resources and support they need to provide the highest quality care to their patients. It is time to recognize that nurses are not just healthcare providers but also individuals who need support and care to maintain their mental health and well-being.

The Steps Involved in Becoming a Pharmacist

The Steps Involved in Becoming a Pharmacist

Pharmacists are crucial in the healthcare industry, ensuring patients receive safe and effective medication. Pharmacists are highly educated and trained professionals who work in various settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and research institutions. There are currently over 140 accredited colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States. These institutions offer a variety of pharmacy degree programs, including Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs and graduate and post-graduate programs in pharmaceutical science and related fields. 

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Most pharmacy schools require applicants to complete undergraduate coursework in chemistry, biology, and other related areas. You must check with the pharmacy school you plan to apply to for their requirements.

Step 2: Take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

The PCAT measures a student’s academic ability and scientific knowledge, and pharmacy schools use it to determine a student’s readiness for their program.

Step 3: Complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program

After completing a bachelor’s degree and the PCAT, enrolling in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is next. PharmD programs typically take four years, including classroom and hands-on training. Students take pharmacology, pharmacy law, and pharmaceutical calculations courses during the program’s first two years. During the last two years, students have participated in clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals and retail pharmacies.

Step 4: Obtain a State License

You must obtain a state license to practice as a pharmacist in the United States. Each state has its licensing requirements, but at a minimum, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). These exams test your pharmacy law knowledge and ability to safely and effectively dispense medication.

Step 5: Consider Specializing

After obtaining your PharmD and state license, consider specializing in a particular pharmacy area. Specializations can include areas such as oncology, pediatrics, and critical care. Specializing can help you gain expertise in a specific area and make you more marketable to employers.

Step 6: Continue Your Education

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and pharmacists must stay current on their latest developments. Continuing education courses can help you stay current and advance your knowledge and skills. Many states require pharmacists to complete several continuing education hours yearly to maintain their licenses.

Becoming a pharmacist is a rigorous process that requires significant education and training. However, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those passionate about helping others and intensely interested in science and medicine.  

 

A Few Ways to Decrease Turnover in Your Hospital

A Few Ways to Decrease Turnover in Your Hospital

Employee turnover can be a significant issue in hospitals, with high levels of turnover leading to increased costs and reduced quality of care. However, there are several strategies that hospital administrators can employ to decrease turnover rates and improve employee retention.

  1. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits Packages: Healthcare professionals are in high demand, and hospitals need to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain the best employees. This includes not only competitive salaries but also benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. When employees feel valued and fairly compensated, they are more likely to stay with the hospital.
  2. Provide Opportunities for Professional Development: Healthcare professionals are highly skilled and motivated individuals who want to continually improve their knowledge and skills. Hospitals can provide opportunities for professional development through training programs, continuing education courses, and opportunities for advancement. When employees feel that they are continually growing and advancing in their careers, they are more likely to remain loyal to the hospital.
  3. Create a Positive Work Environment: The hospital work environment can be stressful and challenging, but hospital administrators can create a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. This can include implementing a wellness program, promoting work-life balance, and recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and contributions.
  4. Support Employee Health and Well-being: Hospitals can support employee health and well-being by providing access to health and wellness programs, such as on-site fitness facilities, healthy food options, and mental health resources. When employees feel supported in their overall health and well-being, they are more likely to be engaged and productive in their work.
  5. Foster a Culture of Respect and Diversity: Hospitals should strive to foster a culture of respect and diversity by creating a workplace that values and celebrates the differences of all employees. This can include promoting diversity and inclusion through training programs, celebrating cultural holidays and events, and creating employee resource groups.
  6. Provide Adequate Staffing Levels: Overworked and overwhelmed employees are more likely to experience burnout and turnover. Hospitals need to ensure that they have adequate staffing levels to support their employees and provide quality care to patients. This can include implementing flexible scheduling and staffing models that allow for proper rest and work-life balance.

Decreasing turnover in hospitals is critical to maintaining a high-quality healthcare system. Hospital administrators must prioritize employee retention as an essential component of maintaining a successful healthcare organization.