ADELAIDA LAMAS FERREIRO - Antibiotic - Best Researcher Award

HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARIO RAMÓN Y CAJAL. UNIVERSIDAD DE ALCALÁ. MADRID - Spain

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

INTRODUCTION TO A LIFETIME OF CARE 🌍

Dr. Adelaida Lamas stands as a remarkable figure in pediatric pulmonology, with an illustrious career centered on cystic fibrosis and the vital role of antibiotic therapies. Her clinical dedication has spanned more than two decades, particularly in respiratory medicine, where her expertise has reshaped the management of chronic infections in pediatric patients. She has led national efforts to refine antibiotic administration strategies in cystic fibrosis, directly influencing treatment protocols and patient outcomes. As the principal investigator at the Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), she spearheaded pioneering research in pulmonary microbiology, emphasizing the interplay between antibiotics and microbial resistance. Her advocacy for inhaled antibiotic therapies was instrumental in expanding access to life-prolonging treatments. From neonatology to intensive care, Dr. Lamas’s practice was always anchored in evidence-based medicine and ethical care. Her guidance as an expert with the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) further established her as a key voice in antibiotic evaluation and therapeutic positioning. Dr. Lamas’s work not only provided clinical clarity but also raised the standard of care across Europe. Through antibiotic-driven protocols, she has improved survival and quality of life for countless children. Her legacy begins here, with antibiotics at its heart.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 📚

Adelaida Lamas’s journey into pediatric pulmonology and antibiotic therapeutics began with rigorous medical education at the Universidad de Valladolid, followed by her specialization at the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital. Her early academic focus was deeply rooted in pediatric respiratory pathophysiology, especially how antibiotics influence outcomes in cystic fibrosis and critical care. During her doctoral studies at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, her award-winning thesis examined sedation monitoring in critically ill children—a project intersecting with the timing and dosing of antibiotics in intensive care. Her early exposure to pediatric infectious disease units shaped her understanding of antibiotic resistance, prompting her to explore novel modes of delivery like aerosolized antibiotics for neonatal care. She also participated in cross-institutional training in Spain and the United States, further deepening her comprehension of global antibiotic stewardship. These foundational years fostered her lifelong commitment to evidence-based antibiotic applications. Recognizing the intricacies of microbiome-antibiotic interactions, she published early papers that addressed microbial colonization in children and the antibiotic responses in respiratory infections. Her training laid a powerful groundwork, allowing her to rise not just as a clinician, but as an antibiotic-conscious academic. This early pursuit set the tone for decades of innovation centered on children’s health and antibiotic optimization.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🏥

Dr. Adelaida Lamas’s professional career spans over 25 years, during which she served as a consultant pediatric pulmonologist at the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital. There, she became the national reference point for cystic fibrosis management and antibiotic strategy development. One of her hallmark contributions was leading the design and oversight of antibiotic protocols within Spain’s CF newborn screening programs. Her expertise expanded into bioethics and clinical decision-making, where she lectured extensively on the appropriate use of antibiotics in pediatric populations. As a member of multiple national and international ethics and clinical trial committees, she advocated for safe and timely antibiotic use in vulnerable children. She also evaluated pediatric antibiotics for the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), helping shape regulatory decisions. Through her work with the European clinical trials initiative (Conect4children), she contributed to global guidelines for pediatric antibiotic trials. Her involvement in therapeutic positioning reports for inhaled antibiotics like tobramycin and aztreonam further positioned her as a thought leader in this field. Her daily practice married compassion with precision, always anchored in responsible antibiotic use. Dr. Lamas not only advanced care but reshaped antibiotic discourse in pediatrics through decades of resolute clinical endeavor and scholarly service.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Throughout her prolific research career, Dr. Adelaida Lamas has published over 35 high-impact studies that focus on the intersection of pulmonary infections and antibiotic effectiveness in children with cystic fibrosis. Her groundbreaking work explored biofilm dynamics and how early antibiotic intervention alters pathogen colonization in respiratory tracts. She led key studies on the inhaled use of aztreonam, tobramycin, and other novel antibiotics that redefined how recurrent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are managed in chronic respiratory diseases. With collaborators from top European institutions, she investigated antibiotic heterogeneity and its role in resistance modulation. A strong advocate for combining antibiotics with probiotics, Dr. Lamas contributed to integrative therapeutic models that reduced microbial imbalance in CF patients. Her work in metaproteomics and gut microbiota establishment further emphasized the systemic effects of prolonged antibiotic use, positioning her as a forerunner in microbiome-aware therapy. Her leadership in randomized controlled trials ensured the ethical and scientific rigor of new antibiotic formulations. Her team’s publications are now widely cited in CF and pediatric pulmonology literature, influencing clinical guidelines across Europe. In short, her research has consistently pushed forward the boundaries of antibiotic science, ensuring that every child treated today benefits from decades of careful, research-driven innovation.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Dr. Adelaida Lamas’s exceptional contributions to pediatric pulmonology and antibiotic therapies have garnered widespread recognition across clinical, academic, and governmental institutions. In 2006, her doctoral thesis received Spain’s “Dra. Juana Román First Prize,” the highest national honor in pediatric research. Her continued leadership earned her a permanent seat at the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), where she advised on pediatric antibiotic approvals. As principal investigator of several national and European antibiotic-related trials, she secured funding from global pharmaceutical leaders including Gilead and AstraZeneca. These trials revolutionized how antibiotic inhalation therapies are evaluated and prescribed for cystic fibrosis patients. Her recognition extended internationally when she was appointed as a key expert in pediatric pulmonology for Conect4children (c4c), shaping pan-European guidelines on antibiotic use in pediatric trials. Her teaching excellence earned her appointments at the Universidad de Alcalá and the International University of La Rioja, where she taught ethics in the use of antibiotics. Her voice is respected in editorial boards and therapeutic committees, particularly those focused on antibiotic innovation. In every honor received, the thread of her dedication to safe and effective antibiotic use in children remains central. Recognition of her work reflects the enduring impact of her antibiotic-focused legacy.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌐

The influence of Dr. Adelaida Lamas extends beyond the boundaries of her hospital and even her country. Her work in optimizing antibiotic protocols for pediatric pulmonology has inspired health policy reforms and research innovations globally. As one of the earliest adopters of inhaled antibiotic therapies, she helped bring these strategies from niche practices into standard protocols for cystic fibrosis patients. Her lectures on antibiotic resistance, ethical stewardship, and individualized therapy have been delivered across Europe and Latin America, where her voice commands respect and attention. Dr. Lamas’s influence is evident in international registries and multi-center trials, where her research and clinical models have been replicated. She has contributed significantly to the Spanish Federation of Cystic Fibrosis, promoting antibiotic literacy among patients and caregivers. Under her guidance, new pediatric pulmonologists have emerged, many of whom now lead CF units inspired by her antibiotic-focused methodologies. Her role in ethics committees ensured that antibiotic trials respect both safety and urgency—setting a benchmark for pediatric medicine. Dr. Lamas continues to shape antibiotic narratives through advisory boards, regulatory commissions, and academic forums. Her broad impact lies in proving that antibiotics, when used judiciously, are not just drugs—they are lifelines forged through science and compassion.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌱

As Dr. Adelaida Lamas transitions from her active clinical roles, her legacy in pediatric pulmonology and antibiotic stewardship continues to flourish. She has trained countless professionals who now carry her antibiotic philosophy into new generations of care. Her published works serve as cornerstone references in antibiotic-based CF management and are embedded in Spain’s national respiratory care protocols. Beyond academia and hospitals, her advocacy has reached families and patients directly, helping demystify antibiotic use and resistance. Her future impact will unfold through her ongoing doctoral advisement roles, where she continues to guide research in hypertonic saline, probiotics, and next-generation antibiotics. She is also shaping ethical standards for emerging pediatric trials involving biologics and gene therapies, where the antibiotic baseline remains critical for infection control. With a strong foundation in both research and humanistic care, Dr. Lamas’s voice will remain central in regulatory debates and academic dialogues. Her legacy is proof that when science, ethics, and heart converge—especially around something as vital as antibiotics—the result is transformative. Looking ahead, she aims to contribute further by writing, mentoring, and consulting, all while ensuring that antibiotics remain a tool of precision, protection, and possibility for the children of tomorrow.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

• Title: Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cystic fibrosis in Spain: Incidence and results of the national CF-COVID19-Spain survey
  Authors: P. Mondejar-Lopez, E. Quintana-Gallego, R.M. Giron-Moreno, et al.
  Journal: Respiratory Medicine, Vol. 170, Article 106062, 2020

• Title: Insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction and differences in curves of plasma glucose and insulin in the intermediate points of the standard glucose tolerance test in adults with cystic fibrosis
  Authors: M.C. Megías, O.G. Albarrán, P.G. Vasco, A.L. Ferreiro, L.M. Carro
  Journal: Endocrinología y Nutrición (English Edition), Vol. 62(2), Pages 91–99, 2015

• Title: A comprehensive evaluation of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients using lipidomics
  Authors: Ó. Pastor, P. Guzmán-Lafuente, J. Serna, M. Muñoz-Hernández, A.L. Neyra, et al.
  Journal: The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Vol. 63, Pages 197–205, 2019

• Title: Protocol for the diagnosis and follow up of patients with cystic fibrosis
  Author: S. Gartner
  Journal: Anales de Pediatría (Barcelona, Spain: 2003), Vol. 71(3), Pages 250–264, 2009

• Title: Tolerance of two inhaled hypertonic saline solutions in patients with cystic fibrosis
  Authors: L.M. Carro, A.L. Ferreiro, M.R. de Valbuena Maiz, C.W. Struwing, G.G. Álvarez, et al.
  Journal: Medicina Clínica, Vol. 138(2), Pages 57–59, 2012