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

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)