In 2026, 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 (2026)

Sophie Beukers, St. Antonius Hospital, the Netherlands

Yosuke Miyachi, St. Luke’s International Hospital, Japan

Outstanding Author

Sophie Beukers

Dr. Sophie Beukers is a resident in cardiothoracic surgery at St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands. Her research focuses on innovation in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Currently, she is the study coordinator of the SAFE-CAB trial, evaluating a novel anastomotic device for distal coronary anastomoses and its potential use in minimally invasive surgery. In addition, she is analyzing sex-related differences in operative strategy and outcomes in CABG, with a focus on multi-arterial grafting, using data from the national cardiothoracic surgery registry. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Dr. Beukers believes that academic writing is vital for sharing new insights, techniques, and technologies in a structured and reproducible manner. Video articles add an important dimension, as they provide direct visual insight into procedural steps. Traditionally, new techniques were learned by observing experienced surgeons in selected cases, which is time-consuming and not always accessible, especially for urgent and emergent procedures. Academic and video-based platforms enhance efficiency and accessibility for both novice and experienced surgeons.

Dr. Beukers emphasizes the importance of sharing data upon reasonable request. Access to the underlying data fosters a deeper understanding of study populations and methodologies. It increases transparency, especially in an age where sponsor-initiated research is expanding rapidly, and allows others to validate findings reported by trials and assess their applicability in daily practice.

“When I started in research, I underestimated the time and persistence required to design a study, collect data, and complete the publication process. It can be demanding, especially when combined with clinical training. My main advice would be to stay consistent and finish what you start. At the same time, do not hesitate to involve more experienced colleagues. Research is rarely an individual effort, and their input improves both the quality and efficiency of your work,” says Dr. Beukers.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Yosuke Miyachi

Dr. Yosuke Miyachi completed his PhD in the Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery at Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine. After obtaining his doctoral degree, he joined St. Luke’s International Hospital, where he currently practices. His primary specialty is hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgery. In addition, he is also engaged in general surgery and acute care surgery, and he dedicates himself to daily clinical practice across these fields.

JOVS: How to ensure one’s writing is critical?

Dr. Miyachi: In clinical research, I believe it is unrealistic to claim that one approach is absolutely correct or definitively superior to another. Even if I consider option A to be better than option B, there are always potential drawbacks or limitations associated with that choice. Therefore, it is important not only to reflect critically on my own work, but also to actively seek critical feedback from colleagues and trusted peers. Encouraging others to provide constructive criticism is, in my view, an effective way to develop a manuscript with strong critical thinking.

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

Dr. Miyachi: Yes, I believe that disclosing COI is extremely important in academic research. Transparency is essential to maintain trust in scientific findings. Even when researchers strive to remain objective, COI can introduce both conscious and unconscious biases that may influence study design, data interpretation, and reporting. For this reason, appropriate disclosure allows readers to better understand the context of the research and to interpret the results more fairly and critically.

JOVS: Academic writing takes a lot of time and effort. What motivates you to do so?

Dr. Miyachi: During the period as a graduate student, my primary motivation for academic writing was to build my track record through publications. However, my perspective has gradually evolved. Currently, I am motivated by the desire to contribute, even in a small way, to the advancement of medicine through my daily clinical practice. I also hope that my work may provide useful insights or practical guidance for surgeons who are facing similar clinical challenges.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)