In 2025, 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 (2025)
Matthew Simpson, Allegheny General Hospital, USA
Néstor J. Martínez-Hernández, La Ribera University Hospital, Spain
Sara Degiovanni, The University of Milan, Italy
Maximilian Vorstandlechner, University Hospital of Munich, Germany
Ryo Kozu, The Nagasaki University, Japan
Shohei Mori, The Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital, Japan
Tamzyn Huisamen, Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa
Ken Arimura, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Japan
Boris Greif, The University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
Roberto Dossi, The Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Switzerland
Ayman El-Menyar, Hamad General Hospital, Qatar
Jin Hwa Song, Dongtan Sacred Hospital, Korea
Brian Lee Wei Chua, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
Ryusuke Sumiya, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Japan
Takeo Fujita, The National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan
Outstanding Author
Matthew Simpson
Dr. Matthew Simpson is an Internal Medicine physician. His research focuses on pulmonary and critical care medicine, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and strategies to reduce hospital readmissions. He has published multiple studies on COPD management and is passionate about improving patient outcomes through evidence-based interventions. Beyond research, Dr. Simpson is dedicated to medical education, mentoring underrepresented students through his company, Top MD LLC, which provides academic support for aspiring healthcare professionals. As he prepares to enter a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellowship, he remains committed to advancing COPD research, refining risk assessment tools, and optimizing post-discharge management strategies to reduce disease burden. Connect with him on LinkedIn and X/Twitter.
Dr. Simpson thinks a strong academic paper should have a clear research question, a well-defined methodology, and rigorous data analysis. It must provide a logical flow, with a compelling introduction, a robust discussion of findings, and a conclusion that ties back to the original hypothesis. Clarity, conciseness, and coherence are crucial in making complex scientific concepts accessible. High-quality figures and tables should complement the text, enhancing comprehension. Furthermore, proper referencing ensures credibility, and the discussion should acknowledge study limitations while highlighting clinical significance.
To Dr. Simpson, the motivation for academic writing comes from a deep commitment to improving patient care and addressing gaps in medical knowledge. Research allows him to bridge the divide between clinical practice and scientific discovery, ensuring that evidence-based interventions translate into real-world benefits. The challenge of solving complex medical problems, coupled with the opportunity to mentor and inspire future physicians, fuels his dedication. Ultimately, knowing that his work can enhance outcomes for patients with conditions like COPD keeps him driven to contribute meaningfully to the field.
“Academic writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Every manuscript contributes to the collective knowledge that drives medical innovation. While the process can be challenging—filled with revisions, rejections, and reanalysis—each step refines both your research and your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Stay persistent, embrace constructive criticism, and remember that your work has the potential to change lives. Science thrives on collaboration, so seek mentorship, support your peers, and remain curious,” says Dr. Simpson.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Néstor J. Martínez-Hernández
Dr. Néstor J. Martínez-Hernández is a consultant thoracic surgeon at the Department of Thoracic Surgery at La Ribera University Hospital (Alzira, Valencia, Spain). His clinical practice focuses on general thoracic surgery, with a special emphasis on minimally invasive lung cancer surgery and advanced airway procedures. He has authored several clinical and experimental papers on tracheal surgery and has led multiple research initiatives. He currently chairs the Spanish ERAS Working Group on Thoracic Surgery and has published extensively on hyperhidrosis surgical treatment. Additionally, he serves on the editorial board of Cirugía Española (Spanish Surgery Journal).
From Dr. Martínez-Hernández’s perspective, academic writing is paramount for scientific progress, ensuring that knowledge is documented, shared, and critically evaluated. In medicine, it enables the dissemination of innovations, refinement of techniques, and development of evidence-based practices. A key aspect is its role in allowing researchers to build upon each other’s work. Science is cumulative; new discoveries rely on previous studies, whether by confirming findings, challenging conclusions, or applying knowledge in new ways. Moreover, academic writing fosters critical dialogue, allowing researchers to refine methodologies and improve clinical outcomes. Without it, medicine would lack the rigorous foundation needed to advance patient care in a safe, evidence-based manner.
Dr. Martínez-Hernández thinks an academic author should possess three fundamental qualities: curiosity, rigor, and clarity. Curiosity drives the research process. A good author constantly questions existing knowledge and seeks to explore new ideas that can lead to innovation. Rigor ensures that research is conducted systematically, ethically, and with attention to detail. It forms the foundation for the accurate and credible transmission of scientific knowledge. Clarity is essential for effective communication. Scientific findings are only as valuable as their ability to be understood and applied by other researchers and clinicians. Writing concisely and precisely, while avoiding unnecessary complexity, ensures that the work reaches a broader audience. Furthermore, a text should not only be rigorous and clear but also engaging, making it easier for readers to follow and absorb the information. Additionally, perseverance is key. The process of writing, facing rejections, revising, and responding to peer reviews requires resilience, as constructive criticism is an integral part of academic publishing.
In addition, Dr. Martínez-Hernández believes data sharing is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and ensuring transparency in research. Sharing data allows for the validation and reproducibility of findings, which strengthens the credibility of scientific literature. Open access to datasets also fosters collaboration between research groups, leading to new discoveries that may not have been possible with isolated efforts. He adds that data sharing not just accelerates the application of new techniques but also helps mitigate biases, as independent researchers can analyze the same data from different perspectives.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Sara Degiovanni
Dr. Sara Degiovanni graduated in 2022 from the University of Novara, where she developed a thesis on evaluating preoperative lung function in patients undergoing major lung resections. She is currently a resident in Thoracic Surgery at the University of Milan, Italy. Her research interests focus on preoperative lung surgery evaluation for pulmonary neoplasms and lung transplantation. Her future projects and research focus on lung transplantation and surgical management of palmar hyperhidrosis.
Dr. Degiovanni reckons the primary outcome of producing scientific articles is the dissemination of research and its findings. In the medical field, this process is focused on enhancing patient care and optimizing clinical practices. Academic writing enables authors to connect with researchers, share discoveries and innovations, critique clinical practices, and lay the foundation for future advancements in medicine. Ultimately, it advances medical science by documenting research, identifying gaps, and improving patient care.
In Dr. Degiovanni’s view, an author should possess several qualities to produce valuable scientific articles. Some of the most important qualities include: critical thinking, clarity in presentation, professional ethics, and the ability to collaborate with other researchers to develop constructive ideas and analyze a subject from multiple perspectives. Besides, she believes that curiosity is an essential quality that cannot be overlooked.
Dr. Degiovanni believes that a researcher's interest and passion for their work are crucial for finding the right time to write articles, even amidst daily demands. Additionally, collaborating with other researchers and colleagues helps maintain motivation. She tries to find time to dedicate to research during the "quieter" moments of clinical practice. Passion for research and enthusiasm often overcome fatigue.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Maximilian Vorstandlechner
Dr. Maximilian Vorstandlechner graduated from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) in 2021. He is currently working as a resident in the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the University Hospital of Munich (LMU). His research primarily focuses on lung transplantation, with recent projects investigating the respiratory microbiome, transplantation immunology, histocompatibility, and the mechanisms of acute and chronic allograft dysfunction.
In Dr. Vorstandlechner’s view, academic writing is essential because it upholds the integrity and advancement of medical knowledge by ensuring that clinical decisions and surgical techniques are based on scientific evidence rather than anecdotal experience alone. It serves as a vital platform for disseminating research findings, clinical insights, and surgical innovations to the global medical community. By fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and continuous learning, academic writing not only advances medical practice but also contributes to the development of evidence-based guidelines, ultimately improving patient care and healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Vorstandlechner thinks a key skill of an author is the ability to communicate complex research findings clearly and effectively. A great author can break down intricate topics into accessible language, allowing a broader audience to engage with and understand the significance of the work. Beyond simplification, strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize and present evidence-based conclusions are essential for meaningful scientific contribution.
“Balancing patient care with academic writing can be challenging at times. However, I have found that some of my best research ideas emerge directly from my daily clinical experiences. There have been instances where I encountered particularly complex cases and, in searching for answers, realized that the existing literature did not fully address the issue. This is when academic writing becomes especially meaningful—it provides an opportunity to explore these gaps, contribute to the field, and ultimately improve patient care. Even more rewarding is when research is not only published but also applied by colleagues facing similar challenges, reinforcing the vital connection between clinical practice and scientific advancement,” says Dr. Vorstandlechner.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Ryo Kozu
Dr. Ryo Kozu, PT, BSc, PhD, is a physiotherapist and Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan. His clinical area of expertise is cardiorespiratory physiotherapy and rehabilitation for people with chronic respiratory disease, undergoing thoracic and major abdominal surgery, and critical illness in the ICU. His research interests include interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and critical illness including ARDS. He leads a research program that aims to improve the outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation, and his research group was awarded at several academic conferences, mainly in Japan.
Dr. Kozu asserts that academic writing benefits not only the staff involved in research but also the researchers, clinicians, and ultimately the patients. In his daily work, he constantly sees patients in clinical practice and discusses with staff and colleagues. Throughout this process, he thinks researchers can continue to ask clinical questions and identify problems in the research field.
“I am driven by the progress of my students, as well as young clinicians and researchers. I take pride in the fact that my research findings and published papers are utilized by many of my colleagues and frequently cited in their work,” says Dr. Kozu.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Shohei Mori
Shohei Mori, MD, PhD, graduated from The Jikei University School of Medicine in 2006 and received his PhD degree from The Jikei University School of Medicine in 2017. He is currently the Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital, Chiba, Japan. His research area is minimally invasive thoracic surgery, thoracic oncology, and basic animal experiments of extracorporeal devices such as ECMO and extracorporeal CO2 removal. Recently, he has been interested and involved in the project of haptic feedback and grasping force data analyses in surgical manipulation using the "Saroa" surgical robot in thoracic surgery.
Dr. Mori thinks a good academic paper should have a simple and clear message. The research topic should arise from the challenge of a question experienced in clinical practice and should be novel, shedding light on areas that have not been clarified, and providing a rationale. He asserts that a good academic paper creates new perspectives and that sharing new clinical questions with the medical community will lead to the further development of medicine.
Dr. Mori believes that fairness and honesty must always be upheld in the interpretation of research data. Analysis should be conducted with minimal preconceived notions and arbitrary interpretations, aiming for reproducible results. Active critique should be encouraged, and the research limitations must be distinctly articulated.
“It is sometimes difficult to stay motivated to do research in a busy clinical practice. However, research can also motivate you to do clinical work. When you get lost, go back to your roots and remember that you are doing research to help others and to give back to patients. By continuing and publishing your research, you are leaving a living legacy in the history of medicine,” says Dr. Mori.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Tamzyn Huisamen
Dr. Tamzyn Huisamen is currently completing her residency in Internal Medicine at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 2017. Her research interest, inspired by the pioneering work of her supervisor, Prof. B. Allwood, focuses on post-tuberculosis lung disease. This is a critically understudied topic that remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in South Africa.
Dr. Huisamen thinks the purpose of an academic paper is to contribute meaningfully and expand existing knowledge. A good academic paper should articulate a well-defined research question, supported by a logically structured argument that is coherent to readers. It should also demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of existing literature, effectively integrating relevant research to provide context.
In Dr. Huisamen’s view, avoiding bias in academic writing is crucial for maintaining credibility. It is important to remain open to findings that challenge your expectations and to present a balanced discussion of results. Additionally, acknowledging the limitations of the research helps prevent overgeneralization.
“I believe research has the power to inspire change and transform lives. Stay curious, always seeking new insights and perspectives. Write with integrity, ensuring that your work reflects honesty and dedication to truth. Take pride in your work, knowing that your efforts contribute to a greater understanding and make a meaningful impact on the world,” says Dr. Huisamen.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Ken Arimura
Dr. Ken Arimura is a researcher specializing in clinical oncology, with a focus on lung cancer, and mesothelioma. He is affiliated with Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. He has been engaged in translational research to improve personalized treatment strategies for lung cancer and mesothelioma patients. He is committed to advancing the understanding of tumor biology and resistance mechanisms to develop more effective treatments.
Dr. Arimura thinks a good academic paper presents original, well-supported research with clear objectives, rigorous methodology, and clear data analysis. It provides valuable insights into the field, is logically structured, and offers a critical discussion that places the findings in a broader scientific context.
In Dr. Arimura’s view, authors should rely on objective data, use precise language, and present multiple perspectives rather than selectively emphasizing evidence that supports their hypothesis. Peer review, careful validation of data, and acknowledgment of limitations can also help to ensure a balanced approach.
“Scientific progress relies on the collective efforts of dedicated researchers who strive to uncover new knowledge and improve human health. While the path of academic writing can be challenging, every well-conducted study contributes to the greater scientific discourse. Your work has the potential to inspire future innovations and make a lasting impact in your field,” says Dr. Arimura.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Boris Greif
Dr. Boris Greif is currently an Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery, especially dedicated to Minimally Invasive Surgery, Esophageal Surgery, and Lung Transplantation at the University Medical Centre in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He earned his medical degree from the Medical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and completed his residency at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. In 2015, he joined the faculty staff at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana where he became Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery in 2022. His research focuses on Minimally Invasive Surgery, with special dedication to VATS anatomical lung resections. Beyond his professional work, he is passionate about mentoring young surgeons and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.
In Dr. Greif’s view, academic writing is essential in thoracic surgery as it supports clinical practice with scientific evidence. By systematically documenting and publishing research, researchers contribute to the continuous improvement of surgical and medical standards, ultimately benefiting patient care. In the context of malignant diseases, advancing research helps push the limits of treatment possibilities and extends survival rates. Moreover, publishing findings not only facilitates knowledge sharing but also stimulates further research, fostering innovation and collaboration within the medical community.
Dr. Greif believes data sharing is a fundamental aspect of scientific writing, as it fosters transparency, collaboration, and progress. By openly sharing researchers’ findings, they break down barriers and create opportunities for cooperation with other researchers. This exchange of knowledge not only strengthens individual studies but also contributes to a more dynamic and innovative research environment. Furthermore, networking and connecting with fellow scientists can lead to new inter-institutional collaborations and multicentric trials, ultimately enhancing the quality and impact of research. In an era of rapidly advancing medicine, the collective effort of researchers working together is essential for driving meaningful discoveries and improving patient care.
“I would like to encourage fellow academic writers who have dedicated themselves to advancing scientific progress. Our commitment should be driven by the motivation to use science and knowledge in service of people—to improve health, enhance well-being, and make a meaningful impact on our communities. Research and academic writing are not merely intellectual pursuits; they are essential contributions to society, ensuring that medical advancements translate into better patient outcomes and a healthier future for all. By sharing our findings, we not only push the boundaries of science but also uphold our responsibility to serve humanity through knowledge and innovation,” says Dr. Greif.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Roberto Dossi
Dr. Roberto Dossi is an anesthesiologist at the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) in Switzerland. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Milan and specialized in Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Therapy at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milano. His main clinical and scientific focus is regional anesthesia, and he is currently the principal investigator in several clinical studies, including randomized and double-blinded trials exploring its various applications. He is pursuing the European Diploma in Regional Anesthesia (EDRA) and further developing his skills in biostatistics to strengthen the methodological rigor of his research. Dr. Dossi also teaches at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), where he lectures on clinical anesthesia and supervises medical students’ theses.
Dr. Dossi believes a good academic paper is one that combines scientific rigor with clinical relevance. It should have a clear, focused research question, a solid methodological foundation, and a transparent analysis. In his field, regional anesthesia, it is especially important that the study design mirrors real-world clinical practice, so that the findings are not just statistically significant but also meaningful for patient care. Finally, a good paper should be written in a way that is accessible, engaging, and honest about its limitations.
Dr. Dossi thinks authors should always keep the readers in mind when they prepare their writing. Clarity is key, both in terms of scientific rationale and language. It is essential to be methodologically sound, transparent about biases, and rigorous with data interpretation. Collaboration with statisticians early in the process can prevent avoidable weaknesses. Above all, honesty in reporting—not only results, but also limitations—is fundamental to building trust and advancing science responsibly.
“While working on our randomized trial comparing ESP and TPV blocks for VATS, one of the most interesting aspects was managing the multiple-blind design in a real surgical setting. Coordinating between anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and data collectors without breaking blinding required an almost choreographed workflow. There was a moment when a patient, after surgery, spontaneously said, ‘I don't know what you did, but I feel quite well.’ Of course, we didn’t know yet which block she had received—but it reminded us that behind every protocol and statistical analysis, there’s a person whose recovery we’re trying to improve,” shares Dr. Dossi.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Ayman El-Menyar
Dr. Ayman El-Menyar works as Director of Clinical Research in Trauma and Vascular Surgery at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), Qatar & Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He is a Professor (Principal Research Scientist) at HGH. He worked as a cardiologist from 1993-2011. He is a senior consultant of cardiology at the Egyptian Medical Syndicate. He completed MBChB, a Cardiology Master’s degree, MRCP (England), and FRCP (Glasgow). He is a FACC, and FESC. He previously worked as Director of Clinical Research at Westchester Medical Hospital and NY Medical College. He authored and co-authored 500 peer-reviewed articles, 200 international abstracts, and six chapters in books, and was a co-editor of one book (Resuscitation), Istanbul Tip Kitabevi 2024. He mentors medical students, residents, and fellows for research projects, master’s, or PhD degrees. His research interests include Biomarkers, coronary artery disease, heart failure, shock index, scoring tools, brain injury, stress-induced disorders, genetics, metabolomics, and AI.
In Dr. El-Menyar’s view, clinical practice, basic science, and academic writing are the three main pillars that lead to up-to-date knowledge, optimizing patient healthcare, community progress, and health sector maturation. To ensure academic writing is up-to-date, he thinks one should be involved in professional, relevant organizations and network collaboration, attending high-caliber conferences, seminars, mentorship, and workshops. One should also read leading medical journals on a regular basis, reviewing novel research and following current guidelines and consensus. Besides, he believes one should be part of multidisciplinary teams and use advanced tools for data analysis and literature review, and utilize recent technology, including AI, online educational webinars, and courses.
According to Dr. El-Menyar, academic writing requires time and effort; however, it is a valuable pursuit full of challenges. This dedication positively impacts daily practice, enhances the learning curve, and benefits one’s career. He notes that seeing a paper discussed at a prestigious conference, published in a top-tier journal, contributing to ongoing scientific discourse, and achieving a higher h-index is truly remarkable.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Jin Hwa Song
Dr. Jin Hwa Song is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pulmonology at Dongtan Sacred Hospital, with a Ph.D. from Seoul National University. Her research primarily focuses on airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. She is committed to delivering comprehensive care based in the local community in Korea.
Dr. Song thinks a good scientific paper explores questions that many people are curious about and offers a fresh perspective and approach. In addition, a strong paper validates its hypothesis with convincing results.
From Dr. Song’s perspective, it is important to provide background on the current state of research and clearly articulate the rationale for the study when writing a scientific paper. It is crucial to communicate findings and their implications clearly, ensuring that readers, particularly clinicians, can understand how the results may influence practice, such as improving diagnostic strategies or patient care protocols.
Dr. Song believes that the advancement of medicine must be based on evidence-based research and science. By sharing researchers’ findings, they contribute to a global pool of knowledge that benefits both current practice and future generations. These changes can lead to changes in clinical guidelines in the short term and ultimately improve public health.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Brian Lee Wei Chua
Dr. Brian Lee Wei Chua is a consultant at Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital. He has a special interest in Pleural Diseases, Thoracic Oncology, and Interstitial Lung Disease. Much of his focus in the last few years has been on Pleural Diseases and Thoracic Oncology as he believes more can be done in the field of thoracic oncology, in terms of screening, diagnostics and management. He hopes to improve early detection rates for lung cancer, which will allow them to achieve better outcomes for patients.
According to Dr. Chua, a good academic paper has a specific question, which addresses a key research question. It can be anything from pathophysiology, and clinical presentation to diagnosis and management. The scientific methodology has to be conveyed clearly, to allow the readers to have a better understanding of how the study was performed and whether the results apply to their patient cohort. Authors have the responsibility to report data accurately and interpret the data sensibly, accounting for any potential biases that can affect the interpretation of the results. Lastly, it will be crucial for authors to share how their paper has a positive impact on current understanding and practices.
Dr. Chua believes the only way to keep up with the latest developments is to constantly keep a lookout for any new interesting developments. He dedicates a short amount of time every night to reading up on some of the latest developments in Respiratory Medicine and if anything interesting pops up, he shares it with his team. Moreover, they will do a deep dive into the article to see if there is anything worth exploring. He finds group discussions much more interactive and enjoyable and often gains more insights as compared to if he was reading it on his own.
“When I first started academic writing, I was very fortunate to have patient and nurturing mentors who guided me through the entire process. My first paper underwent countless revisions before it was finally accepted for publication. By the time it was published, it was a far cry from my very first draft. Looking back at my journey, it would not have been possible if it were not for my mentors. I will continue to strive on and hopefully, one day make a difference to the scientific community, and most importantly, our patients,” says Dr. Chua.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Ryusuke Sumiya
Ryusuke Sumiya, MD, PhD, is an Assistant professor in General Thoracic Surgery at Juntendo University School of Medicine. His specific fields of interest and research are redox balance and homeostasis of lung epithelia, thoracic oncology, and robotic surgery. He is training for robotic surgery under Prof. Kenji Suzuki (Juntendo University School of Medicine), and he is recently focusing on carcinogenesis of lung cancer in young patients, novel technique of robotic surgery, and redox balance and immune escaping of lung cancer.
Dr. Sumiya thinks many researchers have novel and unique ideas, and the academic paper should provide a platform for sharing these ideas fairly and justly. A good academic paper should describe its role and place, and demonstrate what needs to be done in the future and what has already been clearly shown.
In Dr. Sumiya’s view, to avoid biases, researchers should be supervised by several expert authors regardless of research fields while young, and they should learn to write from different perspectives. Although the amount and levels of evidence that each person can present varies, it is important to continue to disseminate evidence in accessible ways, from case reports and basic research to randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Takeo Fujita
Dr. Takeo Fujita is a Professor of Esophageal Surgery at the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan. He grew up in Japan and received a Bachelor’s and Ph.D. from the University of Okayama in 2001. He joined Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh as a Postdoctoral Associate in 2005. Having graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, he joined the National Cancer Center Hospital as a Gastrointestinal Surgeon in 2008. He was positioned as Consultant Surgeon in Esophageal Surgery in 2010. Thereafter, he has been in the position of Director at the Division of Esophageal Surgery at National Cancer Center Hospital East Japan in 2019. He has received various awards - the most representatives being the 2017 most Valuable Paper Japan Esophageal Society, the 2005 Young Investigator Award in Asian Cancer Conference, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in 2015, and Fellow of the International Society of Surgery in 2015.
In Dr. Fujita’s opinion, a high-quality academic paper addresses a well-defined clinical question through the application of methodologically rigorous and scientifically sound approaches. The validity and relevance of the results are, of course, equally critical. Notably, many papers that are regarded as exemplary in the field tend to produce findings that resonate with the expectations of experienced clinicians—expectations often informed by prior data. Such alignment, without major contradictions or discrepancies, may contribute significantly to the perceived credibility and impact of the study.
Dr. Fujita believes the psychological dimensions of the researcher also play a critical role while methodological rigor and sound research design are undeniably important. Researchers often unconsciously develop hopes and expectations toward their hypotheses or study subjects. Thoughts such as “I hope this treatment proves effective” or “Positive results are more likely to be accepted for publication” can subtly influence data interpretation and selection. These preconceived notions may manifest as bias without the researcher even realizing it. Therefore, fostering a mindset that welcomes critical dialogue and alternative viewpoints is essential for recognizing one’s own cognitive blind spots. Furthermore, particular attention must be paid to confirmation bias—the tendency to focus on evidence that supports one's hypothesis while disregarding conflicting data. Even when striving for scientific objectivity, one may unknowingly engage in the act of validating a preferred narrative. Remaining constantly aware of this risk is vital to preserving the integrity of the research process.
“To all fellow academic authors striving at the forefront of thoracic oncology and surgical science: Your continued dedication to advancing knowledge in this rapidly evolving field is both commendable and inspiring. As we navigate an era marked by transformative innovations—ranging from robotic-assisted surgery and artificial intelligence to immune checkpoint inhibitors, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and multi-omics-based precision medicine—your work plays a vital role in shaping the future of patient care. The challenges we face are complex, but so too are the opportunities. Every thoughtfully designed study, every rigorously analyzed dataset, and every manuscript you bring to the scientific community serves as a building block for the next generation of diagnostics, therapies, and surgical strategies. Let us remain committed to excellence, integrity, and collaboration in our research endeavors. Together, through science and shared inquiry, we move closer to the ultimate goal: improving outcomes and quality of life for patients around the world. Your contributions are not only shaping academic discourse—they are driving the very progress of medicine,” says Dr. Fujita.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)