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
Indika Gunadasa, Royal College of Physicians, Australia
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)
Indika Gunadasa
Dr. Indika Gunadasa is a recent Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Australia and is currently undertaking a Master of Cancer Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Following completion of her primary medical qualification at Deakin University, she embarked on the physician training pathway with a specialisation in Medical Oncology. She has worked as part of the Clinical Trials team at Alfred Health and is building her skills as an Early Researcher where, she has published in her areas of interest of gastrointestinal cancers and melanoma. Her recent publication examined the differential impact of the post-surgical stage on overall survival in resected oesophageal cancer based on their neoadjuvant therapy.
AOE: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?
Dr. Gunadasa: Cancer research adds new knowledge so that we can tailor our current practices to reinforce what we are doing or to adapt to the ever-changing knowledge base. A good academic paper aims to fill this ‘unmet’ need by having a concise research question where its outcomes and implications for current practice are clearly expressed.
Familiarisation with the current debates in a field of study will help identify areas of unmet need and help refine the research question to address gaps in knowledge. A clearly developed research question aims to outline (1) what the study is set out to do, (2) with whom, and (3) in what context. A well-crafted manuscript can articulate such aims to even those who are not as familiar with the subject’s expertise and appeal to the reader’s interest to know more.
In addition, the discussion and interpretation of the results should be presented in a balanced way using plain language such that the information logically flows to allow the reader to draw conclusions and implications for practice.
AOE: What authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?
Dr. Gunadasa: As an early researcher, conducting original research and writing an article can be a daunting task, especially when in conjunction with gaining clinical expertise. Connecting clinical duties with a research project can be one way to balance these tasks. Formal training in research tools can also be a worthy skill to aid in designing, conduct as well as critiquing research.
As one navigates preparation of the paper, it is important to acknowledge that things will take time, and one needs to be prepared for a cycle of revising and critiquing before submission. Mentorship is invaluable especially as an early researcher, not only in providing valuable critique but in promoting growth and development. I’d like to acknowledge A/Prof. Andrew Haydon and Prof. John Zalcberg from Alfred Health, Australia, who have been wonderful mentors in this process.
With regard to other considerations, attention to confounding and bias upfront will assist with design and implementation of a study, which in turn increases the validity of the research. Research is a fluid process, and it is important to be open to the possibility that the question you start with might differ from what you end with. Above all, embrace the challenge and be a continuous learner.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)