In 2026, many APM 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 (2026)
Raquel Ciervide, Hospital Universitario HM Sanchinarro, Spain
Hannah Nettelblad, University of Kansas Medical Center, USA
Rodrigo Díez-Tafur, The Latin American Pain Society, USA
Outstanding Author
Raquel Ciervide
Dr. Raquel Ciervide earned her Medical Degree from the University of Navarra in 2005 and completed her PhD in Medicine at the same institution in 2010. She specialized in Radiation Oncology at Clínica Universidad de Navarra, finishing her residency in 2010. From 2010 to 2011, she pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the New York University Cancer Center in New York City, USA, where she further developed her expertise in advanced radiotherapy techniques. Since 2011, she has been working as a Radiation Oncologist at HM Sanchinarro within the HM Hospitales network in Madrid. She currently serves as Coordinator of the SRS-SBRT Working Group of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology. Her clinical and research interests focus particularly on the treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, and central nervous system tumors, with a special emphasis on stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy. She is actively involved in multidisciplinary care and the development of innovative radiation treatment strategies.
Dr. Ciervide asserts that a solid academic paper must be clear, well-structured, and grounded in robust scientific methodology. It must present a relevant research question, a rigorous methodology, and reliable results. The discussion should interpret the findings critically and place them in the context of existing literature. Clarity, accuracy, and transparency are essential. She believes scientific writing is an essential part of advancing knowledge and improving patient care. Persistence, collaboration, and curiosity are key. Every well-conducted study contributes to the collective progress of science.
From Dr. Ciervide’s perspective, authors should focus on scientific rigor, ethical standards, and clear communication. It is important to define the objective of the study, present methods and results transparently, and avoid unnecessary complexity. Careful revision, proper citation of previous work, and adherence to journal guidelines are also crucial.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Hannah Nettelblad
Dr. Hannah Nettelblad grew up and has spent most of her life in the Kansas City area. She attended medical school at the University of Kansas, where she is currently a third-year OBGYN resident with a plan to pursue a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology. Research has played a crucial role in her education, encompassing a variety of topics. These include fundamental studies in aquatic toxicology, clinical research focused on postpartum hemorrhage, quality improvement initiatives in office gynecology, and the effects of social determinants of health on access to palliative care. She is fortunate to have wonderful mentors at her institution who supported her clinically and in her research efforts. The manuscript that was submitted to the Annals of Palliative Medicine was her first peer-reviewed publication.
Dr. Nettelblad believes that academic writing and research are essential for identifying gaps in knowledge and opportunities for scientific advancement. Medicine is a constantly evolving field, and by reporting new findings and building on existing knowledge, clinicians can enhance their practice of evidence-based care. Academic writing also facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and the dissemination of new ideas, which encourages further research efforts. Just as medical practice requires resilience and perseverance, effective authors must conduct research and communicate their findings clearly and concisely. Additionally, authors should be open to incorporating feedback and considering different perspectives from their peers. Research has been a highly rewarding aspect of her medical training, and she is motivated to continue working on studies and integrating new findings into her future practice.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Rodrigo Díez-Tafur
Dr. Rodrigo Díez-Tafur completed his PM&R training at Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa (Madrid, Spain). He also holds a Master’s degree in Pain Study and Treatment from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Madrid, Spain) and subsequently completed advanced fellowship training at the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit at McGill University (Montreal, Canada). He holds the European Board Certification in PRM, as well as FIPP and CIPS certifications from the World Institute of Pain, where he serves as Secretary for the Latin American Section. Currently based in Lima, Peru, he serves as Vice President of the Latin American Pain Society and holds multiple leadership roles, including Medical Director of MDRS: Sports, Spine and Pain and the Lima Pain Institute, Research Director at the Peruvian Anatomical Research Center, and Chair of the Pain Management Unit at Clínica Angloamericana. He is the 2026 International Scholar Award recipient of the New York & New Jersey Pain Society. His academic work includes peer-reviewed publications and book chapters focused on interventional pain management, ultrasound-guided procedures, and neuromodulation, with current efforts centered on minimally invasive techniques. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.
According to Dr. Díez-Tafur, academic writing is essential because it allows knowledge to be structured, critically evaluated, and shared in a way that is transparent and reproducible. It transforms clinical experience and research findings into collective knowledge. It directly impacts patient care, guiding evidence-based decisions and shaping clinical practice. Without academic writing, advances would remain anecdotal, fragmented, and difficult to translate into broader benefit.
Dr. Díez-Tafur believes that data sharing is increasingly important as it promotes transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration. Making data available allows other researchers to validate findings, perform secondary analyses, and generate new hypotheses, which accelerates scientific progress. It also helps reduce duplication of effort and enhances trust in published research. When done responsibly, it strengthens the integrity and impact of scientific work.
“Scientific writing can be demanding and, at times, frustrating, but it remains one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the advancement of medicine. Every well-conducted study, every thoughtful review, and even every critical appraisal adds to a larger body of knowledge that ultimately benefits patients. Persistence, intellectual honesty, and curiosity are far more important than perfection. Progress in science is incremental, and each contribution, no matter how small it may seem, has value,” says Dr. Díez-Tafur.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)