In 2024, many FOMM 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)
Sung-Kiang Chuang, University of Pennsylvania, USA
Carl Jay E. Jainar, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Philippines
Alain P. Makungu, Owendo Teaching Hospital, Gabon
Craig B. Pearl, University of the Texas, USA
Outstanding Author
Sung-Kiang Chuang
Sung-Kiang Chuang obtained his early high school education in Singapore. He graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a BA in Mathematics in 1986 and obtained an MS in Statistics and Operations Research from New York University in 1987. He attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he obtained his DMD in 1992. Simultaneously, he obtained his MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health in 1992. He also obtained his MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1995, completed his advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York in 1998, and obtained a MSc in Epidemiology and a DMSc in Oral Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Harvard School of Public Health in 2001 and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 2002, respectively. He completed his advanced training in Dental Public Health at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Harvard School of Public Health in 2002. He completed the fellowship in clinical investigation sponsored by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation and the Massachusetts General Hospital in 2004. Currently, Dr. Chuang holds an academic appointment as a Clinical Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He also holds an academic appointment as Visiting Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Kaohsiung Medical University, School of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and as Visiting Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the National University of Singapore, School of Dentistry, Singapore. Dr. Chuang is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is the current statistical editor of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He has published more than 225 peer-reviewed journal papers.
FOMM: What role does academic writing play in science?
Dr. Chuang: Academic writing should begin with an interesting research question. The research question might also be initiated or generated by dental students, residents of various dental specialties, fellows, colleagues, or other faculty members. The research question in mind should generate an interesting scientific hypothesis, conduct a systematic review of the available literature, be guided by sound principles of epidemiological designs and research methodology, and be followed by rigorous analytical statistical analyses.
Every research question generated has its strengths and limitations. A thorough understanding of the available literature acknowledges what has been done in the past and what the current research question would bring new discovery in science and to the literature.
The research question should be conducted in an unbiased and scientifically valid manner and randomized controlled trials have been the gold standard for scientific investigations. The written paper should represent the source population, generalizable inferences, and acknowledge its limitations. In addition, one should have collaborative efforts and enhanced research activities in academic writing with dental students, residents of various dental specialties, and fellows.
FOMM: How to avoid biases in one’s writing?
Dr. Chuang: To avoid biases in one’s writing, it is important to bridge the gap in clinical investigation questions and the critical appraisal of the literature of interest and to understand and integrate their strengths and limitations.
To maintain as an independent academician with an unbiased writing style, one should always have an open mind, willing to share or exchange thinking and writing process with colleagues, and peers. Collaborations with others such as with students and faculty in the research areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery can maximize academic writing style in an unbiased fashion.
FOMM: Would you like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers who have been devoting themselves to advancing scientific progress?
Dr. Chuang: The abilities to integrate academic writing and clinical interests are paramount. I have endeavored in education and teaching while also conducting clinical research in my area of clinical expertise. Prolific academic writers are also excellent teachers, mentors, and leaders. One should encourage the next generation of investigators to pursue an agenda for OMS outcomes and clinical research. Mentorship is paramount for pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research. Collaboration with peers on large-scale research projects and coordinating projects with other institutions nationwide as well as internationally are essential, too.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Carl Jay E. Jainar
Dr. Carl Jainar earned his Doctor of Medicine degree, graduating magna cum laude, from the University of Santo Tomas–Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in Manila, Philippines, in 2020. He completed his postgraduate internship at St. Elizabeth Hospital Inc. in General Santos City in 2021 and ranked 5th in the September 2021 Philippine Physician Licensure Examination. Currently, he is a PGY-5 and serves as the chief resident of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital. As a member of the North Cotabato Medical Society of the Philippine Medical Society, Dr. Jainar is committed to returning to his home region in Mindanao to establish accessible and comprehensive radiation oncology care for underserved communities.
FOMM: What role does academic writing play in science?
Dr. Jainar: My mentors, both in undergraduate and residency, share a common belief—that unpublished ideas hold little value in science and that all scientific knowledge must be grounded in evidence. Academic writing is fundamental, as it serves as the primary medium for researchers to share their findings and contribute to the body of evidence in their fields. A well-structured, peer-reviewed process ensures the validity of scientific work. Through publication, this information becomes accessible to a global audience, driving dialogue, collaboration, and future research.
FOMM: How to ensure one’s writing is critical?
Dr. Jainar: It is important to approach scientific writing with a critical mindset. Begin by identifying gaps in existing knowledge, questioning assumptions, and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. Use reliable, peer-reviewed sources to support arguments, and ensure proper citation of studies throughout the manuscript. Maintain objectivity and focus only on conclusions that can be drawn from the available data; avoid overgeneralizing or overestimating effects. Additionally, recognize potential biases in research and address them by applying rigorous methods and transparently reporting all limitations.
FOMM: Why is it important for a research to apply for institutional review board (IRB) approval?
Dr. Jainar: IRB approval is a crucial requirement for research involving human participants. It ensures adherence to ethical standards and protects the participants’ rights, welfare, and safety. Key principles such as informed consent, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice are upheld through this process. Omitting IRB approval can lead to serious consequences: (1) ethically, it risks harm to the participants and violations of their rights; (2) legally, it may result in lawsuits or disciplinary actions; and (3) scientifically, it compromises the integrity and validity of the research.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Alain P. Makungu
Alain Patrick Makungu, DDS, is a Professor at the Department of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery in Owendo Teaching Hospital, Gabon. His research areasinclude traumatology, tumors, infectiology and mandibular reconstruction. Recently, he is working to encourage young people to pursue a career as a maxillo-facial surgeon, a field of medicine that is not yet well-known in Africa; and also to facilitate further education in the fields of traumatology, tumor pathology and reconstructive surgery.
Speaking of the skills that an author should possess, Dr. Makungu stresses that it is imperative for them to be able to define a research project in a manner that is comprehensible to a non-specialist audience. The ability to communicate knowledge and experience through written work is also essential. Furthermore, the capacity to respond to research questions in a satisfactory manner is vital.
To avoid biases in one’s writing, Dr. Makungu indicates that it is imperative to employ the third-person point of view in all written work. When making comparisons, it is essential to use words that do not reflect personal feelings. Writing about a group of people requires specificity. The name of the person being spoken about should be given first, followed by the descriptive adjective. To him, it is crucial to be gender-neutral. An inclusive personal pronoun should be used, and never assume oneself know a person's gender.
“The motivation to disseminate knowledge within my area of expertise is a primary concern.
Another key objective to write is to raise awareness and promote recognition of African expertise,” says Dr. Makungu.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Craig B. Pearl
Craig B. Pearl’s research efforts include his master’s degree in the field of Oral & Maxillofacial at the University of the Witwatersrand. He has successfully completed a Retrospective Analysis of Airway Management in patients with Maxillofacial Trauma. He has developed a key interest in all aspects of Temporomandibular Joint Disease as well Orofacial Pain. He has commenced his second master’s through the University of Southern California in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine and currently is two credits away from completing the Masters. Dr. Pearl is currently involved in several research projects through the University of the Texas, where he is an Associate Professor covering not only TMJ but also trauma, orthognathic surgery as well as reconstruction. He is acutely interested in TMJ and Pain management as these two areas are often poorly understood, and most patients are referred to several different specialists with very poor outcomes.
Dr. Pearl thinks a good paper involves choosing topics that one is passionate about and interested in, which makes the research or paper more of a calling, than a chore. Having a specific question or outcome in mind ensures that one plans his/her research or article accordingly, so a good academic paper must be relevant and appropriate for the chosen journal. He adds, “Once you have that, you will have a clear plan, easily definable results and ensure that your description of these results fully convey what you have found through your work up.”
When preparing a paper, Dr. Pearl believes authors need to fully understand the specific topic they are writing on, and keep track of all the research and articles they are viewing, which will help them later on. “Being well organized is essential. Don’t rush the process and even when you are sure that you have kept your paper as original as possible, double and triple check everything,” adds he.
“I choose to publish in FOMM because they are very professional and respectful to work with. They do not pressurize you for completion and are always supportive. They are very highly regarded and indexed with a sizeable readership. Their evaluation of any article is meticulous and thorough, that once you see the published result, you can be sure that it is the best version of itself,” says Dr. Pearl.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)