In 2024, 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 (2024)

Dhiren Patel, Saint Louis University, USA

Outstanding Author

Dhiren Patel

Dr. Dhiren Patel, MBBS, MD, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He also serves as the medical director of GI motility in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital at Saint Louis University. He has expertise in taking care of patients with dysmotility of GI tract for various reasons. He has started a gastrointestinal motility program from inception and is now serving a large population of children with the GI motility disorders in the Midwest. Dr. Patel is one of the few gastroenterologists interested in CF-related GI manifestations and has received many grant awards from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to continue research in the area of gut motility. He serves on the Neurogastro and Motility Committee of the NASPGHAN (North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) and the planning committee of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference. Dr. Patel’s bibliography can be found here. Connect with him on X @DPatelMotility.

In Dr. Patel’s view, academic writing plays several crucial roles in science – communication of research findings, peer-review process, documentation, and reproducibility of results, building a platform of existing knowledge base, establishing authority and research excellence, education, and training for future learners. Overall, academic writing is integral to the scientific process as it facilitates the exchange of ideas, ensures the quality and validity of research, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in various fields of science.

Dr. Patel points out that by implementing several strategies, one can minimize biases in his/her academic writing and produce research papers that are objective, credible, and intellectually rigorous. These include awareness of personal bias and acknowledgment/reflection in own writing; use of impartial language and description of evidence-based factual points; critical evaluation of source material and citations; transparency in methodology; peer review and incorporation of feedback; and consultation with experts in the field as well as samples from the broad audience/readership.

At last, Dr. Patel would like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers, “Through your research, writing, and commitment to excellence, you are pushing the boundaries of human understanding and contributing to the collective advancement of society. Your work not only expands the frontiers of science but also has the potential to address pressing challenges and improve the lives of people around the world. Keep writing, keep exploring, and keep pushing the boundaries of what we know in the field of your interest and expertise. Your work is invaluable, and your impact is immeasurable!”

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)