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
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)