In 2024, many authors bring new findings, practical information on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to thoracic disease to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.
Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspectives and insightful views as authors.
Outstanding Authors (2024)
Ryaan El-Andari, The University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada
Gengyi Zou, MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA
Brian Mitzman, University of Utah, USA
Keisei Tachibana, Kyorin University, Japan
David C. Rotzinger, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
Anthony Yii, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
Takashi Makino, Tokyo Rosai Hospital, Japan
Cristian Deana, Academic Hospital of Udine, Italy
João Paulo Cassiano de Macedo, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Thisarana Wijayaratne, The University of Bristol, UK
Dina Christa Janse van Rensburg, The University of Pretoria, South Africa
Mary Katherine Kimbrough, The University of Arkansas, USA
Jae Kwang Yun, Ulsan University College, Korea
Stefan B. Watzka, Clinic Floridsdorf, Austria
Alberto Fantin, University Hospital of Udine, Italy
Oliver S. Chow, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, USA
Megan E. Campany, The University of North Carolina, USA
Yohei Kawaguchi, Tokyo Medical University, Japan
Whitney S. Brandt, Washington University in Saint Louis, USA
Herbert Kwok Wang Chun, The University of Hong Kong, China
Ken Junyang Goh, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
Seon Yong Bae, Seoul National University Hospita, Korea
Iker López, Hospital Donostia, Spain
Mohamed Maali Gumaa Mohamed, Saint Louis University Hospital, USA
Nguyen Lam Vuong, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Taehoon Lee, Ulsan University Hospital, Korea
Luzia Toselli, Clinica Mi Pectus, Argentina
Parinya Ruenwilai, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Neetha P. Desai, Medtronic, USA
Hei-Shun Cheng, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
Kayo Sugiyama, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Japan
Roshen Mathew, West Virginia University, USA
Shinkichi Takamori, The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, USA
Hassan A. Khalil, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, USA
Hei Yu Matthew Chen, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
Feiran Lou, University of Massachusetts, USA
Jickhwan Ha, The Catholic University, Korea
Henna Maria Ala-Seppälä, The Tampere Heart Hospital, Finland
Wang Chun Kwok, The University of Hong Kong, China
Kristoffer Mazanti Cold, Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation, Denmark
Satoshi Hanada, The University of Iowa Carver College, USA
Yo Kawaguchi, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
Yosuke Takahashi, Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan
Akihiko Ohwada, Juntendo University, Japan
Kosuke Suzuki, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, Japan
Masatsugu Hamaji, Nara Medical University, Japan
Dennis Aliev, The University of Leipzig, Germany
Chailat Maluangnon, Mahidol University, Thailand
Milind Bhagat, The University of Minnesota, USA
Outstanding Author
Ryaan El-Andari
Ryaan El-Andari obtained his MD in 2022 from the University of Alberta and is currently a second-year cardiac surgery resident at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He plans to start a Ph.D. in experimental surgery in the summer of 2024 with Dr. Jayan Nagendran on a project seeking to refine and improve ex-situ lung perfusion technologies. He has worked closely with Dr. Jayan Nagendran on numerous projects including investigations into outcomes following heart valve surgery, coronary artery revascularization, and tissue engineering heart valve replacement options. Most recently, Dr. El-Andari and Dr. Nagendran have been investigating the impact of resource allocation on surgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. They hope to identify trends in how resources were allocated during the pandemic, and how this impacted patients waiting for surgery and hope to identify optimal strategies for future resource allocation during times of resource restrictions.
Dr. El-Andari thinks that the following things are the elements a good academic paper should include. First and foremost, it must have a good question, which is key in ensuring that an academic paper is impactful and important. With a good question, a researcher can build an excellent paper that can provide valuable information and may even result in a significant impact on the literature and practice. Strong data is essential in answering the proposed question and providing accurate results. Planning ahead to determine required sample sizes will help to organize a project and anticipate the time and resources required to collect robust data. Finally, the writing of the manuscript requires considerable time and effort. A good academic paper often tells a story. Structuring the introduction to provide background into what is known about the field, what questions are unanswered, and how the manuscript being written will look to address the problem helps to engage the reader and increases the chances they will retain what they have read. The methods should be clear and concise while providing enough details that the project could be feasibly replicated by the reader. The discussion should then summarize the findings, put them into the context of the previous literature, and should review the key takeaway points as well as the future directions of the field. Combining all of the above results in a strong and impactful paper.
According to Dr. El-Andari, planning is the key step for preparing a paper. From the initial development of the research question, planning ahead for the conduct of the investigation or experimental design keeping in mind the question will help to ensure the result answers the initial question. Organization is paramount, especially when analyzing data. Having a systematic approach to analyzing and interpreting data will help to keep the project organized and on track.
“Perseverance is necessary in research. Research requires a significant dedication of time and effort. The process can be long and arduous, and the reward of a completed and published manuscript is often delayed. The process can be discouraging with setbacks expected as part of the research process. I encourage other scientists and researchers to persist in the face of challenges, and to consistently consider the broader context while focusing on individual tasks. Continuing to work towards the overall goal of the research project and taking small steps in the right direction will eventually get the project to the finish line. The importance of research cannot be understated, and additions to the literature help us advance our understanding of the world. In medicine and surgery, we are especially fortunate as researchers, as our contributions to the literature help to improve the care of patients. When we publish impactful works that influence patient care, we can improve the lives of many more people than we would have otherwise been able to on our own working in a clinical setting. Patient care should be a driving force in medical research and I hope that goal will help to motivate others, helping them persevere in their research ventures,” says Dr. Dr. El-Andari.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Gengyi Zou
Gengyi Zou is a Postdoc Fellow at the Department of GI Medical Oncology of MD Anderson Cancer Center. As an oncology scientist, cancer biology has been the primary focus of her entire research career. She has immersed herself in gastric cancer research, establishing a groundbreaking gastric organoid model to mimic gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) tumorigenesis. Simultaneously, she contributed to research on mammary tumorigenesis, liver disease signaling, and esophageal neoplasia genetics, co-authoring several manuscripts. In the long run, she aims to decipher the underlying biology of advanced GAC tumorigenesis. This deeper understanding will inform advanced GAC patient stratification and facilitate the development of effective therapeutic strategies, which will contribute greatly to gastric cancer patients in America and worldwide.
From Dr. Zou’s perspective, a good academic paper needs to be authentic and innovative. In constructing a paper, authors should ensure their story flows smoothly and is easy for readers to follow along. To her, sharing published resources is crucial for collaborative science, too. “Let's stay open-minded and support each other in advancing from bench to bedside,” adds she.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Brian Mitzman
Dr. Brian Mitzman is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute, focusing on non-cardiac General Thoracic Surgery. His clinical interests concentrate on Thoracic Surgical Oncology, specifically the application of robotics for complex tumors. He serves as the Director of Robotic Thoracic Surgery and chairs the University Robotic Steering Committee. As a Huntsman Cancer Institute Investigator, Dr. Mitzman’s research interests focus on clinical outcomes and optimizing treatment approaches for lung and esophageal cancer. He has specific expertise in cost-effectiveness and determining the appropriate balance of cost and innovation in surgical technology. He currently serves as a Senior Editor for the Annals of Thoracic Surgery and an editorial board member for the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. Learn more about him here.
From Dr. Mitzman’s perspective, a strong academic paper provides a meaningful conclusion, even if it is with a negative outcome. It leads to a real impact on how physicians treat patients or on the overall understanding of a disease process. To achieve this, authors must start with a hypothesis that can be answered with the data being evaluated. Limitations of the data must be understood just as well as the question being asked, and conclusions must be tempered and based on what the data show instead of an author’s preconceived assumptions.
Dr. Mitzman adds that academic writing allows surgeons to impact more than just their local patients. A well-done project can influence how physicians around the world treat patients and directly change care pathways at an international level.
“All authors come with biases, and we must make a conscious effort to evaluate the data and our hypotheses for what they are. Often, we have such personal investment in our work that becomes hard to see the flaws with a manuscript and trust peer review as actual constructive criticism. Finally, staying up to date with a field such as lung cancer can be a struggle, as a treatment paradigm may change prior to completion of a novel project,” says Dr. Mitzman.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Keisei Tachibana
Keisei Tachibana is an associate professor at the Department of Thoracic and Thyroid Surgery, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan. He graduated from the Kyorin University School of Medicine in 1999 and obtained a PhD degree from the same University in 2011. From 2005 to 2007, he served as a resident in the Division of Thoracic Surgery, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan. In 2009, he conducted research on multistage carcinogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma in the Department of Diagnostic Pathology at Tsukuba University, Ibaraki, Japan. His research fields are minimally invasive surgery such as thoracoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, bronchial intervention, metastatic pulmonary tumor, lung pathology and cytology.
Dr. Tachibana thinks the most important thing to do, in academic writing, is to go with the trend of science which advances rapidly, and always collect new information. Further, he states it is crucial to pursue daily clinical questions, participate in academic conferences positively and read the latest research papers to keep one’s knowledge current.
From Dr. Tachibana’s perspective, having his research results cited in other papers and sharing and discussing information with other researchers in daily clinical practice and at academic conferences are important for ensuring his writing is critical.
Lastly, Dr. Tachibana shares a few words to encourage other academic writers, “We doctors spend our days busy with clinical work, research, and education. I feel that it is important to diligently pursue academic writing even if it takes time.”
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
David C. Rotzinger
David C. Rotzinger, MD, PhD, is a cardiothoracic and vascular radiologist at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL). He received his MD in 2017 and a PhD in life sciences at the UNIL in 2021. He serves as an attending physician in the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology - Cardiothoracic and Vascular Division at CHUV and has been the head thereof since 2022. Since 2023, he has been a senior lecturer with teaching authorization "PD-MER". His main research areas are evaluating and optimizing image quality and diagnostic performance in computed tomography (CT), including the more recent dual-energy (DECT) and photon-counting (PCCT) systems. His research projects include the assessment of novel non-invasive atherosclerotic inflammation markers derived from post-mortem CT studies. He is also a committee member of the Swiss Medical Board of Radiology. Learn more about Dr. Rotzinger here, and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Dr. Rotzinger regards a paper that tackles a timely subject that needs either a deeper understanding or a clarified decision-making process as a good academic paper. He points out that the methodology should be replicable by other study groups and described in a structured way so that readers not only understand the involved scientific process but ideally should enjoy the read. A catchy title helps gather the potential reader’s attention. He adds, “Needless to say, it is not always possible to conduct large international, multicentric randomized controlled trials to address each and every scientific question we stumble upon during our medical career, however, the authors should do their very best to deliver a high-impact assessment of the hypothesis that is being tested.”
Academic papers are often authored not by one but by several individuals. In Dr. Rotzinger’s view, authors often face numerous challenges when attempting to write and publish a manuscript. Constructing a clear and coherent narrative that relies on facts and logical thinking can be daunting, requiring skills that are gathered over years of experience and feedback from co-authors, senior researchers, reviewers, and editors. Throughout this process, sustaining motivation can be difficult, finding time to write amidst busy schedules is a constant struggle, and co-authors may not always be available when their input is needed. Editing a draft for submission to a particular journal entails employing a general academic style and tone, often necessitating adherence to very specific author guidelines, which can be a time-consuming labor. However, he indicates that some publishers are making strides to accommodate researchers in this regard by allowing flexibility in manuscript structure and style.
“In many ways, writing a manuscript is one of the most exciting parts of research. However, it can also be a challenging phase for junior authors who may struggle to grasp the key issues, lose confidence, or feel demotivated, leading them to give up. The excitement lies in not just presenting scientific results but also putting them in perspective by considering what is already known and what questions remain unanswered. Overall, the blend of contributing to knowledge, critical thinking, and collaborating globally with the aim of making a real-world impact is what makes academic writing fascinating,” says Dr. Rotzinger.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Anthony Yii
Dr. Anthony Yii is a Consultant in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Changi General Hospital in Singapore and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School. He also serves as a Clinical Instructor and Content Expert at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Cambridge and obtained specialist accreditation in Respiratory Medicine in 2017. His research focuses on Airway Diseases such as asthma and COPD, particularly pheno-endotyping, risk stratification, and population health aspects. Recent projects include investigating blood eosinophil count as a biomarker for guiding systemic corticosteroid treatment in hospitalized asthma exacerbations and developing an artificial intelligence model for teaching and evaluating inhaler technique. Dr. Yii is recognized for his outstanding contributions, receiving accolades such as the Singhealth Publish! Award and the National COVID-19 Award.
In Dr. Yii’s opinion, when preparing a paper, authors must maintain faith in their work's significance and uphold high standards of scientific integrity. They should ensure their research addresses important issues and utilize appropriate analytic approaches, with appropriate control for confounders and ensuring valid inferences are made based on the data. He thinks it is essential that study participants represent real-world target populations with complex comorbidities and may experience barriers to healthcare, reflecting real-world complexity.
“I chose to publish in the Journal of Thoracic Diseases due to its inclusive nature, in that it welcomes studies from various countries and cultures. This inclusivity ensures a global perspective, enriching the discourse on thoracic diseases with diverse insights and experiences. The journal's commitment to publishing research from different regions fosters collaboration and understanding across borders, promoting the exchange of ideas and methodologies,” says Dr. Yii.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Takashi Makino
Takashi Makino, MD, PhD, is the Deputy Director of the Department of Respiratory Surgery at Tokyo Rosai Hospital, Japan. He earned his MD and PhD degrees from Toho University, Tokyo, Japan. He was a resident in the Division of Thoracic Oncology at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo from 2009-2013 and worked in the Division of Chest Surgery at Toho University School of Medicine in Tokyo from 2013-2019. His research areas include minimally invasive thoracic surgery, surgical pathology, and work-life balance support.
A difficult aspect of academic writing, in Dr. Makino’s opinion, is logically considering the difference between the result and prediction. It is challenging to eliminate personal assumptions and examine the results scientifically without interpreting personal convenience.
Academic writing often involves evidence synthesis. To select the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis, Dr. Makino would review the history of previous studies. Particularly, he would read through the papers used in the Introduction and determine whether they are reliable. He would also comprehensively search and verify papers and incorporate the opinions and ideas of researchers, including those in other fields, through academic conferences and research meetings. He believes academic writers should be cautious about any potential bias while selecting evidence.
In addition, disclosing the conflict of interest (COI) is important, too, from Dr. Makino’s perspective. Involvement with companies and other entities that have assumed COI can affect research methods and results to the detriment of the patients and society.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Cristian Deana
Cristian Deana obtained his Medical School Degree in 2010 and completed his residency in Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation, Critical Care and Pain Therapy in 2016. Both were carried out at the University of Udine under the guidance of Professor Giorgio Della Rocca (Full Professor), where he gained expertise in the hemodynamic management of high-risk patients in non-cardiac surgery as well as the critical care setting. Since 2016, he has been working at the Anesthesia and Intensive Care 1 Unit in the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care of the Academic Hospital of Udine – a tertiary-level Hub Hospital providing 1095 beds, where all surgical specialties are carried out. His specific fields of interests and research are ultrasound in ICU, nutrition in critically ill patients, neuro-intensive care and the perioperative care of high-risk non-cardiac surgical patients, especially the ones undergoing esophagectomy. Learn more about Dr. Deana on ResearchGate and Orcid, and connect with him on X @DeanaCristian85.
From Dr. Deana’s perspective, authors should be enthusiastic and curious to dedicate passion and time to research. To avoid biases in one’s writing, he believes native authors should be supervised by expert authors for the first time they construct a paper.
“I strongly believe that the only way to deliver the best treatment available to patients is to produce literature. In fact, in doing so, every day is an opportunity to stay up to date!” says Dr. Deana.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
João Paulo Cassiano de Macedo
Dr. Joao Paulo Cassiano de Macedo is a thoracic surgeon. He is a PhD student at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. His research area includes chest wall and diaphragm surgery. He considers extensive chest wall resection the hottest topic in chest wall surgery. He continues to dedicate his time and effort to chest wall and diaphragm surgery, and looking for answers of what is the best tool to assess the improvement after surgery. Connect with him on Instagram.
Dr. de Macedo thinks academic writing is the perfect tool for answering questions and difficulties that doctors face every day. It is important because it is a result of years of research, and publishing the research findings is something that can change medical practice.
In Dr. de Macedo’s view, the highest quality that an author should possess is passion. The researcher needs to love what they do. Sometimes authors may face some difficulties that they think are unsolvable, and if they do not love what they do, they give up.
“Honestly, I still have difficulty allocating time for papers. The daily routine of a thoracic surgeon demands time. Generally, I dedicate my time during weekends, holidays, at night, and small pieces during the day. Sometimes it can be exhausting, but it's very gratifying at the end,” Dr. de Macedo says.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Thisarana Wijayaratne
Dr. Thisarana Wijayaratne was born and raised in Sri Lanka and he moved to the UK to study Medicine at the University of Bristol (graduated in 2016). He then attained the Membership in the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in 2019. Having completed his foundation year and core medical training in the West Midlands region, he moved to the East Midlands region to pursue higher specialty training in Respiratory Medicine and Internal Medicine. Dr. Wijayaratne is currently based at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester and undertaking a fellowship year in Interventional Pulmonology and Pleural Diseases. His main research area lies within the field of pleural diseases and interventional pulmonology and he is interested in deep sedation Bronchoscopy, cryoEBUS and the use of nerve blocks in medical thoracoscopy.
Dr. Wijayaratne thinks a good academic paper is characterized by several key elements. Firstly, it should clearly define its research question or objective, providing a focused direction for the study. Methodology plays a crucial role, with transparent and well-described methods for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Additionally, a thorough literature review situates the study within the broader context of existing research, highlighting its contribution to the field. The paper should present its findings in a structured and coherent manner, supported by clear presentation of results using appropriate visuals. Critical analysis and discussion of the findings, along with consideration of limitations and future research directions, demonstrate depth of thought and understanding. Proper citation and referencing ensure integrity and acknowledge the contributions of others. Finally, engaging writing style enhances accessibility and readability while maintaining academic rigor. Overall, a good academic paper not only advances knowledge but also effectively communicates its findings to the academic community.
Dr. Wijayaratne emphasizes that writing without biases requires a mindful and deliberate approach. It begins with acknowledging one's own biases and actively striving to recognize and mitigate them. Thorough research, encompassing diverse perspectives and evidence serves as a foundation for balanced discourse. Language choice is crucial; employing inclusive language fosters respect for diverse identities and avoids perpetuating stereotypes. Considering counterarguments and addressing them respectfully demonstrates intellectual honesty and strengthens the credibility of one's writing. Guarding against confirmation bias involves actively seeking out contradictory evidence and embracing it with an open mind. Seeking feedback from peers or mentors aids in identifying biases that may have been overlooked. Transparency is key; disclosing personal biases or conflicts of interest enhances trust and allows readers to assess arguments critically. Finally, applying critical thinking skills, questioning assumptions, and evaluating evidence objectively are fundamental practices in minimizing biases and producing more credible and objective writing.
Lastly, Dr. Wijayaratne would like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers, “Please bear in mind that your contributions are priceless, and each sentence you pen down serves as a building block towards advancement. Your scholarly works possess the power to revolutionize healthcare, deepen comprehension, and ignite the curiosity of researchers globally. Please persist in your remarkable endeavors as academic authors, bonded by a shared commitment to propel scientific advancement. Persist in writing, inquiring, and motivating others along this extraordinary journey!”
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Dina Christa Janse van Rensburg
Dr. Dina Christa Janse van Rensburg is a qualified rheumatologist and Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Professor at the University of Pretoria. She is also the Founder Member of the College of SEM in South Africa, the Immediate Past President of the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA), a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a Scientific Committee Member of the IOC World Conference (Monaco, 2021 and 2024). She is the Chairperson of the Medical Advisory Panel of World Netball and a Committee Member of FIFA's Consensus Meeting on Injury and Illness Surveillance Methodology and the International Tennis Federation's Classification Science Advisory Group. Dr. van Rensburg regularly presents at conferences and lectures for the Royal Society of Medicine. She has peer-reviewed publications exceeding 100. Her DMed (PhD) proved that exercise benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Her current research includes travel and jet lag in athletes, as well as injuries and illnesses in different sporting disciplines. She accompanied teams as a sports physician to the Olympic, Commonwealth, and All-African Games and was the Venue Medical Officer (VMO) for FIFA World Cup 2010. She actively practices as a rheumatologist with a special interest in SEM. Connect with her on X/Twitter.
Dr. van Rensburg has identified some potential difficulties that authors may face when it comes to academic writing. Firstly, academic writing requires careful planning, research, drafting, revising, and editing. Managing time effectively to complete these tasks within deadlines can be challenging, especially when juggling multiple assignments or balancing academic responsibilities with other commitments. Secondly, writer's block and a lack of motivation can also affect academic writing. Lastly, balancing clarity and academic rigor while adhering to disciplinary conventions can be challenging.
To allocate time to write papers, Dr. van Rensburg states that she has learned to schedule her week with specific times allocated for particular tasks. She does not allow tasks to interfere with each other. For example, when she is at the clinic, she would avoid working on academic writing between patient consultations.
Dr. van Rensburg emphasizes that it is important to follow reporting guidelines during the preparation of manuscripts. She indicates that adherence to reporting guidelines is essential for promoting transparency, quality, reproducibility, and ethical conduct in academic research. By following these guidelines, researchers can enhance the credibility and impact of their work within the scientific community.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Mary Katherine Kimbrough
Mary Katherine (Katie) Kimbrough, MD, is a physician and Associate Professor in the Division of Acute Care Surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Hospital. She obtained her bachelor’s degree at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana for medical school and general surgery residency. Dr. Kimbrough completed a trauma/surgical critical care fellowship at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery in both General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, and specializes in the care of critically ill and/or injured patients. As an award-winning educator, Dr. Kimbrough is actively involved in medical student and resident education. She is also a strong advocate for diversity in training programs, and she has participated in many activities to encourage women to pursue careers in surgery. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Dr. Kimbrough believes that a good academic paper should be thought-provoking and stimulate discussion. No matter if the paper is related to basic science, clinical practice, or educational curricula, it should investigate, challenge, or solidify current practices. In her opinion, authors must be authentic in their approach and keep an open mind to minimize bias in academic writing. They must be willing to be proved right or wrong and perhaps even be surprised by the results.
Dr. Kimbrough would like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers, “Be persistent and intentional. Surround yourself with colleagues who support your research efforts and seek out colleagues, both within and external to your organization with whom you can collaborate. Research is something that can easily get put on the back burner when considering all the various demands of academic physicians these days. I find that I am most successful with research efforts when I schedule dedicated time in my calendar for these endeavors, whether it is preparing IRBs, writing manuscripts, or meeting with colleagues to brainstorm new ideas for research projects.”
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Jae Kwang Yun
Dr. Jae Kwang Yun is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. He provides comprehensive thoracic surgical care for benign and malignant disease, including robotic thoracic surgery with a focus on a single-port da Vinci robotic system (da Vinci SP). As a thoracic surgeon, he has achieved excellent academic results in lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and thymic epithelial tumor, and has published about 30 original articles as the first or corresponding author in leading SCI journals. Notably, his research is not limited to simply clinical research, but continuously expands to various fields such as meta-research, translational research, and basic research.
Dr. Yun believes that a well-crafted academic paper is distinguished by several essential components that enhance its quality and efficacy. These include a clearly defined research question and objective, a robust methodology supported by reliable analysis, and thoughtful interpretation. When embarking on the preparation of an academic paper, it typically begins with formulating a clear research question and delineating the population of interest. This initial step serves to establish the research's direction and ensures a focused inquiry. Equally crucial is the thorough conduct of a literature review, which demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of prior work in the field. These early stages are pivotal in laying the groundwork for a meticulously structured and enlightening academic paper, poised to contribute novel insights and knowledge.
Dr. Yun highlights the following elements to help writers avoid biases in their writing. First, authors must acknowledge that biases exist in all findings from the research. However, these biases may or may not have a significant impact on the research results. If the study's conclusion is predetermined, it may lead to underestimating favorable bias and overestimating unfavorable bias during research recruitment and analysis. Therefore, a neutral attitude must always be maintained when conducting research. In addition, authors need to be more alert to the possibility of biases that are favorable to research outcomes. If the baseline characteristics between the two groups to be compared are different, propensity score matching (PSM) or inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) should be actively used to correct the difference between the two groups. Furthermore, it should be checked whether consistent results are shown through multivariate analysis or subgroup analysis.
Lastly, Dr. Yun would like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers, “To become a good writer, one must first become a good reader. Diligently reading and researching the latest papers greatly aids authors in understanding the actual value of research and efficiently conveying key findings to readers. Then, when encountering unresolved curiosity, it is advisable to articulate it and initiate research. The process of conceptualizing how to analyze curiosity should be guided by referencing prior studies. If desired outcomes are not achieved, thoroughly investigating the reasons is crucial. This process may present opportunities for obtaining new research topics. Moreover, when expected results align, it is important to critically interpret them, considering all foreseeable biases. This process serves as a foundation for later defending comments received from reviewers after submitting the completed manuscript. Indeed, maintaining persistence and patience is crucial since these processes are challenging and time-consuming.”
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Stefan B. Watzka
Dr. Stefan B. Watzka, MD, BA, MA, FACS, is specialized in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery, He is an Associate Professor of Surgery, and the Head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the Vienna Clinic Floridsdorf, Vienna Healthcare Group. Moreover, he is the Chairman of the Karl Landsteiner Institute for Clinical and Translational Thoracic Surgical Research (Vienna, Austria), and of the ESTS Working Group “Thoracic Infections of Surgical Interest (TISI)”. In addition, Dr. Watzka is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Member of the IASLC Rare Tumors Committee. His surgical focuses are extended pleurectomy/decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy for mesothelioma, extended resections for advanced-stage lung cancer, VATS/RATS lobectomy, and VATS decortication. His research interests are molecular prognostic markers of mesothelioma and lung cancer. Moreover, Dr. Watzka is an on-site surgical contributor to AEGEAN, NeoADAURA, and IMpower030 trials. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
From Dr. Watzka’s view, academic writing is the main cornerstone of any academic career. Without academic writing, a researcher would not be able to communicate his/her research results to the scientific community and ultimately to the whole society. He adds, “The denomination ‘professor’ comes from Latin ‘profiteri’, which stands for confess or admit, and this depicts pretty well what an academic is supposed to do: stand before the people and defend his/her scientific results. Academic writing is the most efficient way to do so.”
In addition, Dr. Watzka believes that an academic author should not only prioritize scientific accuracy and integrity, but also be able to effectively communicate their results. Therefore, efficient academic writing needs not only attention to the scientific content, but somewhat also to the style.
“The day of an academic surgeon is always too short. Besides clinical, administrative, and teaching duties, he/she is supposed to carry on his/her research and write papers. The solution can only be some form of time management, although I’m skeptical about the classical solutions available on the market. What really works well for me is the concentration on the most important tasks of the day. Once they are done, anything else unfolds easily. Moreover, writing papers is actually for me a form of mental relaxation since it forces me to reduce distractions and to focus my thoughts,” Dr. Watzka says.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Alberto Fantin
Dr. Alberto Fantin graduated in medicine and surgery at the University of Udine, developing an experimental thesis concerning the topic of biomolecular therapeutic targets in non-small cell lung cancer. He subsequently carried out a residency in adult respiratory diseases at the Maggiore Hospital in Parma under the direction of Prof. Alfredo Antonio Chetta. He completed his training in interventional pulmonology with a one-year fellowship in Ancona, under the guidance of Prof. Stefano Gasparini. The current main research topics he deals with concern Interventional Pneumology. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
Dr. Fantin thinks academic writing is indispensable for the transmission of new discoveries, as well as for the consolidation and verification of known principles. It is a form of global communication. He believes an article should address a significant issue, provide accurate and informative content, explain its conclusions, stimulate new debate, and be connected to previous work on the topic while also projecting toward future work.
Speaking of his experience in academic writing, Dr. Fantin shares his own story, “All of us, clinical scientists, struggle to find the time to write and edit for hours the material necessary to document the clinical practice that we have the honor of carrying out every day. Despite this, as my mentors taught me, the documentation of our unique clinical experiences and participation in research on a national and global scale must be complementary to clinical practice to increase the quality of care for our patients and the satisfaction we derive from our work.”
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Oliver S. Chow
Dr. Oliver S Chow is an assistant professor of clinical thoracic surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens in New York, USA. He specializes in robotic thoracic surgery and has a particular interest in thoracic malignancies and complex central airway disease. He graduated from Cornell University and received his medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He completed his surgical residency and cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston before joining the faculty at Cornell.
In Dr. Chow’s view, a well-written academic paper should read like a captivating story, while scientific papers almost always follow a well-defined structure. He thinks readers should be able to follow the narrative of how the authors identified a question worthy of exploration, what they did to test a well-defined hypothesis, and how they make sense of their results and observations. Moreover, he enjoys reading papers that include these elements effectively, because it facilitates reflection on how the paper fits (or does not fit) into the current research paradigm for the topic.
Dr. Chows recalls what Barbara Tuchman, a notable historian and author, once wrote, “Research is endlessly seductive; writing is hard work”. He believes that while engaging in a good debate with a colleague on a shared area of interest and the initial stages of investigating a new hypothesis may always be the most exciting aspects of research, the world cannot benefit from those aspects of intellectual engagement unless someone sits down and documents what has been discovered.
At last, Dr. Chows would like to say a few words to encourage other academic authors, “Sometimes it can feel as though science and academic research is barreling forward so rapidly that it is hard to ‘hop onto that moving train’ so to speak. It can be intimidating to put forth a contribution that may seem small or inconsequential. However, I like to remind myself that even small questions and studies are often the product of months to years of collaboration and persistent work from a whole group of researchers. It is a worthy endeavor and a great avenue through which we can impart positive change in this world.”
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Megan E. Campany
Megan Campany is an incoming PGY-1 in the integrated thoracic surgery residency program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her medical degree from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Phoenix, AZ and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Policy and Administration from Arizona State University. Her research currently centers around outcomes in esophageal adenocarcinoma as well as ECMO utilization and lung transplantation.
Dr. Campany believes that a strong academic paper is one that addresses a gap in the current literature with a clear and concise question, subsequently answered in logically and linearly. The reader should be introduced to recent findings in the field and understand the relevance of the question being asked. The methods should be offered in a comprehensible and reproducible manner followed by clearly communicated results. Furthermore, the discussion should restate the results, provide context and interpretation of the data, and avoid extrapolation of data or personal. If well done, the findings should be presented in a way such that the reader concludes with application to their practice. In a word, a good manuscript will not only answer the question addressed by the hypothesis but also offer further avenues to expand the field of focus with subsequent work.
Dr. Campany finds it challenging to avoid biases in writing. Having team members, including both experts in the field and those less familiar with the subject, review manuscript drafts can be very helpful. Additionally, she believes the data should largely speak for itself. If authors have to mold or selectively shape data to address a hypothesis, the work is likely to become biased. To become an expert in their research area, authors should present their data and be open to suggestions from mentors, reviewers, and other experts at every step.
“Don’t forget to expect a roadblock with every project you undertake – whether it’s with the data itself, finding the right journal and/or conference, or addressing reviewers, expecting a few bumps along the way makes the process far more manageable. Find a team that you work well with and stick with them. A team that works effectively together can transform the earliest ideas into completed manuscripts in an efficient manner. Creating a mentorship model within that team will allow both you and new team members to continually grow and develop, becoming more productive along the way,” says Dr. Campany.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Yohei Kawaguchi
Dr. Yohei Kawaguchi is a board-certified thoracic surgeon. He completed his thoracic surgery fellowship, and advanced thoracic surgical oncology fellowship at Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR, Tokyo, Japan. In addition to surgical interventions, he is also engaged in chemotherapy for patients with advanced lung cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Currently, he is affiliated with Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan as an associate professor. His main research themes include introducing medical diagnostics, incorporating artificial intelligence, into lung cancer surgery, and exploring predictive factors for maximizing the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced lung cancer. Dr. Kawaguchi has studied and published papers on the prognostic factors of early-stage lung cancer using AI and the impact of lymph node dissection on the effectiveness of ICI. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
JTD: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?
Dr. Yohei Kawaguchi: To thoroughly consider what you can excel at in areas that others overlook or that are valuable but challenging to validate.
JTD: What do authors have to bear in mind during the preparation of a paper?
Dr. Yohei Kawaguchi: Create a habit of writing down and keeping track of ideas that come to mind by adding hashtags to your smartphone as soon as they occur to you. People often forget things, so record any ideas that come to mind and use hashtags to link them to other notes and develop your ideas.
JTD: Would you like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers who have been devoting themselves to advancing scientific progress?
Dr. Yohei Kawaguchi: Clinical Query (CQ) is important anyway. Always search for CQ through the patient in front of you. Keep working, believing that your work will make the world a better place.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Whitney S. Brandt
Dr. Whitney S. Brandt is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri. Her clinical area of expertise is thoracic surgery, including the treatment of lung, esophageal, mediastinal, foregut, and chest wall diseases. She has a passion for the care of all thoracic surgical patients. She is interested in studies that can truly address everyday clinical questions. She also has a great interest in thoracic oncology.
Dr. Brandt thinks a good academic paper must address an important clinical problem or develop an understanding of the disease. Next, and equally important, is that the methodology to answer the question is sound. If the methods are not sound, then the conclusions may be incorrect, and the paper is not useful.
From Dr. Brandt’s perspective, the authors need to be genuinely curious to find the correct answer and work with a great team. She believes at times authors get side-tracked by their prediction of what the result will be, and inevitably, they see an answer in a certain way. The results should be analyzed from an unbiased perspective whenever possible. It is helpful in this regard to have a team that can provide valuable perspective and input.
“I believe with each research project I learn something new. When I meet with colleagues, students, and residents and we talk about various research projects, often multiple people have a variety of takes on a topic. Every critique or perspective is important and can only improve our understanding. In the end, by listening to the various comments, we often make our study stronger and more relevant. The result: better data with which to treat our patients,” says Dr. Brandt.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Herbert Kwok Wang Chun
Dr. Herbert Kwok Wang Chun is currently working as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong. His research interests include airway diseases including asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD. He was awarded the Li Shu Fan Fellowship for Internal Medicine to support his study in phenotyping and therapeutics of airway diseases. He was also awarded a competitive research grant to support his research in respiratory medicine. Dr. Kwok was awarded the APSR Travel Award to the JRS Annual Meeting 2024, Assembly Education Award in the 26th Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Respirology 2022, best oral presentation in the 8th Asia Pacific Region Conference of International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (2022) and best Abstract of the Assembly (Clinical Respiratory Medicine) in the 22nd Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Respirology (2017) in recognition of his research work.
In Dr. Kwok’s view, a good academic paper should have the following characteristics: with novel ideas, conducted by a proper method, having a sound hypothesis and question to be tested, easy to comprehend, with illustrative figures, and having a clear message delivered.
Dr. Kwok highlights that it is important for authors to keep themselves updated about the latest breakthroughs in their own fields. By knowing what others are doing, authors shall see what they can further work on, either to confirm a reported association or fill in the gaps. It is also important to have critical thinking to digest the reported findings by others and critically appraise their findings, which may also involve reviewing their data on hand and see if they can do something that has not been well conducted in the past.
“In conducting clinical studies, I realized that there is no right or wrong, and not everything is black and white. There is always a grey zone which is the area we should work on. An example is eosinophil count in COPD. While cut-offs≥ 300 and < 100 are straightforward, what about those between 100 to 299? The research gap is so interesting that I decided to work on BEC in airway diseases, from static to dynamic, in my MD program,” says Dr. Kwok.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Ken Junyang Goh
Dr. Ken Goh is a Consultant at the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital. He obtained his medical degree from Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medicine School in 2012. He completed an Advanced Pleural Fellowship at the Oxford Pleural Unit (Oxford University Hospitals Trust) under Professor Najib Rahman in 2023 and currently leads the Pleural Service at the Singapore General Hospital. His research interests are in Pleural Disease and Critical Care Medicine.
From Dr. Goh’s perspective, a good academic paper needs to have a clear and focused question to answer or be thought-provoking and challenge existing practice. While most of the important work is planning the methodology, analysis and, anticipating problems even before the study commences, he believes that clarity and structure are key elements of any good academic paper, along with authenticity and transparency when presenting one’s results and interpretation.
Dr. Goh thinks it is important to remain open-minded, yet critical of any study data or conclusion. Even in well-planned studies, there are always considerations and nuances to the study design or data interpretation. The proposed clinical application of the study results should also be considered with the clinical context in which the study was conducted or designed to address. This careful approach will contribute to avoiding biases in writing.
“It takes perseverance in failure and a lot of help from your colleagues to do good research. A good dose of resilience and a collaborative spirit will go a long way,” says Dr. Goh.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Seon Yong Bae
Dr. Seon Yong Bae is currently a surgical resident in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital and is pursuing a Ph.D. at Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. He has written papers related to congenital and adult cardiac surgery, but his primary focus has been on general thoracic research. He has given several presentations at domestic and international conferences. Recently, he presented on long-term outcomes after chest wall resection and rapid deployment of aortic valve replacement at the AATS annual meeting and the Aortic Symposium. Recently, he has been expanding his research field beyond clinical research to translational research. The application of artificial intelligence in thoracic surgery is also one of his main interests currently.
JTD: What do you regard as a good academic paper?
Dr. Bae: A good paper is characterized by an outstanding research topic, which can lead to producing results that no one has thought of or presenting a brand-new guideline. Additionally, good academic research provides appropriate evidence to show whether what authors empirically know is correct or incorrect. To achieve this, the research should possess the following three aspects: First, a concise yet clear topic - a study with a clear objective could be good academic research. Second, a reproducible and well-organized research methodology - a plausible, understandable, and well-structured methodology can effectively demonstrate the desired research outcomes and gain support from many researchers. Third, a profound consideration of the research background and an honest presentation of the research limitations - this approach emphasizes the importance of the research to the reader and highlights what to be cautious about when interpreting the study. I believe that a clear topic, reproducible method, profound background, and honest limitations are fundamental requirements for a good academic paper.
JTD: What are the qualities an author should possess?
Dr. Bae: To become a good researcher, it is essential to start by reading numerous previous studies and papers to analyze current trends and draw inspiration from them. New research topics can arise from answering patients' questions or from insights gained through other studies. Therefore, it is important to maintain an open-minded attitude as a continuously researching physician.
JTD: Why do you choose to publish in the Journal of Thoracic Disease (JTD)?
Dr. Bae: JTD is an international, peer-reviewed reputable journal that focuses on research and clinical research related to thoracic diseases. This journal annually publishes the latest research findings and reviews in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. So, I frequently read and cite JTD because it contains many high-quality papers. We decided to publish in JTD because we anticipate its continued growth and development, given the high quality of its published papers and the expertise of its editors.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Iker López
Dr. Iker López is a thoracic surgeon currently working at Hospital Donostia in the Basque Country region of northern Spain. He finished his degree in Medicine in 2002 at the University of Navarra. He did his specialized training in thoracic surgery and lung transplantation at the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona (2003-2008) and worked there until 2014. He obtained his PhD at the University Autonoma of Barcelona in 2012 with a work on chronic rejection in lung transplantation. Subsequently, in 2014, he started working at his current hospital. His main areas of interest are minimally invasive thoracic surgery (video-assisted and robotic surgery), lung segmentectomy, and lung cancer. He is highly involved in thoracic surgery databases developed in Europe and Spain that have allowed him to study specific aspects of lung cancer and segmentectomy. He is also currently involved in a national pilot study on screening in lung cancer. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
In Dr. López’s view, it is very important first to know and evaluate the results obtained with clinical actions in order to evolve and improve the medical care provided to patients. To this end, it is essential to carry out well-designed studies that allow authors to draw reliable conclusions for a correct assessment of the treatments they apply. Also, the data they obtain must be shared with the medical community in order to extend the knowledge and benefits that this brings. This is why authors have the responsibility to write and publish the information from the studies they carry out.
On the other hand, Dr. López points out that an author must have integrity and reliability. They must be able to trust that the work behind what they read from a given author is done according to positive values and with scientific rigor.
“Writing articles is a heavy workload, not only because of the activity of writing the manuscript, but also because of all the work involved in the study beforehand. Considering that as physicians our main task is usually clinical care (in my case surgery), it is not easy to find enough time to publish. However, we should consider it as another pillar of our work as physicians. It is just as important to provide correct care to our patients as it is to evaluate the results we obtain. And the fact that we aim to publish our results obliges us to have the scientific rigor necessary for our conclusions to be reliable,” says Dr.López.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Mohamed Maali Gumaa Mohamed
Dr. Mohamed Maali Gumaa Mohamed is a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellow at Saint Louis University Hospital, Saint Louis, MO, USA. He has a master’s degree in public health with a focus on Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Research Methodology. He is interested in large database research, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis. He also enjoys medical education and working with trainees in various levels of health care. He has a special interest in advanced bronchoscopy, thoracic oncology, and pleural diseases, with a plan to pursue an Interventional Pulmonology fellowship. He strongly believes in teamwork and collaboration for the best patient care. To him, collaborating with different specialties in thoracic medicine (thoracic surgery, radiation and medical oncology, interventional radiology, among others) is very fulfilling and satisfying. His team’s last project about primary spontaneous pneumothorax interventions was published in JTD. Now they are finalizing a meta-analysis about interventions in complicated pleural infections.
Dr. Mohamed believes academic writing is crucial to advance medicine and health care. Academic writing is a scientific process by which authors ensure that accurate, succinate and transparent information is passed flawlessly to interested audiences and stakeholders in order to share new knowledge or answer important and relevant questions. Without academic writing, new knowledge or discoveries will not be disseminated in an accurate and peer-reviewed manner.
In addition, Dr. Mohamed points out the following two elements of critical writing. Authors should write about important, relevant, and patient-centered topics and adhere to the scientific academic writing process. On the other hand, mentorship is also vital – having a mentor will make a huge difference in putting one on the right track.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Nguyen Lam Vuong
Dr. Vuong is a surgeon and researcher with a passion for applying biostatistics to medical research, particularly regarding infectious diseases and surgery. He completed his residency in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP-HCMC) in 2014. He subsequently completed his PhD in applied biostatistics with a focus on dengue at the Open University UK, affiliated with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City (OUCRU-HCMC) in 2024. Currently, he holds dual appointments as a lecturer at UMP-HCMC and a postdoctoral researcher at OUCRU-HCMC, where he researches on dengue pathogenesis, biomarkers, and therapeutics. His expertise extends to collaborations in diverse fields such as surgery, cardiovascular diseases, traditional medicine, and public health. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
Dr. Vuong thinks academic writing is essential for advancing scientific knowledge and fostering collaboration. It serves as the primary channel for researchers to share their findings, methodologies, and conclusions with the broader scientific community. Through academic writing, scientists can build upon existing research, replicate experiments, and collectively contribute to the growth of human knowledge.
Science is a rapidly evolving field, demanding that academic writing remains current and innovative. To maintain the currency and impact of academic writing, Dr. Vuong stays informed about the latest advancements, conducts thorough literature reviews to identify knowledge gaps, employs rigorous research methodologies, writes clearly and concisely, actively seeks feedback, explores interdisciplinary connections, and effectively utilizes visuals.
“My motivation for dedicating significant time and effort to academic writing stems from a deep-rooted passion for knowledge dissemination and advancement. Sharing research findings, fostering collaboration, and establishing credibility within the scientific community are fundamental drivers. Additionally, the intellectual challenge of crafting clear and compelling arguments is intrinsically rewarding. While time-consuming, the potential impact of research on society provides a strong impetus to persevere in this endeavor,” says Dr. Vuong.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Taehoon Lee
Dr. Taehoon Lee obtained his MD in 2003 from Chosun University Medical School (Gwangju, Korea). He then completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in allergy at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea), followed by a fellowship in pulmonology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (Seongnam, Korea). Since 2013, he has been working at Ulsan University Hospital. He earned his MS in 2012 with research on asthma and his PhD in 2016 with research on sepsis. Initially, he was interested in various fields of pulmonology, such as asthma and tuberculosis, but eventually, his research focus narrowed to interventional pulmonology. He is particularly interested in airway stenosis and the development of airway stents.
Dr. Lee thinks a good academic paper is one that answers questions that other researchers or doctors are curious about. It does not have to be a very exciting research topic, and it may not be published in a top-ranked journal.
Moreover, Dr. Lee believes the following methods can help authors avoid biases. First, there should be no falsehood in the research results. Second, authors should read many papers related to the same research topic and understand the perspectives of others. By considering these two things, they can eliminate biases in writing.
“The process of conducting research and presenting it through writing is difficult, time-consuming, and tiring, but it definitely gives a sense of accomplishment. This activity helps a person excel and ultimately feel happy,” says Dr. Lee.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Luzia Toselli
Dr. Luzia Toselli is a pediatric surgeon from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She finished her career as a medical doctor in 2004 at the Universidad del Salvador and then she completed 2 years as a resident in Pediatrics and 6 years in Pediatric Surgery at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Her passions have included Fetal and Neonatal Surgery and Chest Wall Malformations. She found her mentor Dr. Marcelo Martínez-Ferro helped her boost her interest in clinical research and work-life balance. Currently, she works with Dr. Gaston Bellia-Munzon and a team at Clinica Mi Pectus specializing in the correction of chest wall deformities and the creation of objective data on the subject.
Dr. Toselli thinks academic writing is the current basis for the diffusion of scientific knowledge, providing the foundations of a rapidly changing truth as evidence evolves. It allows a fast spread of data created anywhere in the globe with a shorter delay between creation and publication every day and provides a basis to change the medical practice at a relatively low cost.
To ensure critical writing, Dr. Toselli tries to analyze the literature with a critical view and avoids long periods between reading the literature and sending the manuscript. She explains that this usually results in a 2- to 3-month timeframe, which can be a challenge for those who write and practice simultaneously, especially when they have family responsibilities. She believes in the future, AI will become a powerful tool in enhancing literature search, although it remains to be seen how this can be used without fear of delegating too much of the creative, human input in the manuscript creation.
“I have always felt passionate about knowledge creation, and how our everyday life as practitioners is sometimes motivated and based on accepted, unquestioned assertions that we don’t know where they come from or what they are based on. This does not mean that I disregard expert opinion or subjective consideration to determine action but it does require observation when we see or feel that things are not going as expected. Academic writing is a tool that provides a certain order to this line of thinking, an ordering pathway to follow the scientific method of arriving as close as we can to the truth, and it allows us to build on it later. It is more of a necessity than a complement to my medical practice,” says Dr.Toselli.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Parinya Ruenwilai
Dr. Parinya Ruenwilai, MD, is an interventional pulmonologist. He is an instructor at the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. He received his MD from the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University in 2013. He became board-certified in Pulmonology (Thai Subspecialty Board of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine) in 2021. Additionally, he completed a board in Interventional Pulmonology in 2024. He currently serves as an attending physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. His primary research interests lie in the fields of Interventional Pulmonology and Interstitial Lung Disease. With his expertise in Interventional Pulmonology, he has a particular interest in transbronchial cryo-biopsy due to its diagnostic utility in evaluating various pulmonary conditions, including Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).
Dr. Ruenwilai thinks academic writing is essential for sharing research findings, clinical insights, and treatment strategies with the medical community, contributing to the advancement of respiratory medicine, and improving patient care. Through publications in academic journals, authors can educate and train future specialists, promote evidence-based practice, enhance professional reputation, and support quality improvement initiatives in pulmonology, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients with respiratory conditions.
Dr. Ruenwilai believes that academic writing plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of patient care. He is highly motivated to consistently provide excellent care to patients. This involves maintaining high standards in clinical practice, staying updated with evidence-based medicine, and learning from relevant literature through writing. He adds that it is important to ensure highlighting effective aspects of patient care and ensuring learning from situations that do not go as expected.
“One interesting story that often occurs during academic writing in the medical field is the process of conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. These types of studies involve comprehensive literature searches, data extraction, and statistical analyses to summarize and synthesize existing research on a particular topic. Researchers often encounter challenges such as inconsistent study methodologies, incomplete data reporting, or conflicting results among studies. Resolving these discrepancies and synthesizing the findings into a coherent narrative can be a complex and time-consuming process. Despite the challenges, the result of a well-conducted systematic review or meta-analysis can provide valuable insights for clinical practice, guideline development, and future research directions. It is a rewarding experience to contribute to the body of knowledge in medicine and potentially influence patient care and healthcare policies through rigorous academic writing,” says Dr. Ruenwilai.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Neetha P. Desai
Neetha Desai is an accomplished stapling therapy expert at Medtronic with a robust background in clinical research and product development. She began her career as a chemist and shifted to clinical research to contribute more substantially to the scientific community. Her transition from the lab to the forefront of clinical research reflects her deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving clinical outcomes. Her professional path led her to clinical research, where she makes significant contributions in supporting new product development and clinical study design. Her expertise spans linear stapling, robotics, and disruptive technologies, focusing on patient outcomes in thoracic procedures. Notably, she recently achieved a significant milestone with her work published for the first time in the Journal of Thoracic Disease, underscoring her growing influence in the field. She continues to leverage her extensive experience to advance clinical research and foster innovation in the medical field.
Neetha thinks academic writing is purposeful. Researchers need academic writing to continue to disseminate evidence, which can advance science and education across therapeutic areas and disease states. It is critical to continually innovate incremental technologies to improve patient outcomes and advance the standard of care of surgical devices; one of the best ways to do this is through academic writing. Disseminating outcomes through scientific writing allows them to connect with the broader medical and scientific communities while fostering a strong sense of collaboration.
Neetha believes academic and scientific writing involves critical thinking and increased therapy and subject matter knowledge. A desire to continually learn while remaining unbiased may help authors accurately and transparently share the story of their studies. Authors should not feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing about their studies. It is important to remember that even a small contribution to the scientific field can have a large impact on patient lives.
“When designing a clinical study, evidence dissemination is the final phase of our work and often the most rewarding. To write meaningful papers, we must collaborate with the stakeholders who helped us execute our studies. Their involvement is not only crucial, but it also shapes the most compelling story within our datasets. Discussions about the raw data or signals within the dataset with colleagues and collaborators help shape the story early in the writing process. Continuing these discussions throughout the writing process helps propel the papers to a more final state as a team,” says Neetha.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Hei-Shun Cheng
Dr. Hei-Shun Cheng is an Associate Consultant at the Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong. He has also been an Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor of the Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine (The University of Hong Kong) since 2022. He obtained his fellowship in Respiratory Medicine in 2017 and Advanced Internal Medicine in 2019. His research interests are pleural diseases, interventional pulmonology, and pulmonary physiology. Recently, he has been conducting research focusing on spontaneous pneumothorax.
JTD: Why do we need academic writing?
Dr. Cheng: Innovative idea, the most essential booster of medical care advancement, leads us to break new ground in the medical industry. Daily medical practice is typically guided by established guidelines, making it challenging for doctors to explore innovative ideas due to ethical considerations and lack of evidence.
Therefore, brilliant ideas become applicable and ethical in real life only through careful research planning and meticulous study design. Academic research helps by spreading ideas, provoking thoughts, and ultimately bringing benefits to our patients.
JTD: How to ensure one’s writing is critical?
Dr. Cheng: The clinical question of academic research should be clearly stated. Study design and data analysis method should lead the readers to understand how study objectives are being evaluated and how unwanted factors such as missing data and confounders are handled. The study outcome should be presented together with its strengths and limitations.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Kayo Sugiyama
Dr. Kayo Sugiyama works at the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Aichi Medical University Hospital, Japan. Recently, she conducts research on surgery and perioperative management for aortic dissection and infective endocarditis. She is also interested in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
JTD: What do you regard as a good academic paper?
Dr. Sugiyama: I believe that inspiring and enlightening articles are precious to all readers. It does not matter how many patients or how big data there are. Some papers including quite small examples can inspire some authors.
JTD: Science advances rapidly day by day. How do you ensure your writing is up-to-date and can give new insights into the field of research?
Dr. Sugiyama: To update my own knowledge every day is a priority. You can get inspiration for your research if you get new insights in the field. Discussing with experts probably brings not only ideas but serendipity.
JTD: Is there any interesting story during academic writing that you would like to share with us?
Dr. Sugiyama: Interestingly, I sometimes found myself struggling with my own articles, which left me disappointed but also sparked lots of ideas for my next research, ultimately leading to happiness. I learned a lot through these experiences and sometimes found valuable friends in the field.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Roshen Mathew
Dr. Roshen Mathew is the Director of Interventional Pulmonary Medicine at West Virginia University (WVU) Camden Clark Medical Center and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at WVU School of Medicine. He leads a certified lung nodule screening program for his hospital and community. He completed his medical education in India and received internal medicine training at Columbia University’s St. Luke’s & Roosevelt Medical Center in New York. He pursued a fellowship in Pulmonary & Critical Care at Albert Einstein Montefiore Medical Center, also in New York, and further specialized in interventional pulmonary training at the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock. His clinical and research interests include enhancing lung nodule screening programs and advancing minimally invasive methods for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung cancer and thoracic malignancies. He has published research on cryotherapy and tracheobronchial stents. He mentors fellows in interventional pulmonary and contributes to the educational committee, reading lists, and evidence-based medicine curricula for the American Association of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonary (AABIP). Connect with him on LinkedIn.
In Dr. Mathew’s opinion, a good medical research paper starts with a lucid approach with a PICO analysis question in testing a hypothesis. It sets the frameworks for the primary and secondary endpoints with great clarity. A well-minted manuscript also adheres to reporting guidelines such as STROBE to ensure it has checked off various aspects of a good paper. Examining and consciously clarifying inherent biases and conflicts of interest is essential to understand the author's perspective for the reader audience. Additionally, he believes a double-blinded timely peer review of any paper is always important to give the author and the reviewer a chance to enhance the quality of any literature manuscript.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Shinkichi Takamori
Dr. Shinkichi Takamori, MD, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he focuses on advanced research in thoracic oncology, particularly the cancer development and application of targeted therapy/immunotherapy for lung cancer. He completed his MD and PhD at Kyushu University in Japan, followed by extensive clinical training in thoracic surgery. His research has been pivotal in understanding the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer, with numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field. He is also involved in international research collaborations, including his role in the Working Group for the Federation of Asian Clinical Oncology’s international lung cancer study. Additionally, he serves on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Surgery and Frontiers in Oncology.
Dr. Takamori believes a good academic paper presents a clear, well-defined research question and systematically explores it through rigorous methodology. It should provide novel insights or contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge. Clarity, transparency in reporting, and a balanced discussion of the results are essential. The paper should also demonstrate a deep understanding of the relevant literature and present the findings in a way that is both accessible and meaningful to its intended audience.
To avoid biases in academic writing, Dr. Takamori thinks it is crucial to approach the research process with an open mind, being careful to consider alternative hypotheses and interpretations. Employing a rigorous methodological framework and adhering to standardized reporting guidelines can help minimize personal biases. Peer review is also a valuable tool in this process, as it allows others to critically assess the work and point out any potential biases. Lastly, it is important to be transparent about any limitations or potential conflicts of interest that could influence the interpretation of the data.
“Academic writing is a powerful tool for advancing knowledge and contributing to the scientific community. Although the process can be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. My advice to fellow writers is to remain curious and persistent, even in the face of setbacks. Every paper, regardless of its perceived impact, is a stepping stone towards greater understanding and innovation. Stay focused on your goals, collaborate with others, and never underestimate the value of your contribution to the field,” says Dr. Takamori.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Hassan A. Khalil
Hassan A. Khalil, MD, is a thoracic surgeon-scientist and surgical educator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/ Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with clinical and research interests in lung, esophageal, and pleural disorders. He is also a biomedical engineer by training. He specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques in the treatment of thoracic and foregut diseases and specializes in lung-sparing segmentectomy for the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. He also has proficiency in the treatment of esophageal disasters (e.g., esophageal perforations, anastomotic leaks, and fistulae). In addition to standard surgical treatment of such conditions, he has expertise in an adjunctive technique utilizing endoluminal vacuum therapy, which exploits the healing of wounds by secondary intention. His laboratory focuses on the study of lung cancer spread through air spaces. He also studies epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bowel anastomotic healing, which ties heavily with his clinical work with esophageal leaks.
Dr. Khalil believes a good paper can present innovative or thought-provoking content. For him, after reading a paper, he would like to share it with colleagues and be inspired by their ideas to think about what could come next. But in general, the authors have an appropriate research design for the question they are asking. They have a solid data set/utilize major databases, and the conclusion is compatible with the results and addresses any alternative conclusions or arguments.
Dr. Khalil thinks that using neutral language, asking general questions, being transparent, creating exclusion criteria, using statistical methods, looking at the hypothesis, and planning ahead to identify any potential biases can avoid biases in writing. Moreover, by working with a team to review the data and report, authors can hear how others are going to interpret the message.
“Don’t give up because research takes time, and don’t lose your curiosity. Examine everything,” says Dr. Khalil.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Hei Yu Matthew Chen
Dr. Matthew Chen is a resident cardiothoracic surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong. He graduated from The University of Hong Kong in 2018 and became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2021. His research focuses on lung nodule localization and utilizing 3D imaging for VATS sublobar resection. He is also passionate about medical education for residents. As such, he is currently focused on effective simulation training for thoracic surgical residents to improve training accessibility and efficiency. Connect with him on X/Twitter.
From Dr. Chen’s perspective, academic writing is crucial in science as it facilitates the dissemination of research findings, promotes collaboration, and advances knowledge. It ensures that complex ideas are communicated clearly, enabling peer review and validation. For thoracic surgeons in training, it provides a platform to share innovations in the context of a solid evidence-based foundation.
Dr. Chen shares the following tips on selecting the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis. Firstly prioritize recent, peer-reviewed studies directly relevant to the research question. Secondly, the quality and methodology of each source should be evaluated. Then, ensure a balanced perspective by including diverse viewpoints. Lastly, always verify data accuracy and relevance, and remain critical of biases.
In addition, Dr. Chen stresses that adhering to reporting guidelines like STROBE and CONSORT is vital in academic writing, especially for residents beginning their research careers. These guidelines help structure manuscripts clearly, ensuring essential details are included. They provide the template for what should be considered as the international standard. They also aid in understanding research design, improving the quality and credibility of the work, and making it easier for peers to assess and learn from their studies.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Ken Ka Pang Chan
Dr. Ken Ka Pang Chan is a respiratory specialist interested in pleural medicine, respiratory infection, and airway diseases. He received general respiratory training at Prince of Wales Hospital and further sub-specialized training in pleural medicine at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Australia. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Division of Respiratory Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He currently leads several projects on the epidemiology of pleural diseases and respiratory infections. He has received grants for developing new diagnostic strategies in various pleural effusions and studying the burden of pleural diseases and respiratory infections in Hong Kong. Through this research, he endeavors to optimize patient outcomes by improving the standard of clinical care and promoting the public understanding of these diseases.
Christopher Chan
Dr. Christopher Chan is currently a Resident doctor undergoing his final year of specialist training at the Division of Respiratory Medicine at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong. In addition, he holds an honorary teaching appointment as an Honorary Clinical Tutor with the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and is involved in the teaching of undergraduate medical students. He graduated with Distinction in Medicine from CUHK in 2018 and joined the Department of Medicine of the Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) in 2019. He was awarded the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians in 2021. He has been part of the Respiratory team at CUHK/PWH since 2022 and has been involved in treating patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions, in addition to clinical research and teaching in respiratory medicine. His interests in clinical practice include pleural medicine, thoracic oncology, and interventional pulmonology.
JTD: What role does academic writing play in science?
Dr. Ken Chan: Academic writing in science, particularly in the field of respiratory medicine, serves as a cornerstone for advancing knowledge and practice. It involves gathering the latest and most accurate information to address specific research questions. This process is not merely about reproducing existing study results; it is about initiating a robust research question and then methodically answering it with well-supported evidence. Moreover, effective academic writing offers personal and expert insights on the topic, persuasively presenting the findings to engage and convince the readers. It is through this meticulous approach that academic writing contributes significantly to scientific progress and understanding.
Dr. Christopher Chan: Academic writing is crucial in the advancement of the scientific field. It allows researchers and innovators to record the latest developments in their fields of research, inspire other like-minded individuals and groups to pursue further advancements and disseminate information to students to further the knowledge of everyone involved in the community. Moreover, through collaboration with different authors and researchers, research allows the scientific community to foster greater partnerships across countries and organizations to collaborate effectively for the betterment of the community.
JTD: Science advances rapidly day by day. How do you ensure your writing is up-to-date and can give new insights into the field of research?
Dr. Ken Chan: To stay at the forefront of respiratory medicine, we ensure our academic writing reflects the latest scientific developments by diligently reviewing new research findings. This involves a thorough analysis of recent studies, even in areas where we possess expertise, to draw comparisons and discern patterns that may benefit specific patient groups or address unique clinical scenarios. Additionally, we monitor online clinical trial registries to identify emerging trends and research focuses. Beyond mere literature review, we actively engage with leading researchers for collaborative discussions, which are instrumental in synthesizing new ideas and integrating the most recent discoveries into my work. This multifaceted approach allows me to contribute fresh insights and maintain the relevance of our contributions to the field.
Dr. Christopher Chan: As clinicians and researchers, we must ensure that both our practice and pursuits in research are up-to-date and clinically relevant to facilitate the best patient care, and to think of more ideas for research amongst the latest trends in each medical specialty. We can keep abreast of the latest updates in the field by reading the latest editions of the major journals and attending international medical conferences, which also aids us in contemplating new aspects or ideas in the field that may also be suitable for use in our local population.
JTD: Academic writing takes a lot of time and effort. What motivates you to do so?
Dr. Ken Chan: My passion for respiratory medicine fuels my dedication to academic writing. It's the enthusiasm for discovery and the thrill of exploring uncharted territories in this field that drive me. The prospect of answering unresolved questions and venturing into areas previously untouched is a powerful motivator for me to invest the necessary time and effort into my research and writing.
Dr. Christopher Chan: Having been actively involved in medical teaching, academic writing for us represents an alternative avenue to share our knowledge. The reach we may have individually with different lectures and tutorials may be quite limited. However, once we disseminate our knowledge and findings through publications, we can extend our reach and effectively educate many more people, far beyond our original reach of whom we might be able to meet or teach. Moreover, in the field of clinical medicine, being able to advance the field and inform our colleagues worldwide of the latest developments and potentially change the standard of care is extremely meaningful, and gives us immense satisfaction to be able to contribute to the betterment and improvement of clinical care and patient outcomes worldwide.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Feiran Lou
Dr. Feiran Lou is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Massachusetts. She completed her MD and Masters in Biostatistics at Columbia University. Her clinical focus is general thoracic surgery utilizing minimally invasive approaches. Her research interests are broad, but mainly center around the optimization of operating room team performance, the roles of frailty and prehabilitation in thoracic surgical outcomes, and disparities in lung cancer care. Her most recent project studied how standardized simulations, protocols, and checklists can improve OR team response during emergency robotic undocking due to bleeding. Besides being a good surgeon, she would like to improve thoracic surgery safety, efficacy, and equity through research.
Dr. Lou believes that academic writing allows for the essential exchange of scientific ideas without bias and with the sole motive of advancing the current understanding of diseases and the human body.
Dr. Lou thinks that completing a project can be challenging when it comes to critical writing. She adds, “It is possible to lose focus on what is important and become fixated on the result. The most impactful work also requires a passion that leads to persistence and doing what is right instead of what is convenient. A good manuscript presents ideas clearly, but just as importantly, it must recognize limitations and accurately contextualize how the results fit into the big picture.”(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Jickhwan Ha
Dr. Jickhwan Ha graduated from the College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea, and received a doctorate from the same university's graduate school. He is currently working in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital of the same university. He is one of the doctors who introduced medical thoracoscopy and currently performs the largest number of medical thoracoscopy cases in South Korea. He mainly diagnoses and treats patients with pleural diseases, and systematically collects and studies patient-related data. His recent area of interest is the diagnosis of patients with high ADA pleural effusion.
Dr. Ha believes that even if a study is well-designed, it holds no significance if it does not contribute new knowledge or insights to the field. Thus, academic writing should keep updating. To do this, he thinks the most important thing is to meet and have conversations with doctors who are doing similar research as he does. Looking for and reading already published papers written by others is just seeing their thoughts from years ago. That is why he always tells his peers that research should not be done sitting at a desk but through physical movement and conversation with others.
Although academic writing takes a lot of time and effort, Dr. Ha says, “I think it is my duty to logically organize and inform my juniors of the new facts I have learned while seeing patients with difficult diseases. If I do it alone, I can never do it, but if I do it with my colleagues, it is relatively easy.”(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Henna Maria Ala-Seppälä
Dr. Henna Maria Ala-Seppälä graduated with a Licentiate of Medicine degree in 2015 from the University of Turku, Finland after which she began specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. She completed her specialization in cardiothoracic surgery at Tampere University, Finland in 2021. She is currently working permanently at the Tampere Heart Hospital. In addition to adult cardiac surgery, her special area of interest is complex aortic surgery, and she is also involved in TAVI procedures and interventional cardiology. She is working on a doctoral thesis on the topic of ‘Complications after Lung Cancer Surgery’. She is also interested in new research projects and collaborations, especially in the field of aortic surgery. Additionally, she is active in professional associations and serves as a board member for the Finnish Society for Thoracic Surgery and the Finnish Cardiac Society.
JTD: What do you regard as a good academic paper?
Dr. Ala-Seppälä: A good academic paper contributes new and valuable insights to its field, presenting data and conclusions in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner. In surgical clinical research, it should yield novel findings that can enhance patient outcomes or refine surgical techniques. The paper should not only answer a specific research question but also raise new questions that inspire further exploration. The paper should be accessible, with a clear flow from introduction to conclusion, and avoid unnecessary jargon so that both specialists and non-specialists can follow its argumentation and grasp the key messages easily. Additionally, transparency in reporting study limitations and potential biases is essential for scientific integrity.
JTD: What do authors have to bear in mind during the preparation of a paper?
Dr. Ala-Seppälä: Especially if you’re conducting research alongside full-time clinical work in the evenings, it’s essential to find a good research team that is motivated and committed to the study. When preparing a paper, it’s important to explain the research question clearly and ensure that the methods used to answer it are well thought out and understandable. It’s also necessary to follow the journal’s specific rules for structure and formatting to avoid unnecessary delays. When revising the manuscript, having professionals from different fields can be beneficial, as they can complement each other’s expertise and strengthen the overall quality of the work. Lastly, authors should always make sure the data and findings are accurate and properly referenced to avoid any issues with credibility or plagiarism. Particularly at the beginning of a scientific career, writing an article requires perseverance, as things often need to be revised multiple times. Performing statistical analyses takes practice, and success is typically preceded by numerous setbacks. However, each mistake provides valuable learning opportunities, and over time, the writing process becomes more streamlined. Maintaining motivation and avoiding long breaks in writing is essential for sustained progress.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Wang Chun Kwok
Dr. Herbert Wang Chun Kwok is currently working as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong. His research interests include airway diseases including asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD. He was awarded the Li Shu Fan Fellowship for Internal Medicine to support his study in phenotyping and therapeutics of airway diseases. He was also awarded a competitive research grant to support his research in respiratory medicine. Dr. Kwok was awarded the APSR Travel Award to the JRS Annual Meeting 2024, Assembly Education Award in the 26th Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Respirology 2022, best oral presentation in the 8th Asia Pacific Region Conference of International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (2022) and best Abstract of the Assembly (Clinical Respiratory Medicine) in the 22nd Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Respirology (2017) in recognition of his research work.
JTD: What do you regard as a good academic paper?
Dr. Wang: A good academic paper should consist of the following characteristics: It should have a proper methodology, have easily understandable and meaningful research findings, be able to enlighten readers on the research topic, and provide insight to researchers to further work along the results presented in the paper.
JTD: Science advances rapidly day by day. How do you ensure your writing is up-to-date and can give new insights into the field of research?
Dr. Wang: Before preparing an academic paper or plan for a research project, one should first do a proper literature search and see if there are other studies on the same topic that have been published. The authors should also check for any similar studies on publicly available databases. Last but not least, authors should critically appraise the published research and look for any pitfalls in these studies which can be the objective of the planned research.
JTD: Is there any interesting story during academic writing that you would like to share?
Dr. Wang: A few years ago, I did a study on the risk factors for early recurrence of surgically resected stage I adenocarcinoma of the lung. All the co-authors are happy with the findings but another colleague of mine asked how this can practically help him manage the patients. After discussions among the co-authors, we decided to proceed with preparing a prediction model, which was ultimately published in a high-impact journal. By discussing your research findings with your friends and colleagues, you can gain insights into your research and be able to improve the quality of the research paper.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Kristoffer Mazanti Cold
Dr. Kristoffer Mazanti Cold currently works at Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, the Capital Region of Denmark. His research area is AI for assessment and feedback to improve operator performance and enhance patient outcomes. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
Dr. Cold believes academic writing plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge by providing a platform for sharing research findings and clinical insights. It improves patient care through its structured approach and rigorous methodology, ensuring that conclusions are based on solid evidence. This type of writing facilitates the dissemination of new ideas, treatments, and technologies that can transform clinical practice. He is committed to evidence-based medicine and encourages fellow researchers to adopt the same approach. By adhering to these principles, researchers can collectively raise the standards of scientific inquiry and clinical care.
Dr. Cold asserts that self-critique is the most crucial quality, as writing for academic journals means the work will undergo rigorous peer review, which requires a readiness to accept and address constructive criticism. An author should also be curious, continuously seeking to learn and improve, as well as persistent, since research often involves setbacks and revisions. Therefore, after drafting a protocol, he assesses it critically, anticipating potential shortcomings as if he were the peer reviewer. This approach helps strengthen the work before submission, ensuring it meets high academic standards. By embracing self-evaluation, authors can produce more robust and impactful research.
“I have the privilege of a three-year PhD grant that allows me to focus entirely on research and academic writing without the competing demands of clinical duties. This arrangement is a common practice in Denmark for PhD students and is, of course, a significant privilege. When I return to clinical training and rotations, I will continue my research efforts as a post-doctoral fellow. For me, research and clinical practice are deeply interconnected, and I plan to pursue growth in both areas throughout my career,” says Dr. Cold.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Satoshi Hanada
Dr. Satoshi Hanada, MD, FASE, a Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesia at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, has an extensive career in cardiothoracic anesthesia that spans multiple countries. He earned his MD in Japan, followed by specialized training in Japan, Australia, and the United States, including residencies in anesthesia at Teikyo University in Japan and Maimonides Medical Center in New York, as well as a fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesia at the University of Iowa. Certified by American and Japanese Boards of Anesthesiology, his research focuses on optimizing anesthesia techniques for high-risk cardiothoracic surgeries, with recent projects examining high spinal anesthesia techniques in pediatric and adult patients and hyperglycemia management during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. As a dedicated educator and mentor, he has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles and has received accolades for his contributions to clinical and academic anesthesiology.
In Dr. Hanada’s view, academic writing serves as the foundation of scientific and scholarly communication, allowing researchers to share insights, hypotheses, and research findings with the wider community. It goes beyond merely presenting data; it conveys a compelling, evidence-based narrative that fosters innovation, challenges established knowledge, and advances clinical practice. He is constantly motivated by the desire to explore clinical questions and to ask whether his team can address unresolved areas, always seeking ways to contribute to advancing his field. In specialized fields like cardiothoracic anesthesia, academic writing has a direct impact on patient care. By rigorously documenting their findings, researchers create a reference for others to build upon, ensuring that the field progresses in ways that benefit both practitioners and patients. Moreover, academic writing allows researchers to critically evaluate and refine their ideas, contributing to personal growth and deeper expertise within the field.
Dr. Hanada thinks ensuring critical writing involves several layers of analysis, evaluation, and reflection. First, one must thoroughly understand the existing literature, identifying gaps or areas that need exploration. By asking probing questions and examining findings from multiple perspectives, the writing naturally becomes more analytical. He adds that he often reminds himself to avoid surface-level descriptions and instead delve into the why and how behind the results, discussing both the strengths and limitations of the data. Being open to constructive critique from colleagues is also crucial; it is easy to overlook nuances in one’s own work, so feedback adds a vital layer of scrutiny. Lastly, keeping a structured, objective tone helps maintain focus, presenting an unbiased view that serves as a solid foundation for academic discussion.
“One story that comes to mind highlights the importance of refining complex ideas into concise, impactful statements. Early in my career, while drafting a research article about a unique ultrasound technique for vascular access in the pediatric population, I struggled to capture the essence without losing readers in technical details. After much back-and-forth with mentors, I realized that sometimes brevity and clarity convey the story’s importance better than exhaustive detail. This experience was humbling but incredibly formative; it taught me to prioritize the key lessons rather than getting entangled in minor specifics. Now, every time I draft a paper, I remember that experience and aim to communicate the “take-home” messages in the simplest, most direct terms possible. It is a lesson that has not only improved my academic writing but has also made me a more effective communicator overall through writing papers,” says Dr. Hanada.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Yo Kawaguchi
Dr. Yo Kawaguchi currently works at the Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science. His research areas are lung cancer surgery, lung cancer sarcopenia, and cancer immunology. His recent researches focus on the mechanism of lung cancer-induced sarcopenia and the immunological mechanism of lung cancer recurrence after surgery.
From Dr. Kawaguchi’s perspective, academic writings often change the “common sense” of scientists, which gradually improves the world. To keep the writing up-to-date, he often suspects the “common sense” in the clinician because new insights are always in the clinical question. Additionally, although academic writing takes a lot of time, lung cancer patients always motivate him to insist on it.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Yosuke Takahashi
Dr. Yosuke Takahashi is a staff surgeon at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan University. His research area focuses on atrial functional mitral regurgitation. His recent project is the formation of a Technology DX Center: an attempt to target the “da Vinci” surgical robot.
Dr. Takahashi thinks a good scholarly article for a surgeon is a scientific evaluation of a surgical procedure. To avoid biases in one’s writing, readers should read the literature widely and not insist on expressing their own ideas. He believes research could help save thousands or tens of thousands of patients. Also, surgeons should always perform their own surgical evaluations.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Akihiko Ohwada
Dr. Akihiko Ohwada graduated from Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine with acquisition of PhD degree in 1991. Before and after that, he has been conducting clinical practice and basic research at the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Juntendo University for 20 years. During that time, he studied at Cornell New York Hospital (present Weill Cornell Medical Center) as a research fellow for two years. Since 2006, he has been in his private clinic while remaining as a visiting associate professor at Juntendo University. Then, he began a clinical study focused on asthma.
Dr. Ohwada believes that a paper discussing what is clear and what is not can be a valuable contribution. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance for authors to read numerous papers, while also stressing the necessity of having their own data and conducting thorough analysis during the writing process.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Kosuke Suzuki
Kosuke Suzuki, MD, PhD, graduated from the Showa University in 2005 and obtained a PhD degree from the Showa University in 2022. He is currently working at the Respiratory Disease Center at Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital. His research area is thoracic surgery and oncology.
Dr. Suzuki considers an excellent academic paper to be one in which sufficient consideration is given based on objective facts, followed by verification of the past and a new path to the future.
Dr. Suzuki believes that it is important to avoid bias by removing as many preconceptions as possible, analyzing data in consideration of various possibilities, and sincerely considering the results obtained, rather than writing papers based on the results one wants to derive.
Additionally, he believes that even seemingly small discoveries can be the catalyst for major changes and progress in the future. He suggests it is important to remember to face facts with sincerity in academic writing.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Masatsugu Hamaji
Dr. Masatsugu Hamaji obtained his MD from Kyoto University in 2001 and PhD from the Graduate Medical School of Kyoto University in 2016. He joined the faculty of Thoracic Surgery at Kyoto University after he finished his clinical fellowship at the Mayo Clinic Rochester and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He currently serves as Professor and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Nara Medical University. His clinical and research interests include thymic epithelial tumors, chest wall reconstruction, and extended resection for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. He plays a humble but steady role in numerous organizations, including the Member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgeons (AATS), the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgeons (JATS), the Japanese Association of Chest Surgeons (JACS), etc. He also authored more than 200 articles in the general thoracic surgical field, in collaboration with national and international institutions. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
Dr. Hamaji believes that academic writing serves multiple functions in science, with the primary one being the dissemination of research findings. Academic writing enables researchers to share new discoveries, treatments, and technologies.
Dr. Hamaji recognizes that science and technology evolve rapidly, so he makes it a point to discuss methodologies and future perspectives frequently. This approach ensures that his writing remains current and provides fresh insights into the field of research throughout the academic writing process.
While engaging in academic writing, Dr. Hamaji builds a vast network with other physicians and scientists, enhancing his knowledge and skills. Those advantages motivate him to continue academic writing.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Dennis Aliev
Dennis Aliev is a 6th-year medical student at the University of Leipzig, Germany. He has completed electives in specialties including Anesthesia in Bernburg, Germany, Thoracic Surgery in Erfurt, Germany, Orthopedic Surgery in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Pediatric Surgery in Lucerne, Switzerland. Having passed his second state examination, he is now in his elective year, including 4 months at the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg (Germany), 2 months at Chiba University Hospital (Japan), and 6 months at the University of Leipzig. He has published two articles—in the Annals of Anatomy and the Journal of Thoracic Disease. He has been a recipient of the "Deutschlandstipendium" since January 2024, with funding extended through September 2025. He received congress scholarships for the German Surgeons’ Congress 2024 and the 33rd Congress of the German Society of Thoracic Surgery. In 2025, he will complete his final state examination and defend his doctoral thesis.
Aliev learned early on that academic writing is the backbone of modern medicine. Many decisions, especially for rare pathologies like tracheobronchial injuries, rely heavily on critically reviewed and published past experiences. Without academic writing, both the quality and consistency of treatment would vary more widely.
Aliev thinks an author should embrace continuous learning, view setbacks as opportunities for growth, and seek guidance from good mentors. To allocate time in writing effectively, he plans his schedule at least two weeks in advance to ensure that his scientific pursuits align well with his academic goals. To him, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is essential, and he relies on the support of his loved ones to help him achieve this.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Chailat Maluangnon
Chailat Maluangnon, MD, is affiliated with the Division of Critical Care, at the Department of Medicine, in the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University, Thailand. He is a critical care physician with a strong interest in critical care ultrasound and infections in the ICU. His recent projects focus on leveraging ultrasound techniques to enhance patient outcomes, particularly in the assessment of fluid congestion and the evaluation of cardiovascular function in critically ill patients.
From Dr. Maluangnon’s perspective, a good academic paper should demonstrate novelty by addressing overlooked aspects or answering pertinent questions that arise during clinical practice. It must also be conducted with strict adherence to ethical and methodological standards.
Dr. Maluangnon thinks staying up-to-date requires incorporating recent literature and advancements into the work, ensuring that the research aligns with current trends while addressing gaps identified in practice or evidence. This complements the principles of novelty and relevance outlined in the first point.
“Good teamwork and coordination among co-authors are crucial. When reviewers provide feedback, sharing and discussing the comments collaboratively ensures that responses are well-informed and precise. Rejections are a natural part of the process, and maintaining trust in the value of one’s work is essential. Eventually, the right journal will recognize the significance of your research,” says Dr. Maluangnon.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Milind Bhagat
Dr. Milind Bhagat is an Assistant Professor of Medicine specializing in Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Minnesota. He is a dedicated advocate for fostering diversity in medical education, improving access to quality healthcare for underserved populations, and addressing disparities in medical outcomes. He is particularly interested in clinical research in the fields of bedside POCUS, pleural diseases, pulmonary hypertension, research and education of bedside critical care and bronchoscopic procedures, as well as expanding access to the screening, promoting equity in diagnosis and addressing disparities in the treatment of lung cancer. His prior work has included identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients in the hospital, for which he was awarded the prestigious Alfred Soffer Research award. Connect with him on X/Twitter.
Dr. Bhagat believes a good academic paper is concise and clear with straightforward language (to the point that it should at least make sense to a person who is not an expert in the subject involved). It should have a robust methodology, address a relevant question, and minimize biases with a clear declaration of conflicts of interest when applicable.
Dr. Bhagat reckons there are three ways to avoid biases in writing: Keep the language simple to understand and concise, avoid clichés, and avoid financial conflicts of interest.
“Persistence and resilience are very underrated. Just keep at it, let it take its own time. In these times of busy careers and diminishing resources for academic medicine, not giving up is half the battle,” saysDr. Bhagat.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)