In 2023, many AOJ 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 (2023)

Venu Kavarthapu, King’s College Hospital, United Kingdom

George Murrell, University of New South Wales, Australia

Walter van der Weegen, Anna Hospital, the Netherlands

Seper Ekhtiari, McMaster University, Canada

Speros Gabriel, Kansas City University, USA

Nicholas N. DePhillipo, University of Pennsylvania, USA

Samuel Morgan, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada

Filippo Familiari, Magna Graecia University, Italy

John Nyland, University of Louisville, USA

Stephen C. Weber, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA

Michele Mercurio, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy

Yuichi Hoshino, Kobe University, Japan

Jorge Rojas Lievano, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia

Outstanding Author

Venu Kavarthapu

Prof. Venu Kavarthapu is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom. He is the Orthopaedic and Reconstructive Lead of the internationally renowned King’s Diabetic Foot Unit. His other responsibilities include Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, Education Committee Member of British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, and Member of UK Vascular Society SIG on Diabetic Foot. He is also the immediate Past-President of the International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons. His special interest is on Diabetic Foot Surgery. He developed a number of surgical techniques and protocols on the surgical management of the diabetic foot, with a greater emphasis on the functional limb salvage of deformed and infected Charcot foot. He published extensively on this subject that included the surgical techniques and outcomes of isolated hindfoot and midfoot, combined hindfoot and midfoot and staged reconstructions of infected Charcot foot deformities, using the internal fixation technique. Learn more about Prof. Kavarthapu here, and follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Academic writing is critical, in Prof. Kavarthapu’s view, for the advancement of science. In medicine, academic writing encourages innovation, identifies the need for new discoveries, allows critical appraisal of existing and new methods, weeds out bad practices and promotes good practices.

To Prof. Kavarthapu, an academic author should study the subject being written thoroughly, understand it with an open mind, substantiate this by performing a critical appraisal of all relevant published evidence, clearly formulate and organize the thoughts on the article and communicate this in a structured manner using appropriate illustrations and citations.

On the other hand, Prof. Kavarthapu believes it is critical that the authors maintain transparency, openness and honesty in academic writing. Any relevant Conflict of Interest (COI) from all authors contributed to the article should be disclosed in the article appropriately. As a result, the readers of the article will be able to develop their own opinions on the relevance of the disclosed COI and make an informed decision on their views.

“Academic writing is the backbone of my professional development. My area of specialty is progressively developing and continuously evolving, with newer techniques and methods being developed and evaluated all the time. It gives me immense pride and satisfaction in contributing to this advancement through my clinical research and academic writing,” says Prof. Kavarthapu.

(By Brad Li, Eunice X. Xu)

George A. C. Murrell

Prof. George Murrell was appointed Director of the Orthopaedic Research Institute at St George Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia in September 1995. He graduated from Adelaide University and was the 1984 South Australian Rhodes Scholar. At Oxford, he completed a DPhil (PhD) thesis on "Dupuytren's Contracture" and was awarded the Royal College of Surgeons Arris and Gale medal for this work. Prof. Murrell completed his orthopaedic training at Duke University, USA where he also established a research program on tendon healing and was supported by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. He then completed a two-year fellowship in sports medicine, shoulder surgery and research at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York. During this time, he gained a National Institutes of Health First Award, an American Orthopaedic Association North American Travelling Fellowship. Prof. Murrell specialises in shoulder surgery and has a special interest in arthroscopic methods to repair and restore damaged ligaments and tendons. His basic research interests include the role of free radicals, especially nitric oxide in the musculoskeletal system. Learn more about Prof. Murrell here and here, and follow him on Facebook.

AOJ: What are the most commonly encountered difficulties in academic writing?
Prof. Murrell: I think it is important to have a clear understanding as to what question you are trying to ask. It is always good to have a very clear scientific question rather than a “look / see” type of approach and, of course, you need to be confident you have the resources (patients, instruments, etc) to answer the question.

AOJ: Science advances rapidly day by day. How do you ensure your writing is up-to-date and can give new insights to the field of research?
Prof. Murrell: Two main ways of keeping up to date. 1) read the Journals and if you are a reviewer, that’s often a good chance to see what the new work that’s coming through is; and 2) attend the major conferences in your relevant area. For me, it is the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. That usually contains the “latest and greatest” in my area.

AOJ: The burden of being a scientist/doctor is heavy. How do you allocate time to write papers?
Prof. Murrell: I think as a surgeon scientist the most helpful thing is to allocate your week into defined modules, clinical modules and research time modules, and not allow them to overlap. It is quite a different part of the brain that is used to design research, write and correct papers; from seeing patients.

AOJ: Data sharing is prevalent in scientific writing in recent years. Do you think it is crucial for authors to share their research data?
Prof. Murrell: It is very important in the methods section of each paper that the information, as to how the research was done, is detailed enough that someone else can reproduce that work. That is crucial. In terms of the actual data, I personally don’t think it is that useful to use other people’s data because you don’t really understand the ins and outs as to what their selection criteria were, what their patient population was and these might all be quite variable, whereas if you use your own data, your own patients, you do have a good understanding of the nuances of that data.

(By Brad Li, Eunice X. Xu)

Walter van der Weegen

Dr. Walter van der Weegen is a senior research director employed at the department of orthopedic surgery in the Anna Hospital (Geldrop, the Netherlands). After receiving his PhD on metal-on-metal hip implants under the supervision of Prof. Dr. R. Nelissen (University of Leiden), he continued his research into implant longevity. From 2018, he also started research project on developing and applying artificial intelligence in orthopedic surgery. He collaborates with a team of outstanding researchers in the Anna Hospital and is a board member of the Scientific Committee of the Dutch Orthopedic Association and the European Hip Society. Connect with Dr. van der Weegen on LinkedIn.

What makes a good academic paper? In Dr. van der Weegen’s view, first and foremost, the research topic of a paper has to be original, or at least present an original angle towards a known problem. Personally he likes academic papers to have a direct clinical impact. He explains, “With such a paper, we can positively influence the care that is given to our patients. Either by presenting evidence for a new treatment or by debunking myths that have grown over time in clinical practice. Of course, even with difficult topics, there needs to be a nice “flow” in the academic paper, so our readers can easily follow the scientific reasoning and process in our paper. And needless to say, the methods section has to be robust.”

Scientific authors, according to Dr. van der Weegen, have to possess multiple qualities. First, it would be helpful if one has a profound understanding of the English language, which is the standard in scientific publishing. On top of that, one needs to be positive and resilient, and never give up. “We all know that the path of publishing a scientific paper is not straightforward: editors and reviewers are very critical, and rightfully so. But learning which scientific paper fits best with which scientific journal takes time, perseverance and a positive attitude,” he says.

History is filled with experiments on humans that any well reasoning person would consider to be at least unethical or in some cases even criminal. And if we look back in history, we will be surprised that such experiments were even carried out not very long ago. To Dr. van der Weegen, by rigorously using and demanding institutional review board (IRB) approval, the above circumstances can be prevented and this will contribute to the high esteem that the public has of academic work. And seeking IRB approval will force the involved scientist to be more thorough in his/her scientific endeavors, thereby improving the quality of the scientific projects. Lastly, not only does this apply to all experimenting with humans, but also with animals.

“There are many nice things about AOJ. Importantly, it is an open access journal, so your publications can reach a much wider audience. Also, the review and processing steps go fluently and fast, and AOJ is aiming to reach an interdisciplinary forum,” says Dr. van der Weegen.

(By Brad Li, Eunice X. Xu)

Seper Ekhtiari

Dr. Seper Ekhtiari is a Canadian orthopedic surgeon who completed his medical and surgical training at McMaster University in Canada. He is currently the Hip Society/M.E. Müller European Travelling Fellow. He started his fellowship at the ENDO-Klinik in Hamburg, Germany with a focus on complex revision hip and knee arthroplasty including single stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection. He is currently a Young Adult Hip fellow at Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom. His interests include adult hip and knee reconstruction, as well as hip preservation and management of active patients with early arthritis. He also enjoys exploring links between orthopedics and other scientific fields, having published the first known case of osteosarcoma in a dinosaur. Connect with Dr. Ekhtiari on Twitter and follow him on ResearchGate.

Academic writing, according to Dr. Ekhtiari, is perhaps one of the most important components of the scientific process. No matter how carefully a study is conducted, if its findings cannot be communicated effectively to the scientific community and the public, it is unlikely for that work to have a broad impact on the real world. Importantly, in today’s world, academic writing should include not only the journal publication process, but also public dissemination of study findings through traditional media and social media outlets.

Just like any other part of the scientific process, Dr. Ekhtiari believes that academic writing improves with dedicated practice and specific, constructive feedback. Formal training, including academic and creative writing courses also exist which can help researchers to develop their writing skills. Feedback from supervisors, colleagues, peer reviewers, and journal editors should be considered carefully, and used as a learning tool to help improve writing quality over time.

Speaking of the need for studies to apply for institutional review board (IRB) approval, Dr. Ekhtiari considers it an absolute requirement of any study which includes human or animal subjects. Its importance should be self-evident, and is the main way in which the scientific community tries to minimize and mitigate undue risk and harm to patients participating in research studies. He points out that the history of IRBs dates back to the Nuremberg code in the aftermath of World War II, and they exist today to protect patients and research study participants. While some studies may qualify for limited or delegated IRB review (rather than a full panel review), all studies should apply to an IRB within the appropriate category prior to conducting the research. Any study that omits this process should not be conducted, and if it is, the results should not be published. Furthermore, the researchers should be held accountable for contravening one of the most basic requirements and tenets of the modern scientific process.

“Dr. P.J. Devereaux, from McMaster University, is one of the most prominent researchers in the field of cardiovascular and perioperative medicine. In a talk to our orthopedic surgery residents, he once talked his inspirations for academic work. To paraphrase, he spoke about the fact that by producing high-quality, meaningful studies, we have the unique opportunity to impact the care of thousands, if not millions of patients globally. This impact is on a scale far beyond what a single clinician could achieve through clinical care only. In addition, recent events have highlighted yet again how important public scientific literacy is, and I believe it is our responsibility as researchers to do a better job of communicating with the public about the scientific process, the research we do (usually with direct or indirect public funding), and how our findings may impact future patients,” says Dr. Ekhtiari.

(Brad Li is the main author; Yi Tang, an intern of AME, helped proofread this interview)

Speros Gabriel

Dr. Speros Gabriel is a PGY-2 orthopedic surgery resident working in Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas, USA. His training is based at HCA Research Medical Center and surrounding local hospitals through affiliation with Kansas City University and the private practice group, Orthopedic Surgeons, Inc., providing vast exposure to the field of orthopedics. His academic work has recently involved the upper extremity, specifically arthroplasty of the shoulder. He plans to pursue fellowship-level training in the field of orthopedic sports medicine. Orthopedics is his passion, and he began with exercise physiology training at The Ohio State University, where he graduated with honors. Dr. Gabriel is committed to optimizing his surgical and academic involvement as well as educating future orthopedic physicians.

As for Dr. Gabriel, he believes that a good academic paper should thoroughly evaluate the topic being researched with the goal of advancement of the field and the benefit of patient care. Regardless of the level of evidence, an effort made to accomplish these parameters is a valiant cause. In addition, he thinks that authors should strive for a thorough understanding of their field with knowledge of historic landmarks and current trends while focusing on how their contribution can improve upon the foundation that has been established by others.

Bias, as part of the research, has a variety of examples and definitions based on study design and human involvement. To avoid bias in writing and research, Dr. Gabriel recommends having a clear intention in writing and study design. And authors should follow research protocol and study design parameters as closely as possible to limit bias.

Academic writing takes time and effort, but Dr. Gabriel is motivated, for he is passionate about the field of orthopedics and maximizes his opportunity to contribute to patient care and the continued progression of surgical techniques and treatment options. More importantly, participating in academic research has broadened his knowledge of orthopedics, allowing for personal growth and a better understanding of best practice management. He has planned to contribute to academic writing throughout his career.

Data sharing has been prevalent in scientific writing in recent years. Dr. Gabriel thinks data sharing is an opportunity for authors and practitioners to build upon the work of others and expedite the production of valuable writing. He says, “We live in a time where communication and access to others’ work are becoming increasingly common due to technological advancements. Authors should have a thorough understanding of the source data being utilized. I believe that data sharing could enhance current research studies and patient care.”

(by Alisa Lu, Brad Li)

Nicholas N. DePhillipo

Dr. Nicholas DePhillipo is a clinician-scientist who has specialized training in the field of orthopedics sports medicine. He currently serves as a Research Associate within the Dodge Lab at the University of Pennsylvania and COO of Mechano Therapeutics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and two master’s degrees in Exercise Physiology and Business Administration. He completed a fellowship in orthopedic surgery at The Steadman Clinic (Vail, CO) and previously worked as a Physician Extender to Dr. Robert F. LaPrade, MD, PhD. In Dr. LaPrade’s practice, he acted as a first assistant in the operating room for > 2,000 orthopedic surgeries and published over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Under the mentorship of Dr. Lars Engebretsen, MD, PhD, he completed his PhD thesis on “Meniscal Ramp Lesions” and received the BJSM PhD Academy Award for his team’s work. Dr. DePhillipo’s current research interests include cartilage repair, drug delivery, meniscal pathology, and ACL reconstruction. More information about Dr. DePhillipo can be accessed through his LinkedIn and ResearchGate page.

Dr. DePhillipo believes that a good academic paper starts with a clear understanding of the problem, gaps in the literature, and a concise scientific question. Most great papers are well-organized, structured, reproducible, and supported by sufficient quality references. Also, having a clear take-home message for the audience may increase the readability and strength of a paper.

While in academic writing, Dr. DePhillipo thinks it is always a difficult task to take something complex and make it easily digestible, which is often the case with scientific research regardless of the focus area. Yet, having a clear understanding of the problems, and potential solutions are key to writing in a concise manner. Most difficulties he sees involve the research methods which ought to be reproducible, align with the research objectives, and be supported with a robust statistical design.

Learning how to best synthesize data from multiple sources is often challenging. Dr. DePhillipo would like to share some tips on selecting the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis. He says, “I prefer to use a systematic approach, similar to conducting a systematic review with specific keywords and screening criteria at each step. Again, having a clear and concise question (with specific inclusion/exclusion criteria) dramatically expedites this process and reduces selection bias. I think it’s very important to also make a habit of reading as many academic journals that are relevant to your field as possible in order to keep up with current and new research which will save you time later.”

Dr. DePhillipo thinks his experience with his first paper submission was also very interesting and impressive, “I can remember working on my first research paper that was going to be sent for publication. It was a daunting task with so many unknowns. To help others going through this, the first thing that I’d recommend is to get a mentor to provide guidance and support. Second, going through a manuscript submission process alone provides invaluable knowledge that cannot be taught. You understand what is on the other side, the unknown becomes comprehensible. After you receive your first painstaking review from editors and peer-reviewers, you understand what they are looking for—you then begin to think like a reviewer. This process becomes more understandable, and you are now able to break down barriers and increase effectiveness in how you conduct your research. Through my academic writing, I learned that sometimes there is no substitute for experience.”

(by Alisa Lu, Brad Li)

Samuel Morgan

Dr. Samuel Morgan is a PGY-2 orthopaedic surgery resident at the University of Ottawa in Canada. His program is primarily based at The Ottawa Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario with comprehensive training across all subspecialties of orthopaedics. His academic work has recently involved adult hip and knee reconstruction. His passion for orthopaedics began in medical school. Through observing his mentors, he was amazed by the impact their work and dedication had on their patients’ quality of life. Being able to contribute to that progress motivated and excited him.

Dr. Morgan considers academic writing as one of the main contributors to the scientific world today, and it is also the way that professionals advance the field they are passionate about. With the introduction of evidence-based medicine, people are always wanting to ensure that their practice reflects the best possible care for their patients. Even if something seems intuitive in practice, there should be evidence to support it. He adds that from the perspective of a trainee, it helps develop curiosity at early stages, helping them understand the rationale for why so much effort and time is dedicated to producing high-quality evidence. It gets trainees excited about contributing to the greater scientific collective, inspiring them to answer questions they are curious about.

From a resident or attending’s perspective, Dr. Morgan thinks a commonly encountered challenge in academic writing is the competing interests they face. In particular, they are constantly trying to balance clinical responsibilities and administrative roles, and it is important to dedicate adequate time and effort to ensure good research is produced and communicated to the community so that current practice reflects the best available evidence. In his opinion, an additional challenge is understanding that the process from inception to a good publication is long and requires patience, determination, and a collaborative effort from individuals with different expertise.

Speaking of how to ensure one’s writing is critical, Dr. Morgan points out that we should go through the process of producing a manuscript. It is essential to consistently consider several aspects, including ensuring you are answering the right question and that the result of your work will be able to impact patient care and be intervened upon.

(By Alisa Lu, Brad Li)

Filippo Familiari

Currently, Dr. Filippo Familiari holds the position of Associate Professor in Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery at Magna Graecia University in Catanzaro, Italy. His research journey began during his fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, where he gained a solid foundation in scientific research techniques as they apply to clinical practice. This invaluable experience set the stage for his subsequent fellowships at Universitätsklinik Balgrist in Zurich and the Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado, USA. Throughout his career, Dr. Familiari has collaborated as a co-author on more than 80 peer-reviewed papers, contributed to 10 book chapters, authored a book, and had the privilege of presenting over 110 abstracts at national and international conferences. In addition to his contributions to academic literature, he has successfully secured over 1 million euros in research grant funding within the past year and a half, furthering the advancement of his field. Contact Dr. Filippo on LinkedIn.

Dr. Filippo thinks academic writing is a captivating endeavor. Firstly, it allows researchers to delve deep into a subject, explore new ideas, and contribute to the body of knowledge in one’s respective fields. It is a means of sharing insights, discoveries, and innovative perspectives with a global community of peers. Additionally, academic writing sharpens one’s critical thinking, research, and communication skills, enhancing one’s ability to convey complex concepts effectively. The process of crafting a well-structured, evidence-based argument and seeing it published is incredibly rewarding, as it enables researchers to influence and inspire others in their field.

Dr. Filippo reckons that there are several pivotal considerations authors must keep in mind when preparing a paper. Firstly, it is essential to clearly define the research question or objective and ensure that the study addresses a significant gap in the existing literature. A systematic and rigorous methodology is crucial, as it determines the validity and reliability of the findings. Authors should also pay close attention to ethical guidelines, ensuring proper citation and avoiding plagiarism. Moreover, the paper's structure and organization are vital. A well-structured article with a logical flow of ideas, concise writing, and visually appropriate can significantly enhance its readability and impact. Lastly, authors should be prepared for the peer-review process, which may involve revisions and feedback from experts in the field. Maintaining open-mindedness and a commitment to improving the paper based on constructive criticism is essential for success.

In addition, Dr. Filippo thinks balancing the demands of a scientific or medical career with the need to write papers can be challenging, but effective time management is the key. He prioritizes writing by setting aside dedicated blocks of time in his own schedule. He treats writing as a professional commitment, much like patient care or lab work, and allocates specific hours each week to focus on his research and paper writing. Additionally, collaborating with colleagues and co-authors can also help distribute the workload and provide valuable insights. Ultimately, finding a balance between clinical or research responsibilities and writing is essential to consistently produce high-quality papers.

Speaking of why he chooses to publish in Annals of Joint (AOJ), Dr. Filippo replies, “Firstly, AOJ is renowned for its commitment to excellence in orthopedic and joint research. The journal has a strong reputation for rigorous peer review and a wide readership, ensuring that my research reaches a diverse and knowledgeable audience. Furthermore, the journal's editorial team is highly respected in the field, and their expertise adds credibility to the published work. AOJ's open-access model also aligns with my commitment to disseminating knowledge to the widest possible audience, facilitating greater accessibility and impact for my research. Overall, publishing in AOJ provides an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the field of orthopedics and joint research while benefiting from the journal’s reputation and reach.”

(By Alisa Lu, Brad Li)

John Nyland

Dr. John Nyland is a senior research scientist at the Norton Orthopedic Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Louisville (gratis). Currently, his research interests focus on three areas: joint preservation, primary ACL injury prevention, and holistic interventions that facilitate optimal physical function across the lifespan. In addition to his recent review paper “A clinical practice review of therapeutic movement-based anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction return to sports bridge program: the biological, biomechanical and behavioral rationale” published in Annals of Joint, he recently published “ACL microtrauma: healing through nutrition, modified sports training, and increased recovery time” in the Journal of Experimental Orthopedics, and a guest editorial in Sports Health entitled “Overuse Noncontact ACL Injury in Young Athletes: Since We Can't Completely Fix It, Why Not Prevent It?”. Dr. Nyland encourages readers to visit the ON Foundation website to learn more about orthoregeneration. In particular, he encourages readers to view Dr. Roli Jakob’s anniversary colloquium entitled “Preventing Orthopedic Myopia in 2023”.

Dr. Nyland thinks a distinguished paper should move beyond theory to improve patient care or prevent sports injuries from happening in the first place. In addition, it should inspire other research teams to focus better. He considers that an excellent paper is one that “has legs” in being widely cited and stimulating additional research on a topic.

“The single most important thing is the research question,” Dr. Nyland reponds when he is asked about what authors have to bear in mind when preparing a paper, “Is it important, and can you answer it based on the methods you plan to use?” Pragmatically, he encourages colleagues and students to get their ideas down on paper as soon as possible. Do not quibble over proper grammar or wordsmithing with the initial drafts. There is nothing more frightening than a blank sheet of paper!

To ensure one’s writing is critical, Dr. Nyland believes this starts with having a sound foundational understanding of existing literature. Even after doing this, given that we live in the information age, he also thinks that it is a good idea to dive into the newest literature at least one or two times more before finalizing a paper. New information arrives at a rapid rate these days. From a practical standpoint, once we have a sound understanding of what is currently known and what is not, we should surf the knowledge gaps to further our understanding of an important topic.

“The burden of being a scientist/doctor is heavy. How do you allocate time to write papers?” This question makes Dr. Nyland smile. He says, “My father worked two 8-hour shifts in different factories from Monday through Friday and was a butcher on Saturdays for much of his life. He did this so that I would have the opportunity to attend college. There is nothing that I do that remotely resembles the burden that he carried his entire life to provide me with the opportunity to write papers. My advice on time arrangement is to learn to prioritize placing the most difficult or time-consuming projects first (after family and religion). Another good practice is to say ‘no’ to some projects that infringe on personal or family time. I have not been too good at this over my career. Family should come first, while remember you need some personal time too. I like to fish and play the guitar with my personal time.”

(By Alisa Lu, Brad Li)

Stephen C. Weber

Dr. Weber did his undergraduate and medical school at the University of Michigan, where he was an Alpha Omega scholar. His internship and residency were at the University of California. He then studied in Switzerland with the A.O. group as the Jack Daniel’s Award recipient from this group. He then had the privilege of working with Dr. Richard Caspari, completing an arthroscopy fellowship in 1986. Dr. Weber was in private practice with an active clinical research practice in Sacramento, where he published numerous papers, clinical articles, and book chapters. He is a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. In 2015, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. In 2016, he was awarded the Smith and Nephew/James C. Esch Award for Outstanding Clinical Research from AANA. Contact Dr. Weber on LinkedIn.

Talking about the role academic writing plays in science, Dr. Weber says, “It’s a little like the old joke about advertising, ‘Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.’ Unless you publish your work, no one knows (or can benefit from) your work. It can be painful and time-consuming, but without publication, the work has little value.”

Dr. Weber thinks that ensuring one’s writing is critical is challenging, as what is “trendy” is often publishable but far from critical. One needs to look no further than thermal capsulorrhaphy, a very popular technique that completely disappeared from view with critical follow-up. Therefore, he suggests publishing what you feel makes a difference instead of worrying about what is “trendy.”

When asked how to allocate time to write papers, Dr. Weber says he also asked one of his well-published colleagues the same question, and his colleague said, “Well, I don’t play golf.” Dr. Weber thinks, especially in private practice, where there is no renumeration for publication, it has to be a well-loved hobby. That said, it is surprising how many doors open when people begin to read your work. The international colleagues he has become friends with have made the work of publishing more than worthwhile.

Finally, Dr. Weber would like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers who devote themselves to advancing scientific progress, “Codman stated ‘every hospital should follow every patient it treats, long enough to determine whether or not the treatment had been successful, and then to inquire,’ ‘If not, why not?’ If we don’t study our patients, we have no idea the outcome of our work and cannot improve the care of our patients.”

(By Alisa Lu, Brad Li)

Michele Mercurio

Dr. Michele Mercurio currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery at the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy. He completed the prestigious German-Austrian-Swiss Society for Orthopaedic Traumatologic Sports Medicine (GOTS) fellowship at cutting-edge centers: Rennbahnklinik and University of Basel (Switzerland), St. Josefs-Krankenhaus, University of Paderborn and Osnabruck (Germany), University of Wien and Krems (Austria). He also completed a fellowship directed by the Italian Society of Arthroscopy, Knee, Upper Limb, Sports, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies (SIAGASCOT) on revision knee replacement and won the Robert Bulcholz Grant from The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. He published over 50 peer-reviewed papers, presented 60 abstracts at national/international conferences, and acted as lead or assistant surgeon in 1500 procedures. He also holds a patent for an industrial invention relating to a surgical helmet. He is the current Vice-President of the Federation of Orthopaedic and Trauma Trainees in Europe (FORTE) and is a member of the SIOT Pain Committee and SIAGASCOT Ankle and Foot Committee. Connect with Dr. Mercurio on LinkedIn and ResearchGate.

Academic writing plays a fundamental role in science. To Dr. Mercurio, it represents the latest evolution from experience-based oral tradition to a clear and repeatable scientific method that tests a hypothesis and accepts or rejects it. He explains, “Practice is experience, while academic writing is science. Although they are both important, they are clearly different. Moreover, only writing allows us to reach everyone. And only if innovation is widespread can it be defined as scientific progress.”

In Dr. Mercurio’s opinion, a good paper is made up of different sections, and each of these should be treated in detail regardless of whether it is a retrospective analysis, an RCT, or a systematic review. Guidelines for Reporting Medical Research must always be followed. A clear and concise introduction with a well-defined hypothesis on a current and possibly controversial topic is also important. Materials and methods should be suited to the hypotheses to be tested; the methodology adopted must be precisely defined by declaring the times and methods of evaluation to allow repeatability of the research. Considering statistical design and results, measurement is the first step, but only if you measure something can you report and understand it. And only if you understand it can you control and improve it. Finally, the Discussion should analyze the main results point by point and provide a comparison with the data already published, avoiding deductions but rather preferring consistency as in the Conclusions.

“Academic writing takes a lot of time, but the time to be considered in the entire scientific project that underlies it is much more. The key word in these cases is planning. Many hours a week must be allocated to research while combining outpatient visits and the operating room. In fact, clinical practice is important both in the data collection phase and in putting into practice the results obtained or those published by other authors. The possibility of working with international research groups and with researchers who are experts in other disciplines makes the work very motivating. The ability to face and solve the problems of the path, the perseverance in working even when publication seems far away, the clarity of dealing with the reviewers' comments in the awareness that peer review represents a precious added value, strengthen the character by allowing the researcher to improve as a person and as a surgeon. Finally, the possibility of publishing one's own manuscript in the knowledge of having contributed, even in a small way, to scientific progress is a source of profound pride and honor,” says Dr. Mercurio.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Yuichi Hoshino

Dr. Yuichi Hoshino is a lecturer in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Kobe University, Kobe, Japan. He graduated from Hokkaido University School of Medicine in 2000 and then completed his orthopaedic residency and postgraduate education at Kobe University, earning his PhD in 2008. From 2009 to 2011, he did a research fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. His clinical practice focuses on sport-related knee injuries. He performs around 100 ACL reconstructions per year. Also, he has served as the team physician for several sports teams. Dr. Hoshino has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He has given over 50 international meeting presentations since 2007. He is an editorial board member of the KSSTA journal and an active member of several international orthopaedic societies, including AAOS, ORS, ISAKOS, ESSKA, APKASS and ACL study group. He has also served as a scientific committee member at the ISAKOS meeting since 2015. Connect with Dr. Hoshino on Facebook, Instagram and X.

The way Dr. Hoshino sees it, academic writing assumes a pivotal role in the scientific domain, acting as the primary means for communication, dissemination, and the progression of knowledge within the scholarly community. Researchers must share their insights with a global audience to propel the ongoing advancements in science. The structured format inherent in academic writing facilitates the conveyance of intricate scientific concepts, accommodating non-native English speakers, including individuals like himself, without necessitating an advanced mastery of literary skills. Proficiency in academic writing ensures the seamless transmission of knowledge to fellow researchers and emerging scholars, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of science. In essence, academic writing stands as the bedrock of scientific progress, fostering the continual evolution of knowledge across diverse disciplines.

Avoiding biases in writing is imperative, in Dr. Hoshino’s view, particularly in scientific and medical literature, to uphold objectivity and credibility. Researchers must be cognizant of their own biases and preconceptions. While challenging, it is essential to exert every effort to mitigate personal beliefs stemming from cultural backgrounds, professional affiliations, or conflicts of interest (COIs). To him, collaboration is paramount. Research is always a team effort, and objectivity is attained through the inclusion of diverse viewpoints. The more collaborators with varied perspectives, the greater the objectivity in research activities. The peer-review processes can serve to mitigate biases. Researchers should appreciate, rather than resent review comments, incorporating valuable ideas into their manuscripts. Critical reviews often refine and enhance the quality of a manuscript. Also, he believes that engaging in self-critique is vital. Data and information should undergo multiple reviews, considering alternative explanations or interpretations. Transparent disclosure of any COIs is necessary to enable readers to independently assess potential biases. Incorporating these practices into the writing process empowers authors to enhance the objectivity of their work, contributing significantly to the overall integrity of scientific and medical literature.

“To all the dedicated academic writers who tirelessly contribute to advancing scientific progress, your commitment to knowledge dissemination and innovation is truly commendable. Your work plays an indispensable role in shaping the future of research and healthcare. While each manuscript might have a limited impact on the vast scientific field, every effort is undoubtedly valuable and irreplaceable. Our collective efforts at each step will undoubtedly contribute to advancing the academic journey and pave the way for future breakthroughs. Thank you for your invaluable contributions, and may your academic endeavors continue to inspire and shape the future of science,” says Dr. Hoshino.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Jorge Rojas Lievano

Jorge Luis Rojas Lievano, MD, MSc, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia. He is recognized for his expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of degenerative, traumatic, and sports-related injuries affecting the shoulder and elbow. With a master’s in science in Clinical Epidemiology, enriched by research experiences at Johns Hopkins University and Mayo Clinic, Dr. Rojas has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications. His leadership role extends beyond surgery, influencing orthopedic research nationally and driving advancements that shape patient care and surgical practices in Colombia. Connect with Dr. Rojas on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

In Dr. Rojas’s view, a good academic paper is one that addresses unresolved issues within its field, potentially altering clinical practices or enhancing our understanding of complex diseases and patient treatment strategies. It is characterized by a rigorous methodological approach, transparency regarding its limitations, and a contribution that is both significant and impactful. Such papers are valuable not only for their immediate findings but also for their contribution to the broader academic discourse, guiding future research and clinical applications. Importantly, it provides insights that enlighten the reader with new knowledge or perspectives, thereby enriching the reader's understanding in a way that was not possible before.

To ensure one’s research and clinical practice remain at the forefront of orthopedics, Dr. Rojas believes it is crucial to understand the specific challenges the patients face, both locally and globally. This entails staying informed about the latest trends in disease prevalence, access to care issues, evolving treatment modalities, and patient outcomes. Leveraging new data analysis methods and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), can provide innovative approaches to research questions. By continuously engaging with the latest scientific literature, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks, one can integrate the newest findings and technological advancements into one’s work, ensuring that one’s contributions are both relevant and pioneering.

“The fascination with academic writing lies in its power to communicate complex ideas and research findings in a way that can fundamentally change our understanding of diseases and conditions and thus how we approach patient care. Through careful analysis, presentation of data, and discussion of implications, academic writing serves as a conduit for sharing knowledge that can lead to new treatment strategies, better patient outcomes, and advancements in medical science. It bridges the gap between discovery and application, enabling researchers and clinicians to contribute to the ongoing evolution of healthcare practices,” says Dr. Rojas.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)