In 2024, many ASJ 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)

Kathryn McKnight, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland

Outstanding Author

Kathryn McKnight

Dr. Kathryn McKnight, BMBS, BSc, is currently completing her surgical training at the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, in addition to a Masters in Surgery. She completed her postgraduate BMBS medical training at the University of Limerick after earning her undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language therapy from the University of Galway. She plans to complete her specialty surgical training with the Royal College of Surgeons followed by a fellowship in Surgical Oncology. Her most recent research projects focus on breast and endocrine surgery. Looking forward, her hope is to expand her focus to research in the area of oncoplastic surgery. She continues to fulfil her interest in teaching, being involved in mentoring and educational opportunities, while developing her academic portfolio by attending and presenting at both national and international conferences.

In Dr. McKnight’s opinion, a good academic paper should have a clear structure and be concise. It not only discusses existing research but also critically analyzes it. As a researcher, it is important to be critical and to clearly acknowledge research limitations and strengths as well as being able to interpret the implications of the findings.

In constructing an academic paper, Dr. McKnight points out the following things that an author should bear in mind. 1)Evidence-based medicine dictates day-to-day practice for healthcare professionals. It is important to consider how one’s research is contributing to the existing research base, what new information has been unveiled and how this may affect clinical practice. 2)Research is fast paced and staying up to date with the continual changes can be a challenge. 3)Planning is central to successful research output; provide oneself with adequate time to correctly analyze data and thereby accurately produce an outcome. 4)Considering the target audience and the original aim of the research is crucial throughout the research process to ensure one is answering the original research question and pitching it at an adequate level.

In addition, Dr. McKnight indicates that shared knowledge is a powerful tool. In view of this, data sharing promotes collaboration and transparency and thus strengthens the credibility of the research. Sharing of research also enables researchers to reproduce related studies and prevents production of redundant research, ensuring new questions or areas are targeted.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)