In 2024, many TBCR 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)
Mara A. Piltin, Mayo Clinic, USA
Eleonora Nicolò, Weill Cornell Medicine, USA
Outstanding Author
Mara A. Piltin
Dr. Mara A. Piltin is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in the Division of Breast and Melanoma Surgical Oncology. She has an interest in clinical outcomes research, innovative surgical techniques, and a passion for education. She is actively involved in the FDA clinical trial evaluating the robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy technique. Recent publications include outcomes for melanoma patients and breast cancer patients. As a member of the I-SPY2 locoregional working group, she has utilized the data from this large multi-center clinical trial to ask important surgical questions. She currently serves as an Associate Program Director for both the Mayo Clinic General Surgery Residency Program and the Mayo Clinic Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship. She has an interest in complex patient review and co-leads both the breast and cutaneous oncology disease site tumor boards for her institution. Connect with Dr. Piltin on LinkedIn and Twitter/X @DrMaraPiltin.
The essential elements of a good academic paper, according to Dr. Piltin, are rooted in the question being asked. A strong study design has a clear academic hypothesis and acknowledges a gap in the existing literature. That academic question is then asked in a way that can be answered. She highlights it is important to focus on a consistent subject matter or patient population so that the results can be interpreted clearly. Additionally, a key component of a good academic paper is practicality. She adds, “Real-world applications are a fantastic way to translate strong academics into advancing our fields.”
During preparation of a paper, Dr. Piltin indicates that authors must remember to do one’s best to account for bias. In her opinion, there are many types of bias introduced when writing a paper, and focusing on minimizing bias will give the best quality scientific product. Another important component is clear communication of the science being performed so that the reader can interpret the methods utilized and the results obtained. She believes authors should also acknowledge and be familiar with the relevant literature available on the subject matter to ensure their contribution is novel, additive, and valuable to the current landscape.
“Publishing in TBCR is a great opportunity to share our work with a field of subspecialists interested in similar oncologic academic content,” says Dr. Piltin.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Eleonora Nicolò
Eleonora Nicolò is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer and translational research. She completed her fellowship at the European Institute of Oncology (Milan, Italy) in the New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies Division, honing skills in managing and conducting early-phase clinical trials. Passionate about breast cancer research, Dr. Nicolò joined Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli’s Laboratory at Weill Cornell Medicine (New York, USA) in September 2022, focusing on applications of liquid biopsy in breast cancer. As a research fellow, she is dedicated to investigating circulating biomarkers, particularly circulating tumor cells and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, to advance understanding and treatment strategies for breast cancer patients. Connect with her on X, and learn more about her research here.
TBCR: What are the most commonly encountered difficulties in academic writing?
Dr. Nicolò: Academic writing can present multiple challenges. When writing articles, it is essential to formulate meaningful research questions, choose the best way to answer them, analyze and interpret results critically, and ensure that the research is comprehensible to others. Authors often struggle to make complex ideas understandable without oversimplifying them, trying to balance clarity and conciseness in reporting data. Ensuring a smooth flow of ideas can be difficult as well. Another challenge is related to the selection of the sources. With the increasing volume of published works, being up-to-date and identifying the most relevant and reliable evidence can be arduous. Moreover, developing critical thinking skills is essential in academic writing to analyze and contextualize others' research findings, rather than simply describe them. Effectively managing time between clinical responsibilities, research, writing, and revising in order to meet deadlines is also a common difficulty.
TBCR: Academic writing often involves evidence synthesis. Can you share tips on selecting the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis?
Dr. Nicolò: Academic writing often involves evidence synthesis, which requires careful consideration in selecting appropriate material. To begin, it is essential to conduct a thorough literature review to grasp the existing knowledge on the topic. When analyzing previously published works, it is important to critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses, taking into account factors like sample size, methodology, and potential biases. Given the growing volume of published works, it is crucial to carefully analyze the credibility and reliability of the sources; peer-reviewed journals, renowned publishers, and expert’s work should be prioritized. Also, depending on the field, more recent evidence might be more relevant, but it is important to remember that initial theories that formed the basis of your research as well as seminal works should not be overlooked. Finally, it is important to incorporate a variety of viewpoints and perspectives in order to ensure a balanced analysis, avoid bias, and offer a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
TBCR: Is it important for authors to disclose Conflict of Interest (COI)? To what extent would a COI influence a research?
Dr. Nicolò: In academic research, writers must disclose COIs because these can impact the research findings or how they are reported. Acknowledging any potential COI helps maintain the objectivity, integrity, and credibility of the research. Disclosure of COI is important to allow readers to evaluate if there may be bias in the research results or interpretation. By demonstrating openness about factors that might influence the work, disclosure of COI also builds trust with the reader. Indeed, even if a COI does not directly influence the research, the perception of bias can undermine its credibility, making transparency essential to mitigate such perceptions. To minimize the impact of COI on research, collaboration among researchers, institutions, and reviewers is imperative. This involves disclosing external interests, subjecting research to rigorous peer review, and implementing oversight procedures. In essence, disclosing COI is an ethical responsibility and a key aspect of maintaining the integrity of academic research, thereby preserving its credibility and trustworthiness.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)