In 2024, many authors make outstanding contributions 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, with a brief interview of their thoughts and insights as authors. Allow us to express our heartfelt gratitude for their tremendous effort and valuable contributions to the scientific process.
Outstanding Authors (2024)
André Gonçalves, Unidade de Saúde Local de Leiria, Portugal
Outstanding Author
André Gonçalves
André Ruge Gonçalves is a 5th year resident at the Department of Gastroenterology of Unidade de Saúde Local de Leiria, located in Leiria, Portugal. His primary focus within the medical field is on gastroenterology, with particular interests in inflammatory bowel disease and digestive echo-endoscopy.
The way André sees it, a good academic paper in the medical context is one that not only follows the general principles of academic writing but also adheres to the rigorous standards of scientific inquiry and medical ethics. It should begin with a clear statement of the research question or hypothesis, followed by a thorough review of existing literature to provide context and justify the study's significance. Methodology should be detailed and transparent, allowing for replication by other researchers. Results should be accurately presented and supported by appropriate statistical analyses, and discussion should interpret findings in the context of existing knowledge, acknowledging limitations and proposing avenues for further research. Importantly, in medicine, ethical considerations regarding patient welfare and confidentiality must be carefully addressed, and any potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed. Ultimately, a good academic paper in medicine should contribute to the advancement of medical science, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and inform clinical practice.
In the medical field, academic writing presents unique challenges alongside those encountered in other disciplines. In André’s opinion, one significant difficulty is navigating the vast amount of medical literature available, ensuring that research is both current and relevant. Additionally, translating complex medical concepts into clear, jargon-free language while maintaining scientific accuracy can be a daunting task. Moreover, ensuring compliance with journal-specific formatting and citation styles, along with the stringent requirements of peer-reviewed publications, adds another layer of complexity. Time management is crucial, particularly when balancing clinical responsibilities with research endeavors. Lastly, the process of obtaining ethical approval for research involving human subjects can be time-consuming and complex, requiring careful consideration of ethical principles and regulatory requirements.
“Academic writing in the medical field holds particular fascination due to its direct impact on patient care and public health. Beyond its role in advancing scientific knowledge, academic writing in medicine has the power to influence clinical practice guidelines, shape healthcare policies, and improve patient outcomes. It provides a platform for healthcare professionals to share their expertise, disseminate innovative research findings, and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. Academic writing also fosters critical thinking skills among medical practitioners, encouraging them to evaluate evidence critically, question established norms, and adopt evidence-based practices. Moreover, the peer-review process, while rigorous, ensures the quality and integrity of published research, maintaining the credibility of medical literature. Ultimately, academic writing in medicine serves as a catalyst for progress, driving innovation and fostering continuous improvement in patient care,” says André.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)