In 2024, many MED 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 who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspective and insightful view as authors.
Outstanding Authors (2024)
John Young, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, USA
Miguel Ariza Prota, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain
Kengo Tani, Hirosaki University, Japan
Waqar Waheed, University of Vermont, USA
Sho Koyasu, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan
Noriko Kishi, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan
Outstanding Author
John Young
Dr. John Young is a thoracic and lung transplant surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and VA Boston. He is the founding surgical director of the VA Boston Lung Transplant program. He completed his general surgery residency at Brown University, his cardiothoracic fellowship at Northwell Health, and his minimally invasive thoracic surgery fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. His research interests include immunology, lung transplantation, and thoracic oncology. His clinical areas of interest include end-stage lung disease, lung transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, esophageal, lung, and mediastinal pathology, and the utilization of the robotic surgical platform. He is passionate about serving his patients as a healthcare provider and is a strong education advocate in his role as a member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School, where he has mentored both undergraduate students and surgical trainees.
The way Dr. Young sees it, a good academic clinical paper starts with asking an important clinical question, one where the answer will improve how we manage and care for patients. The next essential element is the research design – it needs to be well thought out and practical in execution, and frequently more elegant designs are simpler. With the analysis of the data, choosing the correct statistical tools is critical. Lastly, it is important to draw reasonable conclusions that are firmly grounded in the analysis of the data and tie them back to improve patient care.
In constructing a paper, Dr. Young thinks it is important for authors to take a step back from the paper and remember that the readers may not be as immersed in their specific niche of research. Some things that may be obvious to the authors may not be to the readers and may need to be explained in a bit more detail. Similarly, logical leaps in conclusions may not be readily apparent to readers and may need to be spelled out.
Seeing the prevalent practice of data sharing in recent years, Dr. Young believes that such practice is a positive thing as a general principle. It not only allows for decreased costs and increased transparency but also validation of results and further advances in our knowledge with reuse of research data.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Miguel Angel Ariza Prota
Dr. Miguel Ariza Prota is a highly skilled Pulmonologist specializing in lung cancer and Interventional Pulmonology since 2014. He received his training in Interventional Pulmonology at the Central University Hospital of Asturias and Bellvitge University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Currently, he practices at the Interventional Pulmonology unit of the Central University Hospital of Asturias, focusing on bronchoscopic and pleural techniques for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. His expertise includes advanced procedures such as EBUS and EUS-B, electromagnetic navigation, transbronchial lung cryobiopsy, and medical thoracoscopy. Dr. Ariza Prota is renowned in Spain for pioneering the innovative Cryo-EBUS technique, developed in collaboration with Dr. Javier Pérez Pallarés. With over 30 published papers in prestigious journals, he is actively involved in various international associations and serves as a board member of the AEER (Spanish Association of Respiratory Endoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology). He is a frequent speaker at international congresses, contributing to the advancement of his field. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
In Dr. Ariza Prota’s view, a good academic paper typically includes several essential elements that contribute to its quality and credibility. These elements often consist of a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument of the paper, thorough research and analysis to support the thesis, proper citations to give credit to sources, a logical structure that guides the reader through the paper's content, and a well-written conclusion that summarizes the key points and offers insights or recommendations for further study. Additionally, adherence to formatting and citation guidelines specified by the academic institution or discipline is crucial for maintaining academic integrity. By incorporating these elements effectively, a well-crafted academic paper can effectively communicate ideas, contribute to the existing body of knowledge, and demonstrate the author's critical thinking and analytical skills.
From an author's perspective, Dr. Ariza Prota emphasizes that it is crucial to follow reporting guidelines such as STROBE, PRISMA, and CARE during the preparation of manuscripts. In his opinion, these reporting guidelines are designed to enhance the transparency, accuracy, and completeness of research reporting in various fields such as epidemiology, clinical trials, systematic reviews, diagnostic accuracy studies, and case reports. By adhering to these guidelines, authors can ensure that their manuscripts provide sufficient detail on key aspects of the study design, conduct, and analysis, which ultimately strengthens the credibility and reproducibility of their research findings. To him, following reporting guidelines also facilitates the peer-review process, helps readers better understand and evaluate the study, and enables meta-analyses and systematic reviews to be conducted more effectively. Overall, adherence to reporting guidelines is essential for promoting good research practices, fostering scientific rigor, and advancing knowledge in the academic and scientific community.
“To all the academic writers dedicated to advancing scientific progress, I want to express my admiration for your hard work and commitment. Your efforts play a crucial role in shaping the future of knowledge and innovation. Remember that every word you write, every study you publish, contributes to the collective growth of human understanding. Stay persistent, stay passionate, and never underestimate the impact of your work. Keep pushing boundaries, keep seeking answers, and keep believing in the power of science to change lives for the better,” says Dr. Ariza Prota.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Kengo Tani
Kengo Tani, MD, is an assistant in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine in Aomori, Japan. He received training in cardiovascular surgery under Professor Masahito Minakawa, as well as in thoracic surgery under Associate Professor Daisuke Kimura. He is involved in the surgical treatment of lung cancer, mediastinal tumor, and pectus excavatum, among other conditions. Recently, Dr. Tani has been conducting research on regenerative medicine using mesothelial cells for his PhD. A list of his publications can be found here.
To construct a good academic paper, Dr. Tani believes that it is important for researchers to read many papers and get accustomed to writing papers from a young age. He says, “While I haven't published enough papers to boast about, I believe it's crucial to start writing them prolifically first and foremost.” Also important, in his opinion, is to respect previous research and papers while finding one’s own originality. Having various questions in daily practice and seeking solutions are crucial.
Speaking of what makes him publish in Mediastinum, Dr. Tani says, “By chance, we happened to experience several consecutive cases of surgery for giant anterior mediastinal tumors. Although it is necessary to take the best approach for each case, there are not many clear guidelines available. Therefore, we decided to create flowchart ourselves, and we are publishing it in the hope that it will be helpful in establishing treatment strategies of giant anterior mediastinal tumors.”
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Waqar Waheed
Dr. Waqar Waheed is board-certified in clinical neurology as well as clinical neurophysiology and neuromuscular disorders. Currently, he is working as Professor of Neurology and Vice Chair Affairs in the Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, USA. In addition to providing comprehensive neurological evaluations at his institution, he provides leadership to several multidisciplinary clinics, including the ALS, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Autonomic Lab of Clinical Neurophysiology and General Neuromuscular Clinics. Dr. Waheed is involved in various investigator-initiated clinical research projects in collaboration with the clinical and basic neuroscientists as well as serving as a site-PI for international multicentre trials. One of his active roles is with the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) Consortium where he is member of the expert group (Electrophysiology and Prognosis in GBS), which aim to define biomarkers for disease activity and recovery, and to develop prognostic models to predict the clinical course and outcome in individual patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
The way Dr. Waheed sees it, a good academic writing generally follows a rigorous, logical format. It typically adheres to a strict, rational structure. It must be cohesive, meaning that all parts must come together to form a single, cohesive whole, and have a cogent flow of ideas. The academic writing consists of background information, findings from other studies, critiques of other studies, results from one’s own research, and a summary of one’s own ideas based on other academic research.
In Dr. Waheed’s opinion, the most frequent challenges in academic writing are those related to language use, coherence, cohesiveness, locating pertinent sources and topics, referencing, and citations.
“Academic writing is undoubtedly among the most difficult and sophisticated forms of writing. The ability to inform, evaluate, and synthesize are the three most exciting parts of academic writing. Furthermore, academic writing facilitates clearer thinking, more effective communication, and an increased ability to comprehend others,” says Dr. Waheed.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Sho Koyasu
Dr. Sho Koyasu is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist and nuclear medicine physician, affiliated with the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, at Kyoto University Hospital, Japan. In 2016, he obtained his Ph.D. from Kyoto University for his research on novel tumor imaging techniques for visualizing the tumor microenvironment in small animals. Ever since his research interests have been primarily centered on tumor hypoxia, he currently has dedicated approximately 70% of his efforts to clinical practice and 30% to research. His expertise lies in clinical imaging diagnostics and nuclear medicine rooted in biology, with a focus on innovative techniques for tumor detection and evaluation in combination with thoracic surgeons, hematologists, and otolaryngology/head and neck surgeons. He carries out research and clinical work as a member of a team that studies rare genetic tumors. Recently, he has also found great joy in advising promising young talents, guiding them through case reports or research papers, and witnessing their potential unfold.
In Dr. Koyasu’s view, academic writing is indispensable as it underpins the advancement of science and medicine, allowing authors to build upon the knowledge of those who came before them and approach the truth with greater clarity. In the realm of basic medical sciences, it provides a medium through which authors engage in a timeless dialogue with the brilliant minds of the past, broadening their understanding of the boundless universe of knowledge. Additionally, in the field of clinical medicine, past publications serve as an invaluable resource, acting like a great mentor that guides them when they face challenging scenarios. Thus, academic writing represents a means of contributing back to the vast repository of wisdom that has profoundly supported authors, ensuring the continual growth and refinement of our collective understanding.
Dr. Koyasu recognizes that sharing of research data is of critical importance for several reasons. Sharing data fosters transparency, allowing others to validate and build upon one’s findings, thereby strengthening the credibility and reproducibility of research. It also minimizes redundant efforts and expenses, enabling researchers to direct their resources more efficiently. Furthermore, by integrating diverse datasets, we can achieve a more comprehensive understanding and significantly elevate the quality of scientific inquiry. He adds, “Data sharing is a cornerstone of collaborative progress, driving innovation and discovery in our field.”
“As an academic writer who has faced the struggles of writing and often felt the weight of discouragement, I offer these words to emerging scholars and myself: writing is a powerful tool for testing your understanding, identifying gaps in your knowledge, and learning anew. It grants you a vantage point that allows you to survey your field comprehensively. While it may seem like a solitary endeavor now, perseverance in writing will, over time, garner recognition and appreciation from your peers. Your contributions will resonate within the scientific community, possibly inspiring and helping others. Remember the words of encouragement from one of my mentors: your writing is a testament to your existence in your current workplace and your contribution to your projects. The seeds you plant today will blossom into a legacy of knowledge and progress,” says Dr. Koyasu.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Noriko Kishi
Dr. Noriko Kishi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Kyoto University Hospital, specializing in thoracic radiation oncology with a focus on lung cancer and thymic tumors. She completed her residency at Osaka International Cancer Institute and Kyoto University Hospital. She earned her Ph.D. through research on definitive radiotherapy for patients with early-stage lung cancer. Her recent projects focus on high-precision radiotherapy, adaptive radiotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced lung cancer.
Dr. Kishi thinks a good academic paper would include detailed descriptions of reproducible methodologies, accurate data collection, and appropriate statistical knowledge. It should also feature an evaluation of results with humility, critical scrutiny, and the logical organization of paragraphs to convincingly present these elements to the reader.
To keep pace with the rapid advancements in one’s field, Dr. Kishi believes it is crucial to consistently explore new themes and aim for early submission and publication. However, this approach could be challenging for busy clinical physicians. She adds it is essential to continuously generate clinical questions and consider how to solve them, making use of spare time throughout the working days and integrating these practices into routine clinical work.
“I am honored to have had the opportunity to publish a paper in 'Mediastinum' and to be selected as one of the Outstanding Authors. Radiation oncology has undergone dramatic advancements over the past few decades and continues to be a rapidly evolving field. I hope to highlight the role of radiation oncology in treating mediastinal tumors through my future research and academic writing,” says Dr. Kishi.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)