In 2026, many 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 perspectives and insightful views as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2026)

Peerapong Sangsungnern, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

Boban Banjac, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Montenegro

Antonio Pérez-Martínez, University Hospital La Paz (HULP), Spain

Mia Gisselbaek, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland

Outstanding Author

Peerapong Sangsungnern

Dr. Peerapong Sangsungnern is an anesthesiologist and lecturer at Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, which is located in the northeastern part of Thailand. He completed his residency program in anesthesiology in 2017, followed by subspecialty training in pediatric anesthesia and subsequently in cardiac anesthesia. He also has a particular interest in transplant anesthesia.

As a medical instructor, Dr. Sangsungnern believes that academic writing is an essential part of his professional responsibilities. After breaking the ice and gradually opening himself to the process, he has become more engaged and connected with it over time. As he continues his career as a medical educator, he believes that he can maintain his skills through academic writing. He aims not only to enhance his abilities but also to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in his field, particularly in anesthesiology.

Beyond creativity in producing interesting and engaging work, Dr. Sangsungnern deems that the most important quality an author—especially a researcher—should possess is strong ethical integrity. Upholding research ethics ensures the credibility and reliability of the work, and it is fundamental to maintaining trust within the academic community.

“Time is essential for conducting research, and I am no exception. Fortunately, my department allocates dedicated academic time, which allows me to focus on writing and research. I am also fortunate to have supportive colleagues who collaborate with me on research projects, making our tasks more manageable and achievable. That said, I must admit that I still need to use some of my personal time, including weekends, to continue working on my papers. However, I am okay with this because I view it as part of my professional growth and responsibility,”says Dr. Sangsungnern.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Boban Banjac

Boban Banjac is a radiology resident at the Clinical Center of Montenegro and a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro. He graduated as the top student of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, and has received multiple awards for academic excellence. He is the author of a scientific monograph and several published scientific papers in the fields of radiology, neonatology, and clinical medicine. His main research interests include neuroradiology, imaging biomarkers, and artificial intelligence in medical imaging. His academic work is particularly focused on the use of neuroimaging and biomarkers in the evaluation of brain injury, as well as on the broader role of diagnostic imaging in clinical decision-making. Alongside his clinical training in CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray, Dr. Banjac remains actively engaged in research that connects radiology, artificial intelligence, and translational, data-driven medicine.

A good author, in Dr. Banjac’s view, should be able to identify what is truly important within a large amount of information and transform it into a clear, meaningful, and well-structured message. In scientific writing, this means not only having strong subject knowledge, but also the ability to critically evaluate evidence, recognize the main point of a study, and communicate it in an academically sound yet accessible way. To him, an author should be precise, analytical, and honest, but also be able to present complex ideas simply enough for the audience to clearly understand the core objective and relevance of the work. In addition, he believes that persistence, curiosity, and openness to revision are essential, because good writing is rarely produced in a single step.

According to Dr. Banjac, avoiding bias in writing begins with intellectual honesty. An author should stay focused on the evidence, be careful not to overinterpret findings, and remain aware of personal expectations or preferences that may influence how results are presented. It is also important to consider alternative explanations and to acknowledge the limitations of the work rather than trying to make conclusions appear stronger than they are. In his opinion, another very valuable safeguard is some form of external supervision or independent review. Whether it is a more experienced colleague, a mentor, or a professor, having another person critically read the work can help identify assumptions, unclear reasoning, or unbalanced interpretations that the author may not notice alone. Clear methodology, accurate citation of sources, and openness to revision are also essential for making scientific writing more objective and trustworthy.

“Academic writing takes a great deal of time, discipline, and patience, but for me it has always felt like something very natural. In a way, I could say that it is part of the environment in which I grew up, because I come from a family of physicians who have also been deeply involved in academic and scientific work, so I was raised with a strong respect for medicine, research, and continuous learning. Over time, that environment has shaped my own motivation to ask questions, look for evidence, and try to contribute something meaningful to the field. What motivates me most is the feeling that scientific writing is not only a way to present results, but also an important path for professional growth, deeper understanding, and continuous improvement in clinical and academic work. Although it requires a great deal of effort, it is also highly meaningful and rewarding,” says Dr. Banjac.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Antonio Pérez-Martínez

Dr. Antonio Pérez-Martínez is the Head of Pediatric Hemato Oncology at University Hospital La Paz (HULP) and Full Professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid. He has built his distinguished career with the objective of integrating advanced therapies—NK and NKG2D CAR T cells—into clinical practice to transform the prognosis of pediatric cancer, a rare disease with few clinical trials and, in most cases, representing an unmet clinical need. He has an extensive track record as a mentor of young researchers, a prolific publication record in prestigious journals, and has served as principal investigator in 16 clinical trials in pediatric hemato oncology. Through close collaboration with the CRIS Foundation, he has implemented cutting edge oncological therapies and developed the first academic CAR T therapy for pediatric patients in Spain, as well as two pioneering European clinical trials in pediatric sarcoma and childhood leukemia. He has also led the clinical translation of activated NK cell therapy. His trajectory combines clinical leadership, in house GMP development, and coordination of European consortia for early phase trials in refractory pediatric tumors, making his work essential for translating scientific advances into effective treatments for pediatric patients in Spain. Connect with him on LinkedIn and X.

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

Dr. Pérez-Martínez: In medical science, and particularly in paediatric haemato‑oncology, critical writing is inseparable from clinical responsibility. Research findings directly influence decisions that affect some of the most vulnerable patients and their families; therefore, a critical approach is not merely a methodological choice but an ethical imperative.

Paediatric haemato‑oncology research is inherently constrained by small sample sizes, marked biological and clinical heterogeneity, the rarity of many diseases, limited accumulated knowledge, and strict ethical limits on experimental interventions. These factors demand especially careful interpretation of evidence and transparent acknowledgment of uncertainty. In this field, caution, precision, and clarity are not signs of scientific weakness but indicators of maturity, rigour, and respect for the patients whose lives ultimately depend on the responsible application of scientific knowledge.

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

Dr. Pérez-Martínez: Disclosure of COI is particularly critical in paediatric haemato‑oncology, a field in which therapeutic advances frequently involve high‑cost medications, industry‑sponsored clinical trials, and rapidly expanding pharmaceutical pipelines. Within this landscape, transparency is essential for preserving trust among clinicians, patients’ families, and society at large. A COI does not inherently invalidate research findings; however, it may subtly influence study design, choice of comparators, prioritisation of outcomes, data interpretation, or the framing of conclusions. In my view, open declaration of COI strengthens scientific credibility. In a field where research outcomes directly inform decisions affecting children with life‑threatening diseases, maintaining trust through transparency is not only a hallmark of good scientific practice but a fundamental moral obligation.

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

Dr. Pérez-Martínez: My primary motivation is the translational impact of medical writing. In paediatric haemato‑oncology, writing is not simply about disseminating results; it is about contributing to incremental improvements in knowledge, diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment intensity, and supportive care. Even modest advances can translate into meaningful gains in survival or reductions in long‑term morbidity for children. Every step matters in a field that evolves rapidly and continues to face many unmet clinical needs. Academic writing allows us to slow down, reflect critically, and ensure that scientific enthusiasm does not outpace evidence. Finally, as a university professor and clinician‑scientist, I regard writing as an essential educational tool. In a discipline where evidence develops quickly, well‑written and critically grounded scientific texts become anchors for clinical judgement and lifelong learning. We stand on the shoulders of giants, but it is our collective responsibility to move the field forward by developing safer and more effective treatments for paediatric haemato‑oncological diseases. This requires constant critical appraisal of current therapies and an ongoing commitment to improvement.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Mia Gisselbaek

Mia Gisselbaek, MD, MSc, is a pediatric anesthesiologist, medical anthropologist, and sociologist. She is affiliated with the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), the University of Geneva, and the McGill University Health Centre. She has worked in anesthesiology, medical education, and health equity, focusing particularly on mentorship, the impostor phenomenon, diversity and inclusion, gender equity, and the impact of artificial intelligence on medicine and healthcare leadership. Dr. Gisselbaek has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications examining bias in AI-generated medical content and images, physician well-being, leadership representation, and educational innovation. Her recent projects explore the intersection of medical education, equitable healthcare systems, and well-being. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in medical education, focusing on the impostor phenomenon and the calibration of confidence throughout medical studies and residency. Through her research and clinical work, she strives to foster a culture of humanity in medicine. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

One of the most common challenges in academic writing, according to Dr. Gisselbaek, is conveying complex ideas clearly and concisely. This is especially true in medicine, where most exams are based on multiple-choice questions and oral exams. Researchers are often deeply familiar with their subject matter, which makes it difficult to present their findings in a way that is accessible to readers with different levels of background knowledge. Other frequent difficulties include organizing a coherent narrative, maintaining logical flow, addressing reviewer comments, and balancing scientific rigor with readability. Additionally, many authors struggle to find sufficient time for writing amid competing research, clinical, teaching, and administrative responsibilities.

Balancing the roles of physician, researcher, and parent is one of the greatest challenges of an academic career. Unlike other professional responsibilities, parenting does not pause when a manuscript deadline approaches. Therefore, effective time management is essential. Dr. Gisselbaek has learned to intentionally protect dedicated writing time, working in shorter, highly focused blocks rather than waiting for long, uninterrupted periods, which rarely exist. She also integrates writing into the research process by documenting ideas, methods, and results as projects evolve, which lightens the load later on. It is equally important to accept that productivity may look different during various stages of life. Parenthood has taught her to prioritize, work efficiently, and focus on what truly matters. Although balancing family life and academic responsibilities can be challenging, she believes that it also fosters perspective, resilience, and motivation.

“Academic writing is fascinating because it transforms ideas, observations, and discoveries into knowledge that can be shared with the global scientific community. The process is both creative and analytical, requiring critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication. A well-written paper can influence future research, inform clinical practice, and inspire new questions. I find it most rewarding to know that scientific writing allows individual discoveries to contribute to a larger collective effort to advance understanding and improve lives,” says Dr. Gisselbaek.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)