In 2024, many JHMHP 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)
Grégoire Mercier, Montpellier University Hospital, France
Mohamed Nabeeh Ibrahim, University of Malaya, Malaysia
Alexandra Gomes, LSE Cities, UK
Peter J. Marcotullio, City University of New York (CUNY), USA
Xiao Li, University of Texas Health Science Center, USA
Anmol Khanna, Royal Perth Hospital, Australia
Luigi Di Lorenzo, IRCCS Neuromed, Italy
Rhodri Saunders, Coreva Scientific, Germany
Glenn Melnick, University of Southern California, USA
Ammar Ali Alraimi, Sana’a University, Yemen
Joachim P. Sturmberg, University of Newcastle, Australia
Minh Chuong Truong, University of Technology, National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Alaa Alshraa, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Outstanding Author
Grégoire Mercier
Dr. Grégoire Mercier is head of the Data Science team at the Montpellier University Hospital and a researcher associated with IDESP (UMR UA11 INSERM/University of Montpellier). His work focuses on the impact of the environment on health and the analysis of social and geographical inequalities in access to healthcare. He is co-founder of KanopyMed, a start-up developing individual and population-based decision support tools by applying artificial intelligence methods to different health data sources. As a public health physician by training, he holds a Master's degree in Health Economics (London Schools of Economics) and a PhD in Economics and Management (University of Montpellier). He was awarded the Commonwealth Fund's Harkness Fellowship to work at Harvard Medical School during 2018-2019. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
In Dr. Mercier’s view, a good academic paper significantly contributes to bridging the gap between science and policy. He says, “Academic writing is fascinating as it enables complex ideas and concepts to be conveyed in short texts.”
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Mohamed Nabeeh Ibrahim
Mohamed Nabeeh Ibrahim hails from the scenic islands of the Maldives. Recently, he achieved a milestone in his academic journey by completing the research thesis for his Master of Arts in media and communication studies from the esteemed University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During his academic journey at the University of Malaya, Mohamed focused his research project on crisis communication and its connection with public health. His thesis delved deep into effective public health communication during a public health emergency and the usage of social media in the domain of crisis communication. Driven by a passion for leveraging the power of communication, especially the power of social media communication for societal well-being, Mohamed’s current interest lies at the crossroads of social media and public health research. He is particularly interested in exploring the potential of social media for health promoters and health institutions as a tool for social marketing. With a keen interest in bridging communication theories with practical applications in public health communication, Mohamed is driven to make meaningful contributions to both academia and the broader field of public health communication. Connect with him on Instagram and LinkedIn.
According to Mohamed, one of the most essential elements in a good academic paper is attention to detail in writing, even to minute details such as keywords used in the manuscript to the title of the paper. A lot of times, academicians are so invested in writing a compelling paper that they forget the main purpose of academic research and academic papers, which is to relay information and provide new knowledge to the field and other researchers and whoever is interested in a particular area of research. Therefore, he believes it is important to have a detailed focus on writing a cohesive and coherent paper that is easy to read and comprehend. A research paper might have fascinating findings or interesting new methods, but if the academic paper is not written in a way that is easily understandable, it might not be able to contribute to the field that it could have. The paper has to be written in a detailed and understandable manner so that the paper is easy to reproduce by inquisitive researchers. He adds, “So when I am writing papers, I keep a special focus on writing in an explicable way, that even new researchers or keen public could take away something from my work.”
In Mohamed’s view, there are a few things that authors should bear in mind during preparation of a paper. Firstly, a researcher has to be on top of the current research published in the field of the paper. It is extremely crucial to read and understand the newest papers published in the area of research the researcher is writing about. This would help the author in having in-depth knowledge about the field of research, which would greatly contribute to the quality of the paper. Secondly, the author must understand the audience to make sure the paper is written in a way that is tailored to the recipients. This includes the writing style, terminology used, and technical details involved, including the level of technical facets to ensure the engagement and comprehension of the paper. Thirdly, the author has to be open to feedback. Peer reviewing and feedback is a crucial process in publishing a quality academic paper, so all authors have to understand the role of peer review and feedback while using feedback as a pathway to further enhance the paper. When faced with scrutiny, authors should keep an open mind and take the paper further ahead with the feedback received so that the paper could provide more value to the readers and contribute better to the broader field of research. Other than these, he emphasizes that all authors must ensure the paper falls within the ethical guidelines of the research field and provide accurate data, analysis, and interpretations, maintaining the papers credibility and integrity.
“While choosing a journal to publish, I always look into the quality of papers published in a particular journal in the field related to the paper. JHMHP has numerous quality papers published that greatly contribute to the field of public health and hospital management. With quality papers comes credibility, and JHMHP is recognized as a reputable and credible journal within the field of hospital management and public health. Publishing my paper in a respected journal such as JHMHP enhances the visibility and credibility of my work, potentially leading to a greater impact and recognition while making a meaningful contribution to the field of public health communication,” says Mohamed.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Alexandra Gomes
Alexandra Gomes is a Research Fellow responsible for coordinating spatial analysis across a range of projects at LSE Cities. She holds strong interdisciplinary skills, and her focus spans socio-spatial comparative analysis and urban policy with an interest in sustainable mobility, health inequalities, public space, urban sensescapes, and visual communication. She has led and coordinated research projects across diverse scales and geographies, spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. She is also an LSE Data Science Institute (DSI) Affiliate and an LSE Middle East Centre Associate. Dr. Gomes is currently working on a project on (De)constructing health & wellbeing through data and has co-led two projects on the impact of car-centric development in the Gulf: the Public Space in Kuwait project and the Roads as Tools for (Dis)connecting Cities and Neighbourhoods project. To promote awareness of better public space design and walkability in Kuwait, she co-authored the Kuwaitscapes card game. Learn more about her here.
JHMHP: What are the most commonly encountered difficulties in academic writing?
Dr. Gomes: There are many challenges in academic writing. It is a lengthy process, and you need to follow the rules of the 'game.' The first one that I deal with constantly is time. To be able to write an academic paper, you need time. As an academic, you are often submerged in work, from conducting research to writing grant applications or teaching and marking assignments. Time is not something that you have in abundance—especially in a research career. Then, when you finally have the time, you face the entire process of writing and getting it published. This whole process requires a combination of discipline, patience, and perseverance, where all three should go hand in hand. To make your life easier, you should choose the journal in advance to format your writing according to the journal's guidelines and layout rules. Thus, finding the right journal (one that accepts your manuscript) is crucial so that after you've written your manuscript, it can be accepted and go through the peer-review process. However, finding the right journal is not as easy as it seems, and the peer-review process can also be challenging. These are not minor difficulties, but they are also not insuperable. So, if you want to publish, I would say, “Just go for it!”
JHMHP: Academic writing often involves evidence synthesis. Can you share tips on selecting the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis?
Dr. Gomes: Being concise without losing the main information and focus is a significant challenge, as often, you have a lot to say with limited words available. Following the structure of the journal helps you understand the word count limitations and frequently provides guidance on paragraph names and structure to follow. This can assist in understanding where to expand or condense the content. Secondly, deciding on the focus of your article and maintaining it throughout your narrative is crucial. The more focused you remain, the easier it should be to write concisely. The development of the text depends on your own writing technique. I employ a mix of methods; sometimes, I write freely without regard for word count and then edit to meet the limit, while other times, I use bullet points and word limit labels as guides. However, regardless of the approach, I engage in multiple rounds of writing, rewriting, and reading until I achieve a focused narrative that aligns with the paper's aim and journal guidelines. In my experience, positive peer reviews, such as the feedback received on the paper submitted with my co-author Ricky Burdett (from research funded by Impact on Urban Health) to this journal, are invaluable. The reviewer’s constructive criticism and suggestions for improving focus and evidence synthesis have helped us enhance the quality of our work.
JHMHP: Is it important for authors to disclose Conflict of Interest (COI)? To what extent would a COI influence research?
Dr. Gomes: Disclosing COIs is fundamental for transparency throughout the academic process and ensures the trustworthiness of its results. I also think that independent peer review is a crucial tool for mitigating potential compromises stemming from COIs.
The extent of that conflict depends on the individual and how it might influence or compromise the research results. Therefore, transparency not only demonstrates an intent of integrity and credibility from the researcher, but also enables all readers to understand the underlying factors, potential biases, and influences, empowering them to make their own judgments on the final output.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Peter J. Marcotullio
Peter J. Marcotullio is a Professor of Geography at Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), Director of the Center for Sustainable Cities at Hunter College, Associate of the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), and a faculty member of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Program at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Urban Planning at Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). Recent research projects include heat, flooding, and energy security vulnerability studies in New York City. Recent assessment work includes co-chair of the Energy Working Group for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) Climate Assessment, member of the New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC4), and chapter lead in the Second North American State of the Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR2). He is the co-editor-in-chief of Urban Climate (Elsevier). Get to know more about Prof. Marcotullio through his homepage, Google Scholar and ResearchGate.
JHMHP: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?
Prof. Marcotullio: It is a challenge for me to write a well-crafted paper quickly. Hence, I am biased in thinking about important aspects of paper writing. Writing an academic paper takes time, which seems to be a luxury nowadays. The drive to publish, get tenure, and increase citation counts often overcomes careful construction and publication of papers. There are many reasons for taking time to write or re-write an academic paper. I speak from experience, as I can see in my work when rushed to finish a paper, I did not fully develop my ideas, did not polish sentences, and sometimes made other significant mistakes (for example, submitting the same chart twice for two different figures). It is so important to get the language and figures right. The extra time is well spent, as a thoughtful, well-written paper receives more interest than one noticeably thrown together quickly.
JHMHP: What authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?
Prof. Marcotullio: The critical first steps in preparing a research paper are clearly developing and articulating the research question, the hypothetical answer, and the rationale for why the work is important. Papers are often desk rejected if the authors have not clearly stated their contributions to the literature. The contributions, which a colleague of mine called the "big reveal," grow from the question/hypothesis and the problem being addressed (rationale). Clearly stating these elements will help readers place the work within the literature and make it more understandable. It is also important to keep in mind that only some are as steeped in the literature and the methods as the authors. This requires the author to think through all the details of the background and analysis and provide clearly and fully described components, characterizations, and dynamics. Providing clear and easily understandable figures, tables, and maps is also important for scientific papers. All figures, tables, and maps should be able to “stand-alone”, meaning that if they were taken from the document, the readers would be able to understand the relationships in the figure or table. This can be time-consuming, but well-constructed figures and tables help to secure clarity. Finally, seek out good critical feedback. I define a helpful review as one that identifies both good points and flaws and points to ways to address problems or lack of clarity. I do not find reviews helpful that simply attack or admire work. While it is sometimes difficult to receive criticism, most of the time, the reviewer or colleague is correct in that this is what a colleague perceives. Responding to reviews and criticisms often helps to make the paper better. If there is some issue, element, or method that isn't clear, it is the obligation of the author to correct that and make it so.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Xiao Li
Xiao (Lilac) Li is a fourth-year PhD candidate at the School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, specializing in Healthcare Management and Policy. She also has a minor in Health Economics and Biostatistics. Her research focuses on healthcare financial, economic, and clinical performance, with a particular interest in organizational strategies related to physician-hospital integration (PHI). Currently, Xiao is working on a project funded by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, examining organizational implementation readiness and the facilitators and barriers of a new anemia diagnosis intervention. She collaborates with Stanford University on projects related to team dynamics in healthcare settings. Additionally, she is deeply engaged in research on health disparities and behavioral science, including the impact of social support on vaccination acceptance among individuals with substance use disorders. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
From Xiao’s point of view, a good academic paper is characterized by rigorous methodology and significant practical implications. Rigorous methods ensure the reliability and validity of the findings, demonstrating that the research is thorough, and the results are trustworthy. Moreover, a good paper provides profound practical implications, meaning it not only advances theoretical knowledge but also offers actionable insights that can be applied in real-world settings. This relevance to practice makes the research valuable beyond academia, addressing current challenges or opportunities within the field. Additionally, a well-written paper is clear and concise, with a logical structure that guides the readers through the research process, findings, and conclusions. By combining methodological rigor with practical significance, a good paper contributes meaningfully to both scholarly discourse and practical applications.
In Xiao’s experience, one of the most common challenges in academic writing is effectively linking data results to their broader implications. She points out that many researchers, including herself, find it difficult to transition from presenting their findings to discussing their significance within the context of existing literature or practical applications. Another challenge is maintaining clarity and coherence when discussing complex ideas. Writers need to strike a balance between being thorough and concise, ensuring that their arguments are well-structured and easily understood by readers. Additionally, researchers often struggle with identifying and acknowledging the limitations of their studies without diminishing their findings. Properly situating their work within the broader academic discourse, while addressing potential critiques, requires careful consideration and precise articulation. Overall, seamlessly integrating data analysis with meaningful implications is a crucial yet challenging aspect of academic writing.
In Xiao’s view, academic writing is fascinating because it offers a platform for exploration, discovery, and intellectual engagement. One of its most compelling aspects is the chance to deeply investigate a specific topic, such as physician-hospital integration (PHI), allowing for the discovery of new insights and the contribution of original knowledge to the field. The process of synthesizing existing literature and building upon it to develop new understanding is both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Moreover, academic writing allows for the articulation of complex ideas and theories in a structured and coherent manner. This rigor challenges writers to think critically and analytically, honing their ability to communicate effectively. The pursuit of clarity and precision in conveying arguments and evidence is both a demanding and fulfilling endeavor. Additionally, academic writing connects scholars across the globe, fostering a community of inquiry and collaboration. It enables the sharing of diverse perspectives and methodologies, enriching the discourse and advancing collective knowledge.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Anmol Khanna
Dr. Anmol Khanna is a medical doctor based in Australia, currently pursuing a fellowship in medical administration and sports medicine. He has worked as a surgical registrar (Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedics) in leading Australian hospitals. With a background in engineering prior to entering the field of medicine, he combines technical expertise with medical knowledge, enriching his practice. Dr. Khanna is also an accomplished author, with books and research published in leading journals. His current research focuses on preventing sports injuries and enhancing organisational performance within healthcare. His publications can be accessed on ResearchGate. You may connect with him on Instagram.
A good academic paper, according to Dr. Khanna, ideally has an original topic that addresses a specific need or gap in the existing literature. It should include a comprehensive summary of existing research to provide context and highlight the relevance of the study. A clear research question and a detailed methodology section can help readers evaluate the quality of the research. In addition, he favours papers that present data and results with the use of diagrams and figures. A brief conclusion summarising the key points and significance of the research is also important. Finally, a thorough proofreading for grammar is required.
In Dr. Khanna’s opinion, in constructing a paper, authors should first clearly understand the objective of their research and what they aim to achieve or demonstrate through their study. Understanding the target audience is equally important, as this will influence the paper's language and complexity. If the authors aim to publish in a specific journal, they should familiarise themselves with the types of papers the journal prefers. Additionally, they must consider the specific requirements or standards set by their university or institution, especially if the paper contributes to academic achievements like fellowship points or for fulfilling academic roles. Ensuring the paper meets these criteria will significantly enhance its chances of acceptance and impact.
Seeing the prevalence of data sharing in scientific writing in recent years, Dr. Khanna emphasizes that it is crucial for authors to share their research data. The primary purpose of research is to share knowledge and transparent data sharing is essential for this. This allows readers to verify the accuracy and validity of the findings, ensuring that conclusions are based on solid evidence. This transparency fosters confidence in the research, enabling others to build upon the work and apply research findings in their work practices.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Luigi Di Lorenzo
Luigi Di Lorenzo is a specialist in rehabilitation medicine and in anesthesia & ICU. He has attained a PhD in Advanced Technology in Rehabilitation and a Master in Health Management. He has been the Director of the Rehabilitation Unit in Benevento, South Italy for 12 years. After a brief 8-month experience in Doha Qatar at The View Hospital, he became Chief Medical Officer at the Neuromed Group and senior research consultant at Research Hospital Neuromed, where he deals with robotic rehabilitation, spasticity and clinical translational research. Learn more about Dr. Di Lorenzo on LinkedIn, ORCID and ResearchGate.
From Dr. Di Lorenzo’s perspective, the major challenge he encounters in academic writing is to ensure the clarity and coherence of the writing. He finds it always challenging to ensure that his writing flows logically from one point to the next. As a non-native English speaker, language barriers add an extra layer of difficulty.
Academic writing often involves evidence synthesis. In selecting the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis, Dr. Di Lorenzo suggests evaluating the research methodology of the sources. Reliable evidence comes from studies with sound methodologies and rigorous peer review. Moreover, authors should provide sufficient background information to help readers understand the context of the evidence, explain why the evidence is relevant and how it relates to their argument.
In addition, Dr. Di Lorenzo stresses that it is crucial for authors to disclose Conflicts of Interest (COI) in their research. The disclosure of COIs ensures transparency and maintains the integrity and trustworthiness of the research process. By disclosing COIs, researchers contribute to the credibility and trustworthiness of the scientific community.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Rhodri Saunders
Dr. Rhodri Saunders loves problem solving and defines himself as a thinker and a doer, with a strong dislike for the word “can’t”. After completing his studies at the University of Oxford in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (MBioch) and Statistics (DPhil), he turned his attention to the healthcare. He has published in areas ranging from research ethics to protein structure prediction. In 2016, he founded Coreva Scientific in Germany to focus on health economics and value-based healthcare research for the MedTech sector. He and his team aim to improve healthcare delivery, helping patients to access the best products in an affordable and sustainable way. Current projects focus on areas such as women’s health, obesity management, cancer diagnostics, and care pathway modelling. Connect with him on LinkedIn and learn more about Coreva Scientific here.
JHMHP: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?
Dr. Saunders: The most important element is the storyline. This helps the readers along the way to understand the why, how, and wow of the paper. In the end, no one will know the research as well or as in-depth as the authors. As authors, we want as many readers as possible to understand our take home message. If that is of interest to them, then they will dive more into the details. That is, drilling into the results and deciding how relevant the work is to their field. If they are still with you, then it is at this point that the methods take center stage. They have to be well written to allow someone to reproduce the work as accurately as possible.
JHMHP: From an author’s perspective, do you think it is important to follow reporting guidelines (e.g. STROBE, PRISMA and CARE) during preparation of manuscripts?
Dr. Saunders: Definitely, first and foremost because journals will often reject papers that do not follow reporting guidelines. The guidelines are useful to authors, they ensure that we have not overlooked a key aspect of information that a reader will find helpful when judging our paper. Often, though, I find the guidelines too prescriptive or restrictive. Writing a good manuscript is an art and there must be some freedom for authors to tell their research story the way they want to.
JHMHP: Would you like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers who have been devoting themselves to advancing scientific progress?
Dr. Saunders: Thank you! I think that that is the main thing. The vast majority of my health economic research builds off other people’s primary research. We would be lost without these researchers and authors putting in the hours to understand how our healthcare systems work and how they can be optimized. To those researchers, please keep up the great work and, once more, thank you!
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Glenn Melnick
Glenn Melnick, Ph.D., is an expert in health economics and finance. He joined the School of Public Administration faculty in 1996. Previously, he served as a faculty member of the UCLA School of Public Health, a consultant at RAND, and an expert witness to the Federal Trade Commission. He has published in the American Journal of Public Health, Health Affairs, Medical Care, Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, Health Policy Reform: Competition and Controls, and Journal of Ambulatory Care Management. He has been a principal investigator for a number of funded projects in South East Asia and is currently working with universities in South East Asia to integrate AI into their curriculum and research activities. Learn more about Prof. Melnick here.
In Prof. Melnick’s view, a good academic paper includes clearly defined research questions and sufficient detail on data and methods for the readers to evaluate the basis of the paper’s conclusions. He highlights that it is important for authors to understand the audience of their work to help the paper focus on the key issues of interest to the particular audience, while at the same time maintaining scientific rigor.
Speaking of the prevalence of data sharing in recent years, Prof. Melnick reckons that the need for data to support academic research is clear and significant. He adds, “While data sharing among researchers is one potential source, it is generally difficult because it adds administrative complexity and costs to a project. A better solution is greater government support on development and ease of access to large databases that can be accessed by researchers.”
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Ammar Ali Alraimi
Ammar Ali Alraimi is an academic researcher and healthcare management expert, with dual PhDs in Business Administration with specializations in Health and Hospital Management at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, India, and Sana’a University, Yemen. His research focuses on improving the quality of health services through administrative control and the application of international healthcare standards, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Yemen. Ammar has served as General Manager at Rowad Healthcare Company and has extensive experience in academia, having lectured in health management and related fields for over a decade. He has published research on healthcare quality, job satisfaction, and infection control. He is actively involved in developing healthcare policies and training programs. He continues to contribute to scientific knowledge through his roles as a journal reviewer and academic leader.
In Ammar’s view, a good academic paper is one that combines clear communication, rigorous research, and original contribution to its field. It should address a well-defined research question or problem and present a compelling argument or analysis based on evidence. The paper should be structured logically, starting with a strong introduction, followed by a thorough literature review that highlights the current state of knowledge and gaps. Methodological rigor is key, meaning that the research methods must be appropriate, transparent, and reproducible. Additionally, the findings should be presented clearly and interpreted in a way that ties back to the research question, offering critical insights. A good paper contributes something new to the field, whether it is through fresh data, an innovative approach, or a new theoretical perspective. Lastly, it must follow ethical standards, cite sources properly, and be written in a way that is accessible to the intended audience, avoiding unnecessary jargon while maintaining academic precision.
Ammar reckons that the most commonly encountered difficulties in academic writing include achieving clarity and precision, as expressing complex ideas in a straightforward manner can be challenging. Structuring the paper effectively, with a logical flow between sections such as the introduction, literature review, and results, often presents difficulties as well. Defining a focused research question is another common hurdle, as a broad topic can lack depth while a narrow one may seem less significant. He adds that researchers also struggle with managing citations and avoiding plagiarism, as well as maintaining objectivity and a neutral tone while presenting their findings. Writer’s block, adhering to specific academic conventions, and managing time effectively are additional challenges, especially when balancing academic writing with other responsibilities. These difficulties require practice, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of academic writing standards.
“What’s fascinating about academic writing is its ability to contribute to the ongoing conversation of knowledge and discovery. It allows researchers to explore complex ideas, analyze data, and present insights that can influence both theory and practice. Academic writing offers a structured way to solve problems, challenge existing beliefs, and propose new perspectives, all while grounded in evidence. The precision and rigor required ensure that every claim is supported, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, the collaborative nature of academic writing—building on past research and inviting future inquiries—creates a dynamic exchange of ideas that can have a real-world impact. Ultimately, academic writing is fascinating because it pushes the boundaries of what we know, while connecting researchers across disciplines and borders in the shared pursuit of knowledge,” says Ammar.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Joachim P. Sturmberg
Joachim P. Sturmberg is an A/Prof of General Practice at the University of Newcastle, Australia, a Research Fellow at the Central Coast Research Institute, and the Foundation President of the International Society for Systems and Complexity Sciences for Health. After more than 30 years, Prof. Sturmberg retired from active family practice but continues to provide care for nursing home patients. He remains actively involved in the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and co-leads the special interest groups in complexity in WONCA, NAPCRG and ESPCH. His research is based on systems and complexity thinking, with current collaborations focusing on psychoneuroimmunology of multimorbidity, the understanding of disease behaviour, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the improvement of health systems. He has been invited to speak on these topics in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America. His book Health System Redesign offers a concise overview and synthesis of his research work. Follow Prof. Sturmberg on LinkedIn and ResearchGate.
JHMHP: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?
Prof. Sturmberg: An engaging narrative style of writing that focuses on “what matters”. The readers should easily see the “storyline” – how are the philosophical/scientific assumptions informing the research approach, and how do the findings support/reject those assumptions. And finally, what have we all together learnt from writing/reading this paper, has it widened or even opened new contextual thinking, and what are the pragmatic implications for best practice clinical/research practice.
JHMHP: What authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?
Prof. Sturmberg: Always start with describing the context of your research. It’s often not required in scientific writing based on a “technical template” or a focus on statistically significant p-values, which in turn limits how to think more broadly about an issue – in particular, how do findings positively/negatively impact in ABSOLUTE terms. Technical details are best placed in appendices or boxes for those interested. Remember that a picture is worth 1,000 words, for showing assumptions and key findings, and a graphical abstract should be provided even if there is no requirement from the targeted journal – it greatly helps to clarify your “true” thinking/understanding.
JHMHP: Why do you choose to publish in JHMHP?
Prof. Sturmberg: I got invited to contribute to JHMHP based on my research into the systemic failings of nursing home care. Systemic failings are evident at all levels of healthcare, hence I focused on outlining the principles of a systemic approach to health system improvement. Systemic problems have no ‘statistically significant’ solutions, the same problem in a different context has a uniquely contextual solution arising from systemic thinking and its associated methodologies. That is what I would like to get across – and it seems to have succeeded with.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Minh Chuong Truong
Minh Chuong Truong works as Deputy Dean for School of Industrial Management, University of Technology, National University Ho Chi Minh City. He has established a master program in Hospital Management at the University and is the Coordinator of this program. He is also a member of Directorate Board for Vietnam Health Economics Association. His research focus is healthcare management as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. Besides lecturing and studying, he works as a managerial consultant for industries including healthcare in management system improvement, digitalization, strategic and performance management. He got a bachelor degree in chemical engineering at University of Technology Ho Chi Minh City, a master degree in system management at RMIT Australia, and a PhD degree at University of Technology Ho Chi Minh City.
JHMHP: What are the most commonly encountered difficulties in academic writing?
Dr. Truong: Academic writing is difficult from my point of view. We have to follow the standardized format of the writing structure, style and keep the limitation on the number of words for each element as required by journals. It is not easy to write within the word limit. It requires me to write in a very concise, logical and informative way. Hence, I have to focus on the writing of each sentence and try to use tables or figures to present more data and information instead of using words. The logical connections among parts of the writing also have to be paid attention to so that the writing is logical, understandable and meaningful. Academic writing requires time to set our mind for this as well as continuous thinking and writing. Hence, we need to set a separate period of time for writing. This is sometimes difficult because we have other tasks to perform. In addition, our subjectiveness in writing is what we can not avoid. Hence, we need other academicians to read this writing and give feedback to make it logical and understandable.
JHMHP: Academic writing often involves evidence synthesis. Can you share tips on selecting the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis?
Dr. Truong: Evidence is the basis for the academic writing. Without the evidence, we could not analyze and withdraw any results and/or conclusions. Hence, before starting any academic research, we have to think of the possibility to collect evidence. We have to contact with potential respondents to present our research objective, contents, the fringe benefits that they can get after completing the research to get their interest and involvement in the research. We have also to encourage the potential respondents to introduce some of their colleges to participate in the research. Sometimes, I have to organize some seminars, workshops on the research objectives to raise the potential respondents’ awareness of the research result benefits in their jobs and invite them to join the research team so that they can support on evidence collection as well as assessment of the evidence reliability.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Alaa Alshraa
Alaa Alshraa is an academic and healthcare consultant specializing in healthcare services management and institutional effectiveness, working with higher education and healthcare institutions across the MENA region. Starting as a healthcare professional, he transitioned into academia as a faculty member teaching in health services management programs and later served as a director of quality and academic accreditation. Holding a PhD and MSc in Health Services Management and a BSc in Nursing, Dr. Alshraa's research focuses on health service management, particularly healthcare professionals' training and development. Recent works include a review of Factors Affecting the Quality of Training and Development. Current projects include mixed-method research investigating healthcare professionals' perceptions of training and development in Jordanian public hospitals. He has received multiple honors, including recognition for being an outstanding author, contributing to the national strategy on health research, being a member of college councils, and participating in events and conferences. Connect with Dr. Alshraa on LinkedIn.
JHMHP: What are the key skill sets of an author?
Dr. Alshraa: Authors' key skill sets, especially in healthcare research, a rapidly evolving domain, include a combination of technical and interpersonal abilities. Primarily, analytical thinking is critical to researching complex problems, drawing insights, and presenting them logically. Further, strong writing skills are essential for articulating and effectively delivering ideas. Ultimately, research expertise and methodology awareness are fundamental from design to data analysis. Equally important are time management and discipline. Writing is a process that demands consistent effort and balances multiple responsibilities. Collaboration and networking are also vital when working with co-authors or publishers. Finally, I believe resilience is essential. Authors must accept guidance, value feedback, and navigate challenges as opportunities to refine work and grow professionally. Above all, a genuine passion for learning and a curiosity to explore new ideas drive the ability to create impactful work. In conclusion, writing is a continuous journey of discovery, growth, and contribution to the field.
JHMHP: How to avoid biases in one’s writing?
Dr. Alshraa: Speaking for myself, a strong personal motive to produce high-quality, credible work is crucial. This driver involves personal integrity and commitment to honesty as a basis for solid ethical conduct, even if it leads to less favorable results. Moreover, self-awareness and a willingness to confront our prior ideas and opinions are essential personal measures. Building on this foundation, other technical measures can further help mitigate biases. These include relying on credible evidence sources to represent multiple perspectives. Likewise, structuring research and arguments with transparency about methods, data, and limitations ensures that writing remains unbiased and free from influences. Maintaining a neutral tone and clear language also contributes to objectivity. Besides, inviting peer reviews and critiques from colleagues or experts can uncover unconscious biases and provide reassurance and support. Finally, bias is often unintentional, but awareness and active efforts to counter it are essential for producing credible, balanced, and impactful work.
JHMHP: Academic writing takes a lot of time and effort. What motivates you to do so?
Dr. Alshraa: For me, academic writing is more than just a content creation task. It is about contributing to knowledge and making an impact that aligns with my passion for health service management. I am driven by an internal desire to explore new ideas and existing knowledge while contributing to advancing my field. Another powerful driver is the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment from completing a research project and sharing its results with others. Knowing that my work can inform practice, improve systems, or inspire further research makes the effort worthwhile. Another source of motivation is the continuous learning that comes with writing. Every project deepens my understanding and challenges my perspectives. Academic writing also opens up valuable networking and connection opportunities that further enrich my professional journey. Finally, the process supports personal and professional growth, offering opportunities for advancement and recognition in the academic and healthcare communities.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)