In 2025, many ATM 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 (2025)

Ana Paula Drummond-Lage, Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Hao Li, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore

Supranee Mathiprechakul, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore

Tobias de la Garza Eckle, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, USA

Tae-Jin Song, The Cerebrovascular Hospital, Korea

Yasushi Kubota, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Japan

Bryan W. Cunningham, Medstar Health MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, USA

Kerri Walter, The VA Boston Healthcare System, USA

Atsushi Saiga, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Japan

Stephanie M. Willerth, The University of Victoria, Canada

Ahsan Aslam, The Indiana University School of Medicine, USA

Hikaru Murakami, The University of Hawaii Cancer Center, USA

Andres F. Bonilla, The Translational Medicine Institute, USA

Eniko Pomozi, Semmelweis University Heart and Vascular Center, Hungary

Outstanding Author

Ana Paula Drummond-Lage

Ana Paula Drummond-Lage, PharmD, MSc, MBA, PhD, is an adjunct professor and researcher at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Her research focuses on oncology education, cancer disparities, palliative care, and psycho-oncology. She has extensive experience in clinical trials, having managed over 80 oncology studies. Dr. Drummond-Lage has conducted research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she was awarded the Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award (2024). Her recent projects explore psychosocial aspects of breast cancer patients, cancer awareness among students, and medical education on bad news communication. She has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and is an active member of several international oncology societies. In addition to academia, she is engaged in cancer advocacy and mentorship, contributing to initiatives that improve cancer education and patient care.

In Dr. Drummond-Lage’s opinion, a good academic paper truly makes a difference by addressing important knowledge gaps and contributing to society. In her field, which focuses on oncology, palliative care, and health disparities, research is not just about publishing, it is about improving patient care, shaping medical education, and influencing healthcare policies. A strong paper starts with a clear and relevant research question, followed by ethical and well-designed methods that ensure reliable results. But beyond the data, it should tell a story that is both engaging and impactful, making complex ideas accessible not only to researchers but also to those who can apply the findings in real life. To her, the best research goes beyond theory, it sparks conversations, drives change, and ultimately helps people lead healthier, better lives.

Dr. Drummond-Lage thinks the key to avoiding biases in writing is to approach research with an open mind, acknowledging different perspectives and ensuring that conclusions are drawn from solid data rather than personal beliefs or assumptions. In her area, it is especially important to recognize and minimize biases related to patient populations, treatment accessibility, and social determinants of health. Using inclusive language, citing robust sources, and considering potential limitations in study design can help ensure a balanced perspective.

“The key to success in academic writing is staying focused, continuously learning, and always considering the social impact of your research. For those at the beginning of their journey, seeking mentorship is invaluable as learning from experienced researchers can provide guidance and help refine your approach. Staying updated by reading extensively in your field is essential, as scientific progress moves quickly, and being well-informed strengthens the quality of your work. Most importantly, research should go beyond publications; it should have a real impact on society, improving lives, shaping policies, or advancing education. Writing can be challenging, but perseverance and a commitment to meaningful contributions make the effort truly rewarding. Keep going—your work matters,” says Dr. Drummond-Lage.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Hao Li

Dr. Hao Li is an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon practicing in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, a tertiary academic institution in Singapore. He graduated from the National University of Singapore and completed a head and neck surgical oncology fellowship at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in the USA. He is passionate about evidence-based care and has received research training in Singapore through the Master of Clinical Investigation programme. He sub-specializes in the care of patients with head and neck neoplasms and is a senior clinical lecturer at both the Lee Kong Chian and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. His current research focuses on the precise management of thyroid nodules and clinical innovation.

Dr. Li believes that academic writing should reflect the aspirations of thinkers to accurately describe what nature reveals to researchers, ultimately leading to the discovery of truth. Without this goal, their words lack significance and may even mislead or dissuade fellow researchers and the public from uncovering the truth.

Dr. Li emphasizes that researchers should be aware of their responsibility when it comes to scientific writing before starting a manuscript. Observations must be described in enough detail to allow colleagues to replicate the study. Inferences should reflect the level of confidence supported by the data, and nothing beyond that. If researchers strive for clarity and truth, they can be hopeful that their efforts will lead to publication, provided they choose a journal that is a good match for their study.

“I have published a few ‘negative studies’, as we call them, including this paper in Annals of Translational Medicine. It is hard to publish these studies because a large sample size is typically required to ensure a small difference between groups can be ruled out. However, a large effect size can be ruled out with some confidence in ‘negative’ prospective studies that minimize selection bias. Researchers should be encouraged to publish well-designed ‘negative studies’ so that meta-analysis can be performed on them to improve the precision of their conclusions. These findings can also reduce publication bias and enhance the utility of research data for the real world. ‘Negative studies’ undergo the same rigor in peer review as ‘positive studies’. Both can be truth deserving publication. In a gist, academic writing is a worthy striving towards truth. We are but mere instruments to that end. Writing becomes liberating, and ultimately meaningful when we aim purely at truth,” shares Dr. Li.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Supranee Mathiprechakul

Dr. Supranee Mathiprechakul graduated with an MBBS (Singapore) from the National University of Singapore in 2013, obtained her Master of Medicine (Paediatrics) (Singapore) in 2018, and subsequently completed her Paediatric residency training in 2021. She is currently an Associate Consultant in the Children’s Emergency Department at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore. She also serves as a Core Faculty member with the Singhealth Emergency Medicine Residency Programme and as a clinical instructor with the Singhealth Duke-NUS Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme. Her clinical interests are in managing acute paediatric resuscitation and trauma cases which includes early identification of sick patients to improve outcomes. Her other interests also include medical education and medical outreach. Her current focus is on early detection and screening for neonatal and infantile sepsis.

According to Dr. Mathiprechakul, advancement in medicine is ever so quick and revolutionary, such as shifting of focus from the treatment of primary diseases to preventive care and involving technology and innovation. All this is made possible due to research. Academic writing is an important tool that allows the sharing of great ideas and knowledge logically and systematically; it also supports communication and collaboration amongst like-minded researchers across borders. These ideas and knowledge can then be used to improve processes on the ground and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Mathiprechakul thinks an author should have a clear idea or clinical question in mind when writing a paper, pay good attention to detail, and be able to present the findings in a manner that engages the readers well.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Tobias de la Garza Eckle

Tobias de la Garza Eckle MD, PhD, FASA, is a Professor of Anesthesiology at the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in the USA. He earned his MD and PhD from the Eberhard-Karl’s University in Tübingen, Germany. He is a board-certified Anesthesiologist in Germany and the USA. His research interests are circadian mechanisms in perioperative medicine and Anesthesia. His work has been funded by the National Heart Lung Blood Institute, the American Heart Association, and the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research. He has authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications (H-index 43, over 11,000 citations) in leading biomedical journals such as the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Blood, Circulation, FASEB, PNAS, Nature Medicine, or Cell Reports. His current research is focused on introducing intense light therapy into the perioperative and critical care setting and is funded by an NHLBI R56. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Dr. de la Garza Eckle thinks academic writing is the cornerstone of scientific advances, novel clinical discoveries, and, as such, improvement of human health. Without academic writing, the human race would not be at such a level of technological, clinical, and scientific advancement. Academic writing is indeed a fundamental pillar of scientific progress and improved human health, serving as a critical tool for advancing knowledge and disseminating research findings. Without this form of writing, the accumulation and sharing of scientific, technological, and clinical insights would be significantly hindered, potentially slowing down innovation and advancements in various fields.

From Dr. de la Garza Eckle’s perspective, critical writing is extremely important as it improves the quality of any academic manuscript. If the writer questions his own hypothesis and has a good amount of self-reflection, the writing should be critical. Undoubtedly, having a peer-reviewed system also is a key element in ensuring writing is indeed critical. Critical writing is crucial in academic manuscripts because it goes beyond mere description and evaluation, demanding the author to analyze, synthesize, and develop their own arguments based on evidence. Self-reflection and questioning one's own hypothesis are key elements of critical writing, while peer review ensures the rigor and validity of the research.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Tae-Jin Song

Dr. Tae-Jin Song is the Director of the Cerebrovascular Hospital and Associate Professor of Neurology at Ewha Womans University. He obtained his MD, MSc, and PhD from Yonsei University. His research focuses on stroke and headache disorders, emphasizing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches that integrate clinical neurology with emerging technologies. His scientific contributions span both translational and clinical fields, including the brain–kidney interaction, population-based big-data analysis, pharmacogenomics, and digital therapeutics for post-stroke aphasia. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Research Promotion Committee of the Korean Stroke Society and Chair of the Big Data and Genomics Committee of the Korean Headache Society. He is also an active member of the International Headache Society. His work aims to advance precision medicine and patient-centered care by leveraging genomics, neuroimaging, and real-world data to better understand complex neurological diseases and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Dr. Song reckons that academic writing is fundamental to science because it enables the clear communication of findings, methods, and interpretations to the broader scientific community. It serves not only as a tool for disseminating new knowledge but also as a means to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and critical evaluation. Well-written scientific literature lays the foundation for future research and clinical applications.

Dr. Song stays current in his field by regularly reviewing high-impact journals, attending international conferences, and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations. He also incorporates real-world data and emerging technologies such as genomics, artificial intelligence, and digital therapeutics into his research. This allows him to address unmet clinical needs and contribute novel insights that are timely and relevant.

According to Dr. Song, academic writing serves as a means of making scientific contributions and leaving a lasting legacy. It is a way to translate rigorous research into meaningful impact on patient care and public health. What motivates him most is the potential to influence clinical practice and inspire further investigation by others in the field. Knowing that his work may ultimately benefit patients keeps him focused and passionate.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Yasushi Kubota

Yasushi Kubota, MD, PhD, is a director of Clinical Laboratory in Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan. He received an MD from Saga Medical School (1997) and a PhD in Stem Cell Biology from Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine (2010). He is a hematologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating leukemia, as well as in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. He served as an assistant professor at the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University from 2010, and as a lecturer from 2012. After working as a professor at the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy, Saitama Medical University’s Saitama Medical Center for three years starting in 2021, he assumed his current position. His research interests are new drug development for leukemia and hematopoietic stem cell research, and recent work has also focused on clinical laboratory management, with a particular interest in comprehensive genomic profiling and hereditary tumors.

Dr. Kubota believes that highly regarded academic journals tend to place greater emphasis on the “significance” of the findings published. The “significance” required of a paper refers to three important elements of the findings: novelty, relevance to previous reports, and appeal. Scientific papers must accurately and objectively evaluate the findings obtained and clearly communicate these three elements. However, high-quality scientific content alone does not guarantee an excellent paper. He thinks that it is possible to convey the significance of research to readers by effectively describing ideas and presenting the information they seek in an easy-to-understand manner. He will strive to use clear and concise expressions to make the text easier to read.

From Dr. Kubota’s perspective, the “Abstract” is an important section that determines the first impression of a paper. Busy researchers will decide whether to read the paper based on the abstract. Therefore, if the abstract clearly conveys the content, more people will read the main text, which will increase the citation rate and the impact of the research. The most critically reviewed section in peer review is the “Methods” section, so it is important to provide accurate and objective descriptions of research design, assays, statistical analysis, and other related aspects. The “Results” section should logically describe the findings obtained, while the “Discussion” section should interpret these findings in light of previous research and draw conclusions. It is also important to address the limitations of the study. In any case, it is essential to strive for a concise and objective paper that is easy for readers to understand.

Lastly, Dr. Kubota emphasizes that in both basic and clinical research, results may not always meet expectations, and writing academic papers requires considerable effort. Nevertheless, he believes that perseverance is crucial and shares the saying, “It’s dogged as does it.”

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Bryan W. Cunningham

Bryan W. Cunningham, PhD, serves as Director of Scientific Orthopaedic Research at Medstar Health MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. He received his master’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and his PhD in Neuroscience from the School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. Dr. Cunningham has worked in the fields of orthopaedic and neurosurgical basic and clinical research for over 35 years and holds two academic positions: 1) Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, and 2) Adjunct Professor, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, 20 book chapters, and presented over 700 abstracts at orthopaedic and neurosurgical specialty society meetings. He has received 24 nationally and internationally recognized research awards, including the North American Spine Society Henry Farfan Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to orthopaedic research. He is a member of the Scoliosis Research Society, Orthopaedic Research Society, North American Spine Society, Eurospine, and International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery.

In Dr. Cunningham’s view, the essential elements of a good academic paper are driven by sound scientific methods and the maintenance of cohesiveness between the hypothesis, study objectives, methods utilized, and conclusions throughout the manuscript. In numerous scientific papers he has reviewed, it is common for the study to veer off track, causing authors to become caught up in “rabbit holes.” This makes it difficult for them to refocus and return to the original objectives of the paper. Additionally, he finds that keeping the study focused on a specific topic and limiting study objectives are essential to developing a good paper and keeping the readership focused and interested. Finally, as a basic scientific researcher, he tends to focus on clinically relevant research topics to provide clinicians and researchers with information that improves the surgical care and quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal pathology.

Dr. Cunningham points out that multiple key skill sets provide the basis for writing a sound manuscript. 1) One essential skill is grasping the scientific method and documenting it clearly and concisely. This is typically learned over a period of years with multiple course corrections. 2) The ability to accept constructive criticism from their peers and the journal’s peer-review process. It is highly important to set aside one’s ego and really dig into and address the queries posed by journal reviewers. 3) Having a teachable spirit and mentorship in the research/writing process. 4) Scientific manuscript preparation and successful publication are a learned process. 5) Keep an open mind and review the study results for data that were not included as an objective initially posed in the research proposal. 6) Finally, do not write the study’s conclusions before the project starts.

Dr. Cunningham emphasizes the importance of focusing on a single research question rather than trying to tackle multiple issues in one study. Researchers should choose a relevant topic, review existing literature to ensure originality, and stay on track as their manuscript develops. With experience in orthopaedic and neurological research, he notes that spinal instrumentation has evolved from basic methods to advanced technologies. Despite improvements in clinical practices, there remains a need for ongoing scientific investigation to validate new techniques. He believes that an open-minded, multidisciplinary approach will enhance understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, ultimately improving patient care and quality of life.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Kerri Walter

Dr. Kerri Walter is a Vision Scientist and Neuroscientist whose research focuses on brain-based visual disorders and the impact of neurological damage on visual perception. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from the Honors College at the University of Delaware and completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at Northeastern University. She has recently collaborated with Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital on studies of Cerebral Visual Impairment, contributing to multidisciplinary research that explores how neurological damage affects visual processing. Currently, she serves as a Postdoctoral Health Science Research Fellow at the VA Boston Healthcare System, where she is a part of the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS). Her work integrates retinal imaging and advanced neuroimaging techniques to investigate how traumatic brain injury impacts the structure and function of the visual pathways in the brain. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

In Dr. Walter’s view, academic writing plays a vital role in the advancement of knowledge. It allows researchers to share discoveries, insights, and innovations with both the scientific community and the broader public. Through academic writing, researchers convey complex ideas in a structured and accessible manner, enabling others to understand phenomena that were previously unknown. As their understanding of the world continues to evolve, academic writing ensures that scientific progress is documented, disseminated, and built upon. Publishing their findings is about contributing to a collective mission to better understand themselves and the world.

Dr. Walter believes that effective academic writing requires more than simply presenting facts; it demands thoughtful analysis, logical reasoning, and a dedication to clarity. To ensure the writing is critical, researchers must focus on effectively communicating their findings in a way that others can learn from. This means being precise, transparent, and reflective about the implications of the work. For her, critical writing is about helping others grasp what she has learned, not just proving the value of her research. It is about making the knowledge accessible and meaningful, so that it can inspire further inquiry and application.

“When I first began academic writing, I found it intimidating. It felt like I had to justify the worth of my research by writing with big, impressive words. What changed everything for me was thinking about how much excitement I feel when explaining my research to friends and family. They often have no background in vision science or neuroscience, so I have to start from the basics and explain things simply. I want them to understand the research, and I enjoy teaching them! That process, breaking down complex ideas and making them understandable, made academic writing enjoyable. It reminded me that the goal isn’t to sound academic and impressive, but to make the research accessible. That shift in mindset helped me write with more clarity, purpose, and enthusiasm,” says Dr. Walter.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Atsushi Saiga

Atsushi Saiga, MD, PhD, is a radiologist who specializes in interventional radiology at the Shizuoka Cancer Center in Japan. After earning his MD from the University of the Ryukyus and PhD from Chiba University, he focused his research on embolic materials as alternatives to n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for lymphatic interventions. In 2024–2025, he was a research fellow at the Dotter Department of Interventional Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, where he advanced this work using rat models. Since standardized lymphatic approaches in rats were lacking, he and his team developed a novel model employing two lymphatic access methods. They also conducted preliminary evaluations of alternative embolic agents, including NBCA–Lipiodol–ethanol mixtures, sodium tetradecyl sulfate with Lipiodol and air, and ethanol with Lipiodol. Their findings demonstrated the feasibility of these agents and were published in Annals of Translational Medicine (ATM).

In Dr. Saiga’s view, academic writing serves as the foundation of scientific progress. It helps establish evidence-based approaches to disease management and directly contributes to improving patient outcomes. At the same time, it provides a reliable and transparent means of sharing knowledge, allowing clinicians and researchers to build upon one another’s findings and to address challenges in both clinical practice and research with confidence and precision. Moreover, it serves as a reflection of an individual’s professional identity — a kind of “business card” that shows what kinds of work clinicians and researchers have been conducting. In addition, it lends credibility and persuasive power when they communicate or provide feedback to other clinicians and researchers.

Dr. Saiga emphasizes that it is essential to engage deeply with existing literature, evaluate evidence objectively, and question underlying assumptions in writing. Careful attention to methodology and transparent presentation of data not only strengthens the validity of the argument but also demonstrates intellectual rigor and academic integrity. When reviewing articles as a reviewer, pointing out weaknesses can be insightful and essential. However, with regard to published papers that have already undergone rigorous peer review, he prefers not to be overly critical out of respect for the reviewers who devoted their time and effort selflessly to the process.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Stephanie M. Willerth

Dr. Stephanie M. Willerth is a Full Professor in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Victoria, where she has dual appointments in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Division of Medical Sciences. She is a Fellow of the International Society of Biomaterials Science and Engineering and of the Canadian Society of Senior Engineers. She was elected to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars in 2021. She also holds an appointment with the School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. She founded the award-winning start-up Axolotl Biosciences in 2020 and currently serves as its C.E.O. She leads innovations in personalized medicine through bioink development and human tissue models. Her work bridges academia and industry, bringing groundbreaking research into real-world healthcare applications. Connect with her on X/Twitter.

In Dr. Willerth’s view, good academic papers contribute to the literature and stimulate the development of new ideas. She believes that the best papers approach current problems uniquely, generating novel solutions. This approach can also be applied to other systems. On the other hand, she emphasizes that everyone brings unique perspectives to their research. Seeking out diverse viewpoints is crucial for critically assessing work and research, helping to mitigate bias in writing.

“The best way to improve at writing is to write more. I would also suggest reading and writing for diverse sources, including the public, to improve communication skills. Writing is a skill that can be developed with practice,” says Dr. Willerth.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Ahsan Aslam

Ahsan Aslam is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the Indiana University School of Medicine and a staff nephrologist with IU Health in Indianapolis. He is also a certified hypertension specialist, with clinical expertise spanning general nephrology, hypertension, and the management of complex kidney disease. As an early-career physician, he is actively involved in the clinical teaching of medical students, residents, and fellows, and he is committed to fostering strong clinical reasoning skills and evidence-based practice in trainees. His academic interests have focused on general nephrology, and he looks forward to expanding his scholarly work as he continues to develop in his role as a clinician-educator and hypertension specialist.

Dr. Aslam believes that academic writing is essential because it is the main method through which doctors generate, refine, and share knowledge in the field of medicine. He argues that academic writing enables the communication of clinical observations, innovations in patient care, and emerging research findings in a manner that is rigorous, transparent, and reproducible. It establishes a shared framework for evaluating evidence, fostering scientific discussion, and informing clinical practice. Academic writing also protects the integrity of our field—it demands precision, ethical reporting, and critical thinking, which collectively improve patient outcomes. Beyond transmitting knowledge, it shapes the next generation of physicians by modelling how they question, investigate, and translate science into practice. In this way, academic writing is not just a scholarly exercise; it is a cornerstone of evidence-based medicine and a professional responsibility that ultimately strengthens both patient care and the academic community.

Dr. Aslam emphasizes the growing importance of data sharing in scientific writing. It enhances research integrity by enabling validation, reproduction, and building on findings. In nephrology—with its complex, diverse patient populations—shared datasets accelerate discovery through meta-analyses, secondary analyses, and collaborations beyond single centers. It promotes equity by giving smaller institutions and early-career researchers access to high-quality data. Most crucially, it honors patients' contributions, maximizing the value of their entrusted data when shared ethically. Thus, data sharing is a fundamental pillar of modern, rigorous, patient-centered research, not just a trend.

“I would say to my colleagues and fellow academic writers that their work truly matters. Each manuscript, each analyzed dataset, and every carefully crafted paragraph contributes to the collective advancement of science and ultimately enhances the lives of our patients. Academic writing is often slow, meticulous, and sometimes underappreciated, but it is also one of the most powerful tools we have to challenge assumptions, generate new ideas, and shape clinical practice. Your commitment to clarity, rigor, and intellectual honesty helps elevate our profession and ensures that the next generation of physicians inherits a stronger foundation. Even when the process feels daunting, remember that your voice adds value—and your contributions may spark discoveries or inspire others in ways you may never fully see. Keep writing, keep questioning, and keep pushing the boundaries of what we know. The field advances because of dedicated scholars like you,” says Dr. Aslam.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Hikaru Murakami

Hikaru Murakami, MD, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Cancer Molecular Epidemiology at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, USA. After graduating from Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University in 2017, he worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology at the same institution until 2023. As a clinician, he recognized the limitations of current cancer treatments and strongly felt the need to advance therapeutic strategies. In 2024, he moved to the United States to begin a postdoctoral research fellowship in epidemiology at UHCC. His research focuses on ferroptosis in endometrial cancer. He has developed a comprehensive signaling map of ferroptosis-related genes, including both mRNA and non-coding RNA, in endometrial cancer. He is currently investigating the interactions among ferroptosis-related genes and their effects on the tumor immune microenvironment to induce ferroptosis in drug-resistant and highly aggressive endometrial cancers.

In Dr. Murakami’s view, a good academic paper offers a clear, original, and meaningful contribution to its field. It begins with a well-defined research question that addresses an important knowledge gap. The methodology is clear and transparent, with statistical methods clearly outlined for understanding and reproducibility. High-quality papers also make their data accessible whenever possible, allowing other researchers to validate the findings and build upon them. Results must be presented objectively, followed by an interpretation grounded in evidence and contextualized through comparison with established knowledge. By contrasting new findings with existing knowledge, the paper should effectively highlight ongoing challenges and potential research directions. Ultimately, a good academic paper advances scientific understanding while upholding high standards of reproducibility, openness, and ethical scholarship.

Dr. Murakami suggests that authors should remember that researchers around the world are their collaborators, and the paper should communicate its message clearly to those future colleagues who will read it. Research is never completed by an individual alone; it is advanced collectively, through the shared efforts of humanity. Therefore, authors should write their papers as if sending a thoughtful letter to researchers who will build on their work years or decades from now. By doing so, they contribute not only reliable science but also enduring knowledge.

“Academic writing requires considerable time and effort, but my motivation comes from the desire to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and to improve patient care. As a physician, the joy of patients I have been able to help—and even the regret of those I could not—continues to drive me forward. I understand that my individual achievements are limited, but I can still contribute to the larger puzzle of medical progress.Even a small contribution is meaningful because there are countless colleagues around the world working together. Writing is also an opportunity to communicate clearly with the global scientific community, organize my findings, and reflect critically on my research. Knowing that my work may guide future studies, influence clinical practice, or inspire other researchers gives me a strong sense of purpose and reinforces my commitment to careful, rigorous academic writing,” says Dr. Murakami.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Andres F. Bonilla

Dr. Andres F. Bonilla is a veterinarian and preclinical surgeon with a strong focus on translational spine research and surgical innovation. He earned his PhD in Clinical Sciences from Colorado State University (CSU) and currently works in the Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory at the Translational Medicine Institute. His research focuses on the development and clinical translation of large animal models, particularly ovine and equine, to study intervertebral disc degeneration, spinal pathology, and pain mechanisms. A major focus of his work is the integration and validation of computer-assisted surgery, including surgical navigation and image-guided techniques, to improve accuracy, reproducibility, and clinical relevance in both experimental and veterinary surgical settings. Through these efforts, he aims to advance surgical precision and establish veterinary medicine as a leading platform for translational innovation with direct relevance to human spine care.

Dr. Bonilla reckons that academic writing plays a particularly important role in bridging the gap between experimental models and real-world patient care in translational and clinically oriented research. Clear and rigorous writing ensures that surgical techniques, technological innovations, and biological discoveries can be understood, adopted, and refined by others. Moreover, academic writing preserves scientific progress over time, creating a cumulative body of evidence that guides clinical decision-making, informs policy, and shapes future research. Without high-quality academic writing, even impactful discoveries risk being misunderstood, overlooked, or lost, limiting their potential to improve patient outcomes and advance medicine.

Dr. Bonilla believes that a good author must possess curiosity, honesty, and perseverance. Curiosity helps us ask better questions and keep learning, while honesty ensures that data and limitations are presented clearly and transparently. Perseverance is essential because writing involves revisions, feedback, and occasional rejection. To him, humility and openness to feedback are key qualities, as strong papers are often the result of collaboration and refinement. Above all, good authors care about clarity; they want their work to be understood, useful, and meaningful to others.

“Balancing clinical, surgical, and research responsibilities is challenging, so I try to be very intentional with my writing time. I usually break writing into small, focused sessions rather than waiting for long, uninterrupted blocks that rarely appear. Writing becomes more manageable when it is treated as a regular part of the workflow, not something separate from research or clinical work,” says Dr. Bonilla.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Eniko Pomozi

Eniko Pomozi, MD, a radiology resident at Semmelweis University Heart and Vascular Center, Budapest, Hungary, and Postdoctoral Fellow at DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Tx, US under the supervision of the internationally recognized vascular scientist Dr. Trisha Roy. Her research focuses on MRI-based diagnostics for peripheral artery disease (PAD), vascular calcification, and the integration of MRI, CT, and AI methods to enhance patient selection and outcomes in peripheral vascular interventions. She is committed to integrating high-quality imaging, rigorous clinical research, and compassionate patient care to improve outcomes for patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Dr. Pomozi indicates that academic writing involves publishing high-quality data through transparent, rigorous methods and accurately reported outcomes. It reflects core translational values: how researchers turn research into shared knowledge that can be translated into better patient care. By documenting what they did, why they did it, and what they found, results become reproducible and comparable, so others can validate them, build on them, and implement them responsibly. When evidence is communicated clearly, it can be adopted and refined across institutions, supporting higher-quality, evidence-based, and increasingly individualized care over the long term. Ultimately, the goal is to serve patients: strong academic writing helps discoveries move beyond a single lab or hospital and, over time, influence safer procedures, better diagnostics, and more effective therapies.

Dr. Pomozi emphasizes that researchers have to be “evidence-led” rather than “conclusion-led.” Practically, that means stating a precise question and defining outcomes up front; comparing studies or results based on methodological quality, not only on whether they support the hypothesis; explicitly addressing limitations, bias, and alternative explanations; and separating what the data show from what suspecting or proposing. A key part of critical writing is also being careful not to overinterpret or present potentially misleading data by checking definitions, assumptions, and whether the evidence truly supports the claim.

“Reading through the literature has repeatedly taught me how easily scientific conclusions can shift based on definitions and methodology. I have observed instances where various papers utilized the same clinical term, but defined outcomes in different ways or measured them inconsistently, making the ‘trend’ appear convincing until the details were scrutinized. That experience changed how I interpret data: now I always look beyond the headline result, check how endpoints are defined, and ask whether studies are truly comparable before coming to a conclusion. It is a simple lesson, but it has made me much more cautious about overinterpreting findings and much more deliberate about clarity and transparency in my own writing,” says Dr. Pomozi.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)