In 2024, many JOVS 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)

Aman Goyal, Magister Chirurgiae Association, India

Outstanding Author

Aman Goyal

Dr. Aman Goyal is a graduate of MBBS (2018-2024) from Adesh University, Bathinda, Punjab, India, and the Founder of the Magister Chirurgiae Association. He served as the Editor of original research publications at JAMSA (Journal of Asian Medical Student Association) from 2022-2023. His deep-seated interest in medical literature and research has led him to actively engage as a peer-reviewer for esteemed surgical journals, including the International Journal of Surgery (IJS), Annals of Medicine and Surgery, International Journal of Surgery Open (IJSO), and the Cureus Journal of Medical Sciences, and medical student journal such as the British Student Doctor Journal (BSDJ). His research endeavours predominantly revolve around the surgical sciences, with a pronounced focus on surgical gastroenterology and oncology. He contributed significantly to various research projects in General Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Ophthalmology, and OBGY, resulting in the successful publication of over 10 papers in international peer-reviewed journals. His ultimate aspiration is to evolve into a surgeon-scientist distinguished in this specialized field of surgical gastroenterology and oncology. Connect with Dr. Goyal on LinkedIn and follow his Association here.

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

Dr. Goyal: In the field of medicine, producing a high-quality academic paper involves several key components. The cornerstone of a well-structured paper lies in adhering to the IMRD (Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion) format, a widely recognized method for organizing scholarly work. It serves as a blueprint, guiding authors through the sequential development of their research.

Moreover, strict adherence to established guidelines and checklists is imperative during the drafting process. These resources serve as invaluable tools, ensuring that no essential aspect of the paper is overlooked. By systematically following these guidelines, authors can effectively navigate through each section of the IMRD framework, thereby enhancing the coherence and comprehensiveness of their work.

The credibility of any academic paper is the robustness of its statistical analysis. An unbiased and balanced approach to statistical interpretation is essential, taking into consideration the patient’s demographics and variables within the study. This validates the findings of the research and also instils confidence in the reader regarding the integrity of the research.

I believe the methodology section assumes paramount importance within an academic paper. It serves as a roadmap, elucidating the details of how the study was conducted, such as randomization in the case of randomized controlled trials. A transparent methodology not only facilitates comprehension but also lays the groundwork for future researchers, offering insights into the protocol and methodologies employed.

Furthermore, the accurate citing of references is fundamental. It not only lends credence to the work but also acknowledges the contributions of previous researchers in the field. Keeping these points in mind is helpful for crafting a good academic paper.

JOVS: What authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?

Dr. Goyal: Authors preparing a paper should keep several critical factors in mind to ensure its quality and suitability for publication. Firstly, they must ensure the originality of their contribution, avoiding any potential issues related to copyright infringement or self-plagiarism. Moreover, authors should meticulously review the literature to identify existing knowledge gaps and ensure their research question aligns with these gaps. The paper's title and abstract play crucial roles in attracting readers; thus, they should be concise, clear, and accurately represent the paper's content.

In constructing a paper, authors need to provide a comprehensive literature review and construct a cogent argument synthesizing relevant information. The introduction should provide a clear, structured description of the background and rationale for the study, while the methodology section must offer a thorough explanation of the chosen study design and data collection methods. Results should be presented credibly, supported by valid statistics, and aligned with the research question, utilizing clear text, tables, and figures.

During the discussion section, authors should critically analyze their findings, discuss their implications, and acknowledge any limitations. Finally, the conclusion should succinctly summarize the main arguments and conclusions while highlighting future prospects. Before submission, authors should ensure proper formatting of references, inclusion of necessary tables and figures, and thorough proofreading for spelling, grammar, and potential plagiarism. By adhering to these guidelines, authors can enhance the quality and impact of their scientific papers.

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

Dr. Goyal: Yes, I strongly believe that data sharing is crucial for authors in scientific writing. In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards promoting transparency and reproducibility in research, and data sharing plays a pivotal role.

Firstly, sharing research data allows for greater transparency in the scientific process. By making their data openly available, authors provide an opportunity for other researchers to scrutinize and verify their findings, thereby enhancing the credibility and reliability of the research. This transparency fosters trust within the scientific community and ensures that research outcomes are based on robust evidence.

Access to shared datasets enables researchers from diverse backgrounds to explore new hypotheses, conduct further analyses, and generate novel insights. Collaborative efforts fueled by shared data can lead to the development of more effective solutions to complex research questions. Also, it allows authors to extend the reach of their findings beyond the confines of individual studies.

In summary, data sharing is indispensable for authors in scientific writing as it enhances transparency, encourages collaboration, and amplifies the influence of research endeavours. However, it's imperative to prioritize patient confidentiality by ensuring that sensitive information remains safeguarded.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)