In 2024, many JSS 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)

Don Young Park, UC Irvine, USA

W. Chase Johnson, The University of Texas Health Science Center, USA

Alexander C. Aretakis, University of Colorado, USA

Igor Radalov, Hospital del Mar, Spain

Kevin Y. Heo, Emory University School of Medicine, USA

Yuya Kanie, Osaka University Hospital, Japan

Ko Hashimoto, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan

Florian Metzner, ZESBO-Center, Germany

José María Hernández Mateo, The Gregorio Marañon Hospital, Spain

Alexander Baur, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA

Davin C. Gong, University of Michigan, USA

Nouf Altwaijri, King Saud Medical City, Saudi Arabia

Ryo Fujita, Hokkaido Orthopedic Memorial Hospital, Japan

Chadi Tannoury, Boston University Medical Center, USA

Jon E. Block, Independent Consultant, USA

Marthinson Andrew Tombeng, Sam Ratulangi University, Indonesia

Samuel N. Goldman, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, USA

Outstanding Author

Don Young Park

Dr. Don Young Park is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon specializing in endoscopic spine surgery and outpatient spine surgery. He trained at Stanford and was recently Associate Clinical Professor and Vice Chair of Quality and Safety for the UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is now a Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery and the Director of the Advanced Endoscopic and Outpatient Spine Program at UC Irvine, one of the first of its kind in the country. Dr. Park has published both basic science and clinical peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as written textbook chapters on minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery. He has won multiple “Best Paper” awards from the North American Spine Society and the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for his research. His current research interests include clinical outcome studies in spinal endoscopy to advance the knowledge of endoscopic spine surgery. Learn more about Dr. Park here, and connect with him on LinkedIn.

In Dr. Park’s view, a good academic paper should be well written and well thought out, even from the very beginning planning stages of the study. The topic of the study should be original, relevant, and interesting so that the results of the study can advance the field of spine surgery. The strengths and weaknesses of the study should be well described in the paper, and the discussion section should not just list these limitations but thoughtfully discuss how the study was limited in methodology and how it affects the conclusions.

The most commonly encountered difficulty in academic writing, according to Dr. Park, is accounting for all the issues and problems with the design and results of the study that are brought to light during the review process. Even well-designed studies often require revisions of manuscripts to address the issues brought up by reviewers. Thinking and planning ahead during the design of the study and the writing process of the manuscript can help reduce the revisions necessary for publication. To him, it is also very difficult to have an original thought in research and develop an original study that has not been conducted before.

“Academic writing should help the field of spine surgery progress over time. New techniques and technologies can be either beneficial or detrimental, and good academic writing with well-designed studies can provide evidence to advance our knowledge. This experience is gratifying to be able to push the field into the future, one study at a time,” says Dr. Park.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

W. Chase Johnson

W. Chase Johnson is a fifth-year neurosurgery resident at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed his undergraduate degree at The University of Arkansas in Biochemistry, then went on to complete medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He has significant clinical and research interests in minimally invasive spine surgery and spine trauma. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

From Dr. Johnson’s perspective, the essential elements of a good academic paper include a clear objective, robust methodology, meticulous data collection and analysis, insightful discussion, adherence to ethical standards, and rigorous peer review. In the realm of spine surgery, he believes a good academic paper will contribute to the existing literature and help guide clinical practice or contain enough evidence to change clinical practice.

In Dr. Johnson’s opinion, the most important aspect authors should keep in mind when preparing for a study or paper is the clinical question they wish to answer and whether or not the information in their paper will fill a gap in the existing literature and help guide management in the field of spine surgery.

“The Journal of Spine Surgery offers a specialized platform dedicated to spinal research and clinical practice. Publishing here ensures that my work reaches a targeted audience of spine surgery experts, facilitating meaningful exchange of knowledge and advancements in the field,” says Dr. Johnson.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Alexander C. Aretakis

Alexander C. Aretakis, MD, was born and raised near Denver, CO, prior to attending Northwestern University, where he received his bachelor’s in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychology. He then matriculated to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Currently, he has nearly graduated from the University of Colorado Orthopedic Residency and will be a pediatric orthopedic fellow at Nemours DuPont Children’s Hospital in Delaware. Alexander’s future plans include a pediatric orthopedic career with a subspecialty focus on spine surgery as well as hip and limb deformity. His research interests will be primarily clinical, with a focus on improving spinal surgery safety and a better understanding of choosing fusion levels in scoliosis surgery. He will be joined in Delaware by his wife and two dogs, and in his free time enjoys spending time outdoors with the three of them skiing, mountain biking, and fly fishing.

Alexander believes the most important components of a practice-changing paper are a clear question, solid methods that get at the true nature of the question, a lack of “cover-up” of any shortcomings, and a strong discussion that gives the reader insight into the author’s rationale behind their conclusions. No paper can be perfect, but including an honest discussion about limitations can help readers appropriately understand how to incorporate the paper into their practice. Lastly, he points out that the discussion about the author’s conclusions can really benefit the reader – no one knows the data/study like the authors, and having their insight into the research can really deepen the reader’s understanding of the literature.

In Alexander’s opinion, one of the hardest things the orthopedic field has to deal with in research is uniformity of data and being able to extrapolate one paper’s findings across the whole library of literature and between wide-ranging practices. Therefore, using reporting guidelines, such as STROBE and PRISMA, even if flawed, is a critical first step to allowing researchers to answer questions in a broader field.

“As I am nearing the start of my own independent practice and having seen the effort that goes into producing high-quality research, I want to say thank you to everyone who has come before my generation in research. There is truly no easy part about getting a paper out the door, at least for me. But at the start of my career, I was already in a much better position to better take care of my patients because of all the researchers who have decided to take the hard route and put their findings out there for the world to see,” says Alexander.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Igor Radalov

Igor Radalov is a young radiologist in Hospital del Mar, located in Barcelona, Spain. He received training in Hospital Clínic Barcelona and did a pediatric internship in one of Europe's most highly specialized centers for the treatment of children and pregnant women, Sant Joan de Déu, where he worked with some of the best pediatric surgeons and interventional radiologists. As of now, he works as a musculoskeletal radiologist with particular interest on interventional spinal radiology. He believes that it is essential for radiologists to take a step forward, use their experience in CT-guided procedures and work as a team with spinal surgeons in treating complex cases with minimally invasive options. They have an incredible multidisciplinary team in Hospital del Mar composed of spinal surgeons, oncologists and musculoskeletal radiologists with great amount of expertise in vertebral augmentation and bone and soft-tissue ablation.

JSS: What are the most commonly encountered difficulties in academic writing?

Dr. Radalov: I would say that the lack of clarity is a big one, because expressing an academic idea must be in a concise and clear manner, devoiding of any ambiguous statements and vague language. Sometimes this can be especially hard to do for non-native English authors, because we might generate thoughts and ideas in our mother language and then translate them into English, which can make our writing vague and incoherent. We also might wrongly believe that overusing complicated words would make our writing more successful, but the truth is that medical academic writing must be as straightforward as possible.

JSS: Academic writing often involves evidence synthesis. Can you share tips on selecting the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis?

Dr. Radalov: I believe that it is extremely important to choose the appropriate evidence before synthesis because ultimately the systematic review can only be as good as the information we feed it. For me, it is useful first to write down a list of all the steps involved in the process and then try to identify what could go wrong in each step and try to mitigate that risk. It is also mandatory to make a well-focused search in the highest number of databases and online finders. I would like to add that if authors have the knowledge of different languages, it would be very useful for them to also search for evidence in non-English databases because sometimes you can find good insights.

JSS: Is it important for authors to disclose Conflict of Interest (COI)?

Dr. Radalov: Disclosing COI is an important, often overlooked, step in all research and we should strive to make it easily accessible to journal readers in the medical field. Having an undisclosed COI can seriously harm the credibility of even the most well structured and apparently unbiased research. Nevertheless, we should also bear in mind that having a COI does not automatically mean that the study is flawed, nor having a lack of a COI is an automatic indicator of a credible study. We should treat it as one of the tools at our disposal to assess the integrity of a scientific research.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Kevin Y. Heo

Kevin Heo, BS, is a fourth-year medical student at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, who is currently applying for an orthopaedic surgery residency. He received his bachelor’s degree in quantitative sciences with a concentration in neurobiology from Emory University. Prior to medical school, he also worked as a data analyst for a startup company developing electronic visual maps to enhance the quality of life for people with dementia. His research interests include the utilization of national databases and complex datasets to identify epidemiological trends in spine surgery and spinal pathology. He is also interested in utilizing predictive analytics and machine learning models to identify risk factors for complications after spine surgery. He works closely with Dr. Sangwook T. Yoon, Dr. John Heller, and Dr. John M. Rhee, all orthopaedic spine surgeons at Emory University. As a team, they have published several manuscripts and presented several projects at regional and national conferences. 

Kevin thinks a good academic paper starts way before beginning the research process, with a solid foundation of relevant and interesting topics, and an understanding of appropriate gaps in knowledge. Studies should be thoroughly planned with clear objectives that aim to contribute to the advancing field of spine surgery. The paper must incorporate strong methodology with diligent data collection and appropriate data analyses, and provide clinically relevant insights to the existing literature. The discussion should put the study results into context with the current understanding of the topic, and describe the strengths and weaknesses of the study, including potential limitations and how they were mitigated within the methodology.

Kevin believes accountability and peer review are essential to avoid biases in one’s writing. It is important that throughout the research process, all members of the study team are communicated with and can continuously provide objective feedback. During the writing process, it is essential to provide supporting evidence from current study findings or existing literature when making a claim. Overall, being mindful of own biases is also important in order to ensure that all aspects of the study are objective.

“While the process of academic writing can be difficult, just know that you are working on something few or none have worked on before! Make sure to keep in mind the ultimate objective, which is to enhance the awesome field of spine surgery, and take one step at a time and continue to push through,” says Kevin.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Yuya Kanie

Dr. Yuya Kanie is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. After graduating from Osaka University, he accumulated ten years of clinical experience in orthopedic and spinal surgery across six affiliated hospitals. Since 2020, he has been working as an orthopaedic and spinal surgeon at Osaka University Hospital. Since 2022, he has also managed healthcare services for university staff and students at the Osaka University Health and Counseling Center. His surgical practice includes procedures for general spinal trauma, degenerative spine disorders, spinal deformities, and spinal tumors. In addition to his clinical work, he conducts research not only in the spinal field but also across a broad range of orthopaedic topics. His work focuses on making "invisible" aspects of pain and rehabilitation motivation visible through the use of EEG and machine learning technologies.

From Dr. Kanie’s perspective, a good paper should not be conducted for its own sake but should have a meaningful impact. To achieve this, understanding the relevant needs is essential. Maintaining clinical questions from daily practice is crucial. It is important to develop a clear argument supported by solid evidence to address these questions and communicate this effectively to the readers.

To avoid biases in one's writing, Dr. Kanie believes it is essential to be fully aware of and address potential biases at the research planning stage. Since it is difficult to eliminate biases once they are introduced, it is important to design the study with measures to minimize biases from the beginning. If needed, consultation with a statistics expert should be conducted. Additionally, the process for managing biases should be clearly documented and communicated to ensure that reviewers and readers can easily understand how biases are being handled.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Ko Hashimoto

Ko Hashimoto, M.D., Ph.D., serves at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is currently a lecturer and the chief spine surgeon in the department, with over 10 years of experience in performing complex spine surgeries. Additionally, he has a background as a clinician-scientist, having researched in cartilage biology in the UK and the US. His team’s current research projects are twofold: clinically, they are focused on the degenerative spine and developing posture-correcting software; on the basic research side, they are investigating the regeneration of skeletal tissues using mitochondria-stimulating agents.

Dr. Hashimoto believes that writing academic papers holds significant value. It encompasses honing logical thinking skills, clarifying the thought process, and mastering the methods of expression and verbalization. Writing academic papers does not mean that one must write complex sentences. What is more important is to present all research findings in a standard format that others can logically understand. This ability to construct and articulate logic in a way that is understandable to everyone is directly applicable to diagnosis, treatment, and patient explanations in the clinical field.

In Dr. Hashimoto’s view, the most important quality required by the author of a paper is the passion for writing. Moreover, academic papers always revolve around a central question, and the methodology, results, and discussion are structured to answer it. Therefore, the author needs the ability to discern the essence of things, that is, the core concept.

“Indeed, conducting research and writing academic papers amid a busy clinical workload can be a significant burden. Thus, what I always keep in mind is to maintain good physical and mental health (good diet, exercise, sleep), and to take even a few minutes to think about the paper during my spare time. I always bear a tablet that allows free writing, so I can immediately jot down any ideas that come to mind and use them to help structure the paper's logic,” says Dr. Hashimoto.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Florian Metzner

After graduating in mechanical engineering at the Chemnitz University of Technology in 2019, Florian Metzner is working as a research fellow at the ZESBO-Center for Research on Muskoskeletal Systems, which acts as the biomechanics laboratory as a part of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Traumatology, and Plastic Surgery at the University of Leipzig Medical Center in Saxonia, Germany. His research fields are experimental biomechanics and mechanical testing. He is currently working on the development of individual 3D-printed bone models that mimic the mechanical properties of their respective human tissue. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

JSS: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?

Florian: An important aspect of a good academic paper is a short introduction without excessive and dull passages. In my opinion, the discussion section should provide thorough explanations. I occasionally noticed that important details have not been listed in the method section. However, seemingly minor details can be crucial in determining whether a prescribed method is actually reproducible.

JSS: What are the key skill sets of an author?

Florian: Most scientific work is done in teams and, especially in experimental biomechanics, things don't always work out the way you want them to. Therefore, in addition to good specialist knowledge in their own field of research, I find solution-oriented thinking, interpersonal communication, honesty, adaptability, perseverance, and attention to detail to be important characteristics of authors.

JSS: Is there any interesting story during academic writing that you would like to share with us?

Florian: The process from data collection to publication can sometimes be very frustrating and tiring. Even though this time was hard, the honest and very critical reviews ultimately helped me to improve my work and therefore also helped me in becoming a better scientist.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

José María Hernández Mateo

Dr. José María Hernández Mateo is a first-year Orthopaedic Surgeon and part of the Spine Unit of the Gregorio Marañon Hospital in Madrid (Spain), after having completed his residency at this hospital. He has a great interest in spinal pathology and surgery, developing his activity in one of the reference hospitals in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology in his country. Currently, his research focuses on the field of scoliotic deformity correction.

From Dr. Hernández Mateo’s perspective, research and the publication of scientific articles contribute to the expansion of medical knowledge and constitute a fundamental pillar in the training and professional development of the profession, in order to offer a better service to patients, which will translate into better surgical and clinical results.

Nowadays, the literature is constantly being updated. Dr. Hernández Mateo thinks one must search frequently in portals such as PubMed, or public research networks such as Cochrane while writing an article. In addition, regular communication with colleagues in the field and a motivated team enable authors to stay up to date with the latest developments in their research field.

Speaking of his motivation in writing, Dr. Hernández Mateo shares, “More specifically in the field of spinal surgery, there are some pathologies that are treated with suboptimal results. It is essential to find the causes of these results, and this can only be achieved through research and following the scientific method. The fact of seeing your publication accepted in renowned journals helps to give you extra motivation in those moments when your strength is weak.”

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Alexander Baur

Alexander Baur, BS, is a dedicated orthopaedic researcher at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine with a focus on trauma, shoulder, and spine conditions. His research centers on surgical outcomes and evidence-based practices, particularly in shoulder arthroscopy and trauma. He also has an interest in documenting rare complications. He collaborates with leading institutions, including the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, and the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. During medical school period, he received four research scholarships that helped advance Liberty University’s orthopaedic research initiatives. He currently serves on the editorial board of AME Case Reports and is a member of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Research Society, and AO Trauma North America. Connect with Dr. Baur on X (@alexjbaur).

Academic writing, to Dr. Baur, is essential for advancing patient care by establishing clear, evidence-based guidelines and outlining potential complications. It provides a standardized way for professionals to share knowledge, ensuring that research findings are accessible, reproducible, and actionable. This type of writing not only aids in developing best practices but also supports continuous improvement in healthcare, as clinicians learn from each other’s insights and innovations.

To stay up-to-date with scientific writing, Dr. Baur makes it a habit to go directly to the source whenever he has a question, delving into the original research to understand how best practices were established. This approach keeps him consistently engaged with the latest studies, ensuring that he is not only informed on current standards but also aware of emerging evidence that shapes optimal management strategies.

Finally, Dr. Baur thinks disclosing conflicts of interest (COIs) is crucial for preserving research integrity, as undisclosed biases can skew conclusions and impact the credibility of findings. “COIs may affect an author’s interpretations and recommendations, so transparency is essential for readers to fully understand the context of a study’s outcomes. A neutral perspective promotes objectivity, allowing research to genuinely benefit scientific progress and patient care without undue influence,” says Dr. Baur.

(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)

Davin C. Gong

Davin Gong is originally from Vancouver, Washington, and is currently a fourth-year orthopedic surgery resident at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He completed his undergraduate degree in neurobiology at the University of Washington and obtained his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. His current clinical and research interests focus on patient-reported outcomes in adult spinal deformity and cervical spine surgery. He plans to pursue subspecialty fellowship training in spine surgery following residency. Connect with Dr. Gong on LinkedIn.

JSS: From your point of view, what role does academic writing play in science?

Dr. Gong: Academic writing is critical for communicating research findings and sharing new ideas. It allows researchers to convey information in a standardized method that other clinicians and researchers may understand. Through academic writing, researchers can foster ongoing dialogue, peer review, data validation and study replication. Typically, academic writing begins with presentation of data findings, followed by the author's interpretation of that data, and concludes with a discussion of the study's limitations. This clear and logical structure has become the foundation of modern research, providing a reliable framework for communicating scientific insights and advancing knowledge.

JSS: What motivates you to keep on as an academic writer? It definitely takes you extra time and effort on top of your daily clinical duties.

Dr. Gong: I am motivated as an academic writer by the potential to conduct research that benefits other surgeons and physicians. Although it requires additional time and effort beyond my clinical duties, I see substantial room for improvement in many current treatments and surgical strategies. Even if a study does not directly change clinical practice, it can contribute to the body of knowledge, addressing questions that others may have or inspiring further research. This cumulative impact on the field keeps me dedicated to academic writing.

JSS: Finally, is it important for authors to disclose Conflicts of Interest (COI)?

Dr. Gong: Yes, disclosing COI is important to promote transparency in research. This allows readers to critically assess any biases that may have affected study design, data interpretation or conclusions. Authors who are experts in a field are often involved in developing new technologies, which can increase the likelihood of a COI in their research. Disclosing these conflicts can raise authors' awareness of their potential biases, encouraging them to take greater measures to mitigate these influences—such as incorporating blinding techniques or distancing themselves from certain aspects of the methodology. This transparency helps ensure that the research remains as credible as possible.

(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)

Nouf Altwaijri

Dr. Nouf Abdulaziz Altwaijri is a third-year orthopedic resident at King Saud Medical City and a graduate of King Saud University. She has a passion for research sparked during medical school when she became utterly captivated by its power in shaping medical practices and guiding physicians worldwide; she sees it as a means to fulfil her mission of helping those in need. “Research enables us to contribute findings that reach countless physicians, thus improving care for patients everywhere,” says she. Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes the advancement of healthcare and medical research, Dr. Altwaijri’s enthusiasm for research has been intensified. Vision 2030’s goals for medical research, particularly in creating evidence-based practices and driving technological advancements, have fueled her ambition to further drive research worldwide. Through producing impactful research, she truly hopes to foster greater consensus on debated medical topics, ultimately enhancing patient care and supporting a healthier future for all. Connect with Dr. Altwaijri on X (@Nouf_Altwaijri) and LinkedIn (Nouf Altwaijri).

JSS: Firstly, what are the essential elements of a good academic paper?

Dr. Altwaijri: I believe that it is essential to begin with a deep dive into the current literature, highlighting the areas which still lack consensus and need further research. Afterwards, researchers should have a clear question to answer, which usually stems from clinical practice. They need to have the means to answer that question, such as adequate data with a good follow-up duration. Authors should discuss their findings and compare them to the current literature with the goal of igniting curiosity to answer more research questions by the readers and aid in fostering the research community.

JSS: And can you share with us what authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?

Dr. Altwaijri: Multiple challenges can come up during the process of writing a paper and having the proper data and extensive knowledge of the current literature aids vastly in avoiding most of the common difficulties. Preparation should always start with an extensive review of the current literature for understanding what is already known and accepted. We all should bear in mind that trying to change what’s already agreed upon in the medical community is challenging and needs great patience and a well-structured paper. Moreover, to challenge the current narrative and recommend new management strategies, a thorough literature review and a strongly constructed discussion are vital to showcase the significance of these findings, warranting a change in the current practice.

JSS: Finally, data sharing is prevalent in scientific writing in recent years. Do you think it is crucial for authors to share their research data?

Dr. Altwaijri: In the event where data are needed, I do think that sharing data with other authors is essential for advancing research as it can enrich the research community by providing better conclusions and clearer answers to research questions, ensuring the privacy of all research subjects involved of course. Fundamentally, research only thrives as a collaborative effort, and therefore, data sharing is one way to strengthen this collaboration by expanding sample sizes, building trust within the research community and contributing to more robust findings that benefit future studies and drive progress across the field.

(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)

Ryo Fujita

Dr. Ryo Fujita is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Spine and Osteoporosis. He graduated from Akita University, Japan. He began his spine surgery career at Hokkaido Memorial Hospital and earned a PhD from Hokkaido University, where he researched on bone metabolism. He subsequently underwent further training as a spine surgeon and worked at the Hokkaido Spinal Injury Center. Currently, he is a clinical researcher in the Department of Orthopedics at Uppsala University in Sweden and also serves as a Visiting Researcher in the Department of Orthopedics at Hokkaido University. At present, he is engaged in multiple clinical studies using Swespine (Sweden's national database) with a particular focus on primary spinal infection.

Academic writing, to Dr. Fujita, is necessary for the readers to objectively verify the author’s claims. It also provides an effective means of communication as well as fostering logical thinking for the authors.

Dr. Fujita believes that dedicating time to writing a research proposal is very important. It is also crucial to research across multiple academic journal sites. Attending lectures by top leaders in the field at conferences is equally important. In recent years, various social networking sites for researchers, such as ResearchGate, have become available. By utilizing these platforms, researchers can efficiently update their data throughout the research process.

Regarding the disclosure of Conflict of Interest (COI), Dr. Fujita emphasizes that it is necessary to ensure the credibility and transparency of research, preventing research outcomes from being influenced by financial or personal interests. “This guarantees that scientific conclusions are unbiased and fair, fostering a trustworthy relationship with both the research community and the society. It is particularly necessary as an objective measure because there is a possibility of being influenced by one’s own background, even if one is not consciously aware of it,” says Dr. Fujita.

(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)

Chadi Tannoury

Lebanese born and a graduate of the Lebanese Medical University, Dr. Chadi Tannoury completed his orthopedic residency at Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia) and his spine fellowship at RUSH University (Chicago). Beside his academic appointment as an Associate Professor, he is also the Medical Director of the Orthopedic Ambulatory Clinic and the Director of Spine Research at Boston University Medical Center (BUMC), where he has established a busy clinical practice treating a wide spectrum of spinal conditions ranging from degenerative-deformity to trauma. He has won multiple awards honoring his leadership style, clinical achievements, and bedside skills. Furthermore, he has conducted numerous basic science investigations, clinical trials, and exhibited vigorous academic productivity in the field of minimally invasive surgery. He has been proved a national and international distinction via prestigious traveling fellowships and invited presentations, and his work has expanded beyond the art of medicine into the art of medical illustrations and biomedical innovations. Learn more about Dr. Tannoury on ResearchGate and connect with him on LinkedIn and X.

JSS: From your point of view, what are the key skill sets of an author?

Dr. Tannoury: In my opinion, the cardinal elements of classic philosophical virtues still hold true when it comes to skills and qualities that I appreciate in current researchers. These are as follows:

1. Wisdom: the ability to propose relevant hypotheses and conduct research projects appropriately, from beginning to completion.
2. Justice: health care inequality is a major national and international issue. Our work can help bridge the gap and hopefully help establish equity.
3. Courage: by possessing the ability to question and challenge certain academic dogmas, and ultimately change suboptimal practices.
4. Moderation: the humility to look beyond one’s inherent biases and pursue the truth without predisposition. 

JSS: Can you share with us the importance for a research to apply for institutional review board (IRB) approval?

Dr. Tannoury: IRB, through a vigorous independent review process, ensures that scientific projects are ethically and safely conducted. The omission of this process may lead to preventable harms to research subjects and the erosion of the public trust in academia.

JSS: Would you like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers who have been devoting themselves to advancing scientific progress?

Dr. Tannoury: Despite the advancements in musculoskeletal care, we still face various and universal challenges, whether in the operating room or in clinical settings. Many of us, who have achieved advanced and unequal understanding or have reached uncommon solutions to commonly faced obstacles, are called to improve our collective knowledge by sharing their findings via academic writing and scientific discourse.

(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)

Jon E. Block

Dr. Jon Block, PhD, is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, consultant and philanthropist. For over three decades, he has served as a trusted advisor to executive management in the evaluation, development and commercialization of cutting-edge medical device technology. A recognized authority on diseases of the musculoskeletal system, he has made considerable contributions to orthopedics and spine surgery, and amassed an impressive dossier of publications with over 150 articles in the peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about Dr. Block here and connect with him on LinkedIn.

JSS: From your point of view, what role does academic writing play in science?

Dr. Block: The old adage “publish or perish” endures as a truism and peer-reviewed publications remain the most important avenue for disseminating scientific information in the medical community. This fact is emphasized in a recent editorial in JSS by Malham and Mobbs entitled Is it still worth writing a research paper in 2024? Beyond the communication of medical knowledge, the amassing of a corpus of publications is often key to career advancement, leadership positions in specialty societies, selection to scientific advisor panels, and editorial positions at top-tier journals. Additionally, publications remain vital to the commercialization of new medical products and technologies as reimbursement and clinical adoption are reliant on the supporting body of literature.

JSS: Can you share some tips with our readers on how to avoid biases in writing academic paper? 

Dr. Block: I am a strong believer in the idea that every paper should have a point of view – is the glass half full or half empty? That said, when I initiate development of any manuscript, I start with a thorough grasp and understanding of the supporting literature. Becoming a subject matter expert allows you to provide the unvarnished truth when it comes to acknowledging and representing all sides of the story.

JSS: Why did you choose to publish in JSS?

Dr. Block: Because our paper described the first two cases in South Africa of total joint replacement of the lumbar spine using the MOTUS device with an extraordinary 16 years of post-operative follow-up, it is imperative that we reach an international audience of neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. Based on this foundational research, the motion-preserving MOTUS device is now being evaluated in a large multi-center clinical trial in the treatment of lumbar spinal degeneration versus traditional fusion surgery. JSS has provided the perfect venue to showcase this landmark research.

(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)

Marthinson Andrew Tombeng

Dr. Marthinson Andrew Tombeng is a Neurospine Surgeon in the Department of Neurosurgery at Sam Ratulangi University in Manado, Indonesia. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Udayana University in Bali, Indonesia. His fellowship training included a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery at the Center for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, Shin-Yurigaoka General Hospital in Japan, as well as a fellowship in Spine Surgery at the Tokyo Spine Clinic. Additionally, he had worked as an international researcher and completed a Spine Surgery Fellowship Training at Tokushima University Hospital, Japan. These extensive training opportunities have provided him with advanced skills in spine surgery, allowing him to make significant contributions to both clinical practice and academic research in the field. Connect with Dr. Tombeng on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Academic writing, to Dr. Tombeng, is essential because it provides a structured and systematic way for the communication of ideas and knowledge. By relying on evidence and adhering to established academic standards, it ensures that the information shared is both reliable and credible. He thinks this evidence-based approach makes academic writing a valuable resource for advancing understanding, as it allows readers to engage with well-researched, thoughtful arguments. Furthermore, academic writing plays a crucial role in the learning process. It not only helps readers gain new insights but also encourages critical thinking and the development of analytical skills. By presenting complex concepts in a clear and organized manner, academic writing fosters deeper comprehension and supports the intellectual growth of its audience.

Speaking of avoiding biases in one’s writing, Dr. Tombeng believes the first priority in writing should be to maintain honesty throughout the process, ensuring that ideas are presented transparently without manipulating the data. “It is essential to support our ideas with strong and credible evidence rather than relying solely on personal opinions. Additionally, using proper language and carefully selecting words can help clarify the message for readers and minimize potential biases,” says he.

Finally, Dr. Tombeng points out that it is important to follow reporting guidelines because they ensure that research is shared in a well-organized, open, and easy-to-understand way. This not only helps the authors present their work clearly but also strengthens the overall quality of scientific knowledge, making it easier for others in the field to engage with and build upon the research. He thinks in a way, it is like providing a standard for others to follow, ensuring consistency across studies and enhancing the reliability of the entire scientific process.

(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)

Samuel N. Goldman

Dr. Samuel Goldman, BS, is a third-year medical student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, with plans to apply for an orthopedic surgery residency next year. He earned his bachelor's degree in Movement Science from the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. Before entering medical school, he worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Hospital for Special Surgery's Integrated Spine Research Program. There, he focused on evaluating the effectiveness of cellular bone matrices (CBM) and platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) as alternatives to autografts in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures. His work also included studies on optimal interbody cage porosity for enhancing bony ingrowth and ongrowth, as well as the efficacy of robotic navigation in spinal surgery. Additionally, at the University of Michigan's Maerz Lab, he investigated post-traumatic osteoarthritis in murine models and explored potential therapies, including endocannabinoid agonists. His current research interests lie in developing multi-modal machine learning models and employing natural language processing to predict outcomes and costs after spinal surgery, advancing robotic navigation in spinal procedures, and studying postoperative radiculitis following lumbar decompression and fusion surgeries. He works closely with Dr. Mitchell S. Fourman and Dr. Ananth Eleswarapu at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Connect with Dr. Goldman on LinkedIn.

Dr. Goldman believes that a strong academic paper begins with identifying a gap or shortcoming in current clinical practice, whether from firsthand experience or from reviewing existing literature. Once a need is established, a thorough literature review should be performed to provide a solid background and context for the topic. This is followed by formulating a clear hypothesis and developing rigorous and reproducible methods. Results should be presented accurately, objectively, and truthfully. The discussion should analyze the main findings with nuanced interpretation, exploring potential explanations and their implications. He thinks that it is important to clearly outline the study's strengths, limitations, and future directions for research. The conclusion should summarize what the paper contributes to the existing body of literature, how it may benefit patients or the field, and outline possible next steps to further advance the investigation.

When selecting evidence for synthesis and analysis, Dr. Goldman points out that it is essential for authors to ensure that the data directly relate to their study. He exemplifies by demonstrating that when comparing the findings with other studies, authors should explicitly highlight key differences, such as variations in study samples, experimental designs, outcome measures, or follow-up durations. Recognizing these nuanced differences is crucial when synthesizing data from multiple sources, as he thinks that even studies on similar topics often have unique aspects. Balancing differing perspectives can enhance the synthesis and offer a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, authors should transparently acknowledge any limitations, such as inconsistencies or small sample sizes, and move beyond simple summarization to identify patterns, gaps, and contradictions within the evidence.

In addition, Dr. Goldman highlights that data sharing is crucial in scientific writing as it promotes transparency, reproducibility, and trust in research. By sharing the data, authors allow others to validate findings, conduct further analyses, and explore new avenues of inquiry. This openness accelerates scientific progress, reduces redundant efforts, and strengthens the integrity of published work. Data sharing also fosters collaboration and can lead to novel insights beyond the scope of the original study. However, he emphasizes that it should be done responsibly, with careful consideration of ethical and privacy concerns.

(by Masaki Lo, Brad Li)