In 2025, 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 (2025)
Jun Kanamori, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Japan
Marco Sozzi, University Hospital IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Italy
Trafford Crump, McGill University, Canada
Naoya Okada, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Japan
Outstanding Author
Jun Kanamori
Dr. Jun Kanamori is an esophageal surgeon based in Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR). With extensive experience in esophageal surgery, his primary research interests include minimally invasive esophagectomy, robotic-assisted surgery, and innovations in esophageal cancer treatment. He has contributed significantly to the field through clinical research, surgical advancements, and educational initiatives. Recent projects include researching new robotic techniques to further reduce postoperative complications such as recurrent nerve palsy, anastomotic leakage and pneumonia, and exploring the role of the educational benefits of robotic surgery. He has published articles in peer-reviewed journals and actively participates in international conferences to share his expertise and collaborate with researchers around the world.
Academic writing is essential, in Dr. Kanamori’s opinion, for the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of scientific findings. It allows researchers and clinicians to share discoveries, validate new techniques, and contribute to evidence-based medicine. Through peer-reviewed publications, academic writing ensures the credibility, accuracy, and reproducibility of research, fostering a collaborative environment in which ideas are critically examined and refined. Moreover, it serves as a foundation for future studies, enabling continuous improvement in clinical practice and patient care.
To ensure his writing remains current and provides valuable insights, Dr. Kanamori actively engages with the latest literature, attends international conferences, and participates in professional discussions. Additionally, he incorporates real-world clinical experiences and data analysis into his research to provide practical relevance. When writing, he critically evaluates existing studies, integrates the most recent findings, and proposes new ideas that can contribute to ongoing discussions in the field.
In addition, Dr. Kanamori highlights that disclosure of Conflict of Interest (COI) is crucial in maintaining transparency, credibility, and trust in academic research. A COI, whether financial, institutional, or personal, can potentially influence study design, data interpretation, and conclusions. Even unintentional bias can affect research outcomes, making it essential for authors to disclose any affiliations or funding sources that might impact their work. Full transparency allows readers and reviewers to assess potential biases and ensures the integrity of scientific publications. While a COI does not necessarily invalidate research, undisclosed conflicts can undermine credibility and erode trust within the academic community. Therefore, to him, maintaining ethical standards through proper disclosure is fundamental to upholding research integrity.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Maoyin Pang
Dr. Maoyin Pang is a consultant gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He completed his medical education in China, followed by a research fellowship at Brown University and advanced clinical training at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Pang specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive diseases, with a particular focus on esophageal disorders. His research centers on eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and esophageal motility disorders. His work has been published in leading journals, including Gastroenterology. Connect with Dr. Pang on LinkedIn.
AOE: From your point of view, why do we need academic writing?
Dr. Pang: I believe that academic writing is essential in medicine, research, and education, as it emphasizes evidence-based reasoning, logical structure, and precise language. In clinical practice, evidence-based medicine guides diagnosis and management, while objective data form the foundation of discoveries in research. A structured approach and clear communication ensure reproducibility and the effective exchange of findings among clinicians and researchers. Beyond individual practice and research, academic writing maintains high standards in education. Manuscript preparation, peer review, and critical reading foster rigorous analysis and continuous improvement. For educators and trainees, engaging in academic writing cultivates critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and effective communication. This cycle—where writing shapes research, research informs practice, and practice enhances education—ensures ongoing advancement in medicine and academia.
AOE: How to avoid biases in one’s writing?
Dr. Pang: To avoid bias in writing, I believe we should prioritize evidence-based reasoning and a logical structure. Let reliable data guide conclusions rather than interpreting findings through a fixed perspective. This ensures that the arguments are based on verifiable facts rather than personal beliefs. Maintain an open mind by reassessing hypotheses, adjust perspectives based on new findings, and consider alternative interpretations. Peer feedback helps address different viewpoints and potential weaknesses. By focusing on objective evidence rather than confirming pre-existing opinions, writers can enhance the credibility and integrity of their work.
AOE: From an author’s perspective, do you think it is important to follow reporting guidelines (e.g. STROBE or CARE) during preparation of manuscripts?
Dr. Pang: Yes, I think it is important for authors to follow reporting guidelines when preparing manuscripts. These guidelines provide a structured framework to ensure studies are reported in a standardized format with transparency, completeness, and consistency—essential for evidence-based writing. Following them also facilitates peer review and critical appraisal by providing a clear structure for assessing study validity and reliability. Ultimately, these guidelines uphold high standards in research, clinical practice, and education, reinforcing evidence-based decision-making.
(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)
Marco Sozzi
Dr. Marco Sozzi is a general surgeon at the Department of General, Foregut and Emergency Surgery at the University Hospital IRCCS Policlinico San Donato. He attended Medical School in Milan, Italy, where he also completed his residency in 2023. He spent his residency years working in various hospitals within the training network of Milan University and dedicated one year to clinical research in Los Angeles at the Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery of LAC+USC Medical Center. He currently focuses mainly on esophagogastric surgery, both functional and oncological, across the diagnostic, surgical, and follow-up phases. He also works in Digestive Endoscopy, performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and in the Esophageal Pathophysiology Clinic, performing manometries and pH-impedance tests. He has worked on several publications, and his current research is mainly focused on Esophageal Pathophysiology, particularly in relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Connect with Dr. Sozzi on LinkedIn.
From Dr. Sozzi’s point of view, in constructing an academic paper, authors should first consider the clinical question that their work aims to address and the potential impact that it could have on clinical practice, keeping in mind what is already known in the literature and which knowledge gap that they aim to fill. To ensure their writing is critical, the paper should first be based on extensive research of the existing literature, and the results and conclusions should be grounded in strong, unbiased, repeatable evidence that is accessible to all.
In addition, Dr. Sozzi supports the use of reporting guidelines, such as CONSORT and PRISMA. To him, these guidelines help produce scientific evidence that is as complete, unbiased, strong, and repeatable as possible. Therefore, in the end, writing a paper that follows the guidelines as closely as possible allows for the production of high-quality work.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Trafford Crump
Dr. Trafford Crump is the Jarislowsky Foundation Chair in Thoracic Surgery at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Canada. He is a health services researcher with a focus on surgery and surgical oncology. He leads a research program focused on improving patient-centeredness and the value of surgical care. Through this program, he has developed an expertise in the collection, analyses, and interpretation of patient-reported end points, including treatment preferences, outcomes, and experiences. He was trained at the Centre for Health Services and Policy Research at the University of British Columbia and has received a Ph.D. in the evaluative clinical sciences from Dartmouth College. Learn more about Dr. Crump here.
The three most important skills of an author that come to Dr. Crump’s mind are: 1) Staying on top of literature – It is easier to write when one is comfortable with a topic. 2) Setting dedicated time aside to write – It is easier to write when one is undistracted and focused. 3) Developing an efficient workflow and committing to it – It is easier to write when one knows where things are, e.g., “my drafts are in this folder”, “my references are maintained in this program”, “I write down the next steps in this manuscript when I’m done for the day”, etc.
To avoid biases in one’s writing, Dr. Crump believes one should stick to the evidence and not overstate the results of his/her work. Every study has its limitations and so too should its conclusion.
Speaking of the motivation to write academic papers, Dr. Crump says, “I try to see the bigger picture and the ultimate impact that the body of research I produce will have. Each manuscript, however small or limited in scope, is one step closer to realizing that long-term vision.”
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Naoya Okada
Dr. Naoya Okada is a gastrointestinal surgeon and the Vice Chief of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Teine Keijinkai Hospital (TKH) in Sapporo, Japan. He specializes in esophageal surgery and oncologic procedures, with a strong focus on perioperative infection control and surgical innovation. After earning his MD from Asahikawa Medical University and PhD from Juntendo University in collaboration with the National Cancer Center Hospital East, he has served in various advanced surgical roles, including being a cancer specialist at the National Cancer Center. His recent work includes translational research on extranodal extension in esophageal cancer and clinical trials such as PYNI-GAREREO. Dr. Okada is an active member of JATS-NEXT and serves as a facility coordinator TKH for the JCOG Esophageal Cancer Group. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and received multiple awards for clinical and academic excellence. Learn more about him here.
In Dr. Okada’s view, the most essential element of a good academic paper lies in its research question or thesis. During preparation of a paper, authors should maintain a consistent and logical flow of ideas to help readers follow the argument easily.
“I chose to publish in AOE because the journal has well-structured papers and provides sufficient support to publish my works,” says Dr. Okada.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)